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.
11 Dear friends, you are like visitors and strangers in this world. So I beg you to stay away from the evil things your bodies want to do. These things fight against your soul.
12 People who do not believe are living all around you. They might say that you are doing wrong. So live good lives. Then they will see the good things you do, and they will give glory to God on the day when Christ comes again.