A "Peculiar People"- 1 Peter 1-5

"But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light (1 Peter 2:9)

What Is the Meaning of the Phrase ‘a Peculiar People’? and What Is a Royal Priesthood? 

Chosen Generation- We are living in very troubled times and we know that the Lord is hastening His work. We also know that we are blessed and a chosen generation of “peculiar people” who "are experiencing the profound and wonderful blessings of the dispensation of the fulness of times. In this day and time there have been restored to the earth all of the principles, powers, blessings, and keys of all previous dispensations.” (Gordon B. Hinckley, “A Chosen Generation”, General Conference, 1992) 

If you haven’t heard or read this talk by President Hinckley, please follow this link, (“A Chosen Generation”). I was truly touch by his words about us, the “chosen generation.”

Royal Priesthood- The Royal priesthood is the Priesthood of God on Earth. From the institute manual, we read, “Whenever the Lord has a people on earth he offers to make them a nation of kings and priests—not a congregation of lay members with a priest or a minister at the head—but a whole Church in which every man is his own minister, in which every man stands as a king in his own right, reigning over his own family-kingdom. The priesthood which makes a man a king and a priest is thus a royal priesthood.” (McConkie, DNTC, 3:294.) ("The Life & Teachings of Jesus & His Apostles"p 417)

Holy Nation- To me, Holy Nation would encompass the people of Christ, no matter where might be.

Peculiar People- When Peter uses the term “a peculiar people,” he is speaking of the chosen people; those who have embraced the gospel; the new Israel; the saints. 

It’s interesting if we look at the definition of the word, peculiar, according to the King James translation-The word peculiar comes from the Latin word peculium- meaning “private property,” and the Hebrew word, segullah- meaning "special possession or property.” ("The Life & Teachings of Jesus & His Apostles"p 416) So, by these definitions, Peter’s use of “a peculiar people" was referring to the saints or those who are the "special possession" or "property” of God. Though, by today’s standards, some may view us to be “odd” or “peculiar” by modern definition because of our values, I’m okay with that. 

What price was paid to help us become God’s “peculiar people?” Our Savior, Jesus Christ made the ultimate sacrifice for us, so that we might be able to repent and return to live with our Father in His heavenly kingdom for all eternity. This, we can never fully repay, however, we must try each and every day, in all that we do. (D&C 18:10–11)

How can we remain God’s peculiar people?

• By keeping our minds and bodies clean, so that we will receive the grace of the Lord (1 Peter 1:13)
• By loving and treating others with kindness, so that we might become closer to our Savior (1 Peter 1:15-16) 
• By having faith in God and humbly repenting, so that we might be “born again” and receive everlasting life (1 Peter 1:23)
• By embracing the gospel of Jesus Christ and staying true to our beliefs, so that we will have the Holy Spirit with us to guide us always, as one of the chosen generation (1 Peter 2:2-4)
• By serving others though the priesthood, being charitable, and by magnifying our callings, so that we might always be there for those in need (1 Peter 2:5)
• By living humbly and with a contrite heart, so that we will be ready for that day when we are called home (1 Peter 5:6)

The First Presidency and the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles declared: “By divine design, fathers are to preside over their families in love and righteousness and are responsible to provide the necessities of life and protection for their families. Mothers are primarily responsible for the nurture of their children. In these sacred responsibilities, fathers and mothers are obligated to help one another as equal partners” (“The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” Ensign, Nov. 1995, 102). 

Below are three principles that relate to the statement above:

As husband and wife, if we our lives according to the gospel, we will be receive the gift of everlasting life together with our Father in His kingdom (1 Peter 3:7)

As husband and wife, if we are as one, show compassion for one another, and love one another we will be blessed (1 Peter 3:8-9)

As husband and wife, if we are righteous and true to each other and to our Savior, He will hear our prayers and provide for us (1 Peter 3:12)