[316]This same class is called the elect of God, according to his
foreknowledge.--1 Peter 1:2.
[317]Again the Apostle likens the whole of the Christ to a living stone,
saying: "Ye also, as living stones, are built up a spiritual house, an
holy priesthood, to offer up sacrifices acceptable to God by Jesus
Christ.... Behold, I lay in Zion a chief corner stone, elect, precious:
and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. Unto you therefore
which believe he is precious." (1 Peter 2:5-7) In earthly buildings
there is no chief cornerstone; but in this building of God there is a
chief cornerstone which is Christ Jesus. The topstone or chief
cornerstone of a pyramid is itself a perfect pyramid. The other members
of the body, then, must be built up into Christ to conform to that chief
cornerstone, which is illustrated by the Great Pyramid in Egypt.--See
Isaiah 19:19.
[318]Again this anointed class, Jesus the head and the church his body,
is spoken of as a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people.
This was foreshadowed by the nation of Israel, particularly by the
priesthood in connection with the house of Israel. The apostle Peter
speaking of this class says: "Ye are a chosen generation, a royal
priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth
the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his
marvellous light: which in time past were not a people, but are now the
people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained
mercy.
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