Feeling Special

by Terry Wane Benton

Why wouldn't I, if I am thinking right? I am "elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father" (I Peter 1:2). God's elect are "his own special people" (I Peter 2:9). Everyone is not chosen. Many are called, but few are chosen (Matthew 20:16).

If you are among the elect, you have been "sanctified by the Spirit," which means you were set apart from the rest of the world by the Holy Spirit. The Spirit does this through the "truth" He revealed (John 17:17). The gospel is the means by which the Spirit sets us apart from the others (Romans 1:16; I Peter 1:12,22). The obedient believers have been "sprinkled" with the blood of Christ (I Peter 1:2). This is the means of clearing our conscience of the guilt of a sinful past, washing us clean.

Cleansed, sanctified, and obedient people are to God the most special people. He lavishes the elect with "every spiritual blessing in Christ" (Ephesians 1:3ff). He adopts us into His family and has a very special "inheritance" reserved for us in heaven (I Peter 1:3-4). Jesus "loved me and gave Himself for me" (Galatians 2:20f).

Why would Christians not feel very special if they are thinking right? Are you thinking right?