4 The Lord Jesus is the “stone” that lives. The people of the world did not want this stone. But he was the stone God chose. To God he was worth much. So come to him.
5 You also are like living stones. Let yourselves be used to build a spiritual temple—to be holy priests who offer spiritual sacrifices to God. He will accept those sacrifices through Jesus Christ.
6 The Scripture says:“I will put a stone in the ground in Jerusalem.Everything will be built on this important and precious rock.Anyone who trusts in himwill never be disappointed.” Isaiah 28:16
7 This stone is worth much to you who believe. But to the people who do not believe, he is“the stone that the builders did not want.It has become the cornerstone.” Psalm 118:22
8 To people who do not believe, he is“a stone that causes people to stumble.It is a rock that makes them fall.” Isaiah 8:14They stumble because they do not obey what God says. This is what God planned to happen to them.
9 But you are chosen people. You are the King’s priests. You are a holy nation. You are a nation that belongs to God alone. God chose you to tell about the wonderful things he has done. He called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.
10 At one time you were not God’s people. But now you are his people. In the past you had never received mercy. But now you have received God’s mercy.