A Holy People Gathered

God calls a people to be His own, and therefore He commands them to live unlike the nations. In Moses, Israel is taught not to imitate the customs of mourning and uncleanness, but to remember that they are holy to the Lord. In Jeremiah, the same Lord promises restoration after judgment, not so that the people may return to their old sins, but that they may again live under His yoke. As it is written, “Obey my voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be my people;” (Tertullian, Against Marcion). The covenant promise and the covenant duty stand together.

This same pattern appears in Acts. God gathers the Gentiles, not by abolishing holiness, but by cleansing a people for His name from every nation. Peter does not defend lawlessness; he testifies that God Himself gave the Spirit and made no distinction where He had granted repentance unto life. Therefore the church must not call common those whom God has cleansed. Yet those who are received must turn to the Lord. “And the hand of the Lord, it says, was with them, that is, they wrought miracles; and a great number believed, and turned unto the Lord. Acts 11:21” (John Chrysostom, Homilies on Acts).

So let no one boast in election while keeping pagan habits, an unclean tongue, or a closed hand. The chosen people are known by obedience, repentance, mercy, and peace. If God restores the scattered and welcomes the outsider, then we must also put away pride, receive the brethren, give generously, and walk in a manner fit for those whom God calls holy.