QT 9 Sep 16, 1 Pet 2:9-10, It is not too late for the remnant to fulfill their purpose (only now it is with the church)

1 Peter 2:9–10 (ESV) — 9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

NOTE: There is a good argument, given the author and the intended audience that these verses apply to Jewish believers. Now the concept of the priesthood of all believers is taught elsewhere (Rev 1:6), but these verses might better fit Jews, who are now the remnant. They are part of the church, but the argument may be intended distinctly for this group of believers. In fact, the whole passage seems to be directed at Jews, including the stone upon which they stumble, namely Jesus. It could be that Peter is reminding Jews of their special privilege, both in the past and now in the future. Gentiles are sharing in that privilege, but it was originally intended for Jews to carry it out. But God's calling stands firm, and it is not too late for the remnant to fulfill God's purpose for their life. In this way, Peter is encouraging the Jewish believers not to lose heart or to give up, but to press on. They have been called out of darkness and they have received mercy. If only for those reasons alone, they should serve their savior.