The Lord Jesus gave Himself for us that we would be a peculiar people—His own special, chosen people (Titus 2:14). Those who have been bought by the blood of Christ are precious in God’s sight—His own special possession. “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light” (1 Pet. 2:9).
Yet, God does not play favorites (Acts 10:34; Rom. 2:11; Eph. 6:9; 1 Pet. 1:17). While Titus 2:14 says Christians are a special, chosen people, Titus 2:11 says that the grace of God has appeared to all men. Jesus died for all, so that all would have an opportunity to be part of the chosen through Him (Jn. 3:16; 1 Tim. 2:4; Heb. 2:9; 2 Pet. 3:9). However, many do not avail themselves of this opportunity (Mt. 7:13, 14). It is only to those who obey Him that Jesus gives the gift of eternal life (Heb. 5:9).
Jesus gave the commission to spread the gospel to the entire world (Mt. 28:18-20; Mk. 16:15-16; Lk. 24:47). The gospel is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes (Rom. 1:16; 1 Cor. 1:18). When people respond positively to the gospel, the culminating act that makes them God’s possession is baptism. One is baptized in or into the Lord’s name (Mt. 28:19; Acts 8:16; 19:5). Even today, if one transfers property, it is put in or into the name of the person who is taking possession of it. Paul reiterated this point when he wrote that calling ourselves by the names of men is not proper for we were baptized into Christ and thus belong to Him (1 Cor. 1:13, 15).
The church belongs to Christ; He purchased it with His own blood (Acts 20:28). God adds the saved to His church (Acts 2:40, 47). As individuals, we each have been purchased by His blood (1 Cor. 6:20; 7:23). We are servants who have been transferred into the possession of a new master; thus, we no longer serve sin but righteousness (Rom. 6:16-18).
As God’s own special people, we are to proclaim His praises (1 Pet. 2:9, 10) and zealously do good works in service of others (Titus 2:14). Christians are royal priests who offer up the sacrifice of praise to God, the fruit of their lips, through Christ our high priest (1 Pet. 2:9; Heb. 13:15). Christians are a holy nation, purified for good works (1 Pet. 2:9; Titus 2:14). We are to walk in good works as God has ordained (Eph. 2:10). Christians are to do good to all people, especially each other (Gal. 6:10). If you are a Christian, you belong to God by virtue of the fact that He purchased your redemption at the cross and you were put into His name when you were baptized. Therefore, you should praise and honor him the rest of your life. Is your life filled with worship and work that shows you belong to Him?
-Mark Day
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