Living Stones and Holy People

The Apostle Peter writes to friends scattered far away. He tells them that Jesus is God's chosen and precious cornerstone; everyone who comes to Him is like a living stone, being built together into a spiritual house to offer spiritual sacrifices pleasing to God. They are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and God's own people. Once they were not a people, but now they have received mercy and have been called out of darkness into wonderful light. Peter also urges them, as travelers and guests in this world, to stay away from harmful desires and to live honorably among others, so that people may see their good deeds and give glory to God.