1 Peter 2:4-12 - A Living Stone, A Chosen People

⁴ to whom coming as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen of God, ⁵ and precious, ye also are built up as living stones, a spiritual house, an holy priesthood to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. ⁶ Whence also it is said in scripture, Behold I lay in Sion a chief corner-stone, choice and precious: and he that confideth on it shall not be ashamed.

⁷ To you therefore who believe it is precious: but to them that are disobedient, the stone which the builders rejected is become the head of the corner,

⁸ and a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence. These stumble at the word through unbelief, unto which also they were appointed.

⁹ But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should declare the glories of Him, who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: ¹⁰ who heretofore were not a people, but are now the people of God: who had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.

¹¹ Dearly beloved, I exhort you as strangers and sojourners here, to abstain from carnal lusts, which war against the soul: ¹² having a good conversation among the Gentiles; that whereas they speak against you as evil-doers, they may glorify God in the day of their visitation, on account of the good works which they behold in you.