1 Peter 2:6-10

For this is contained in Scripture: “BEHOLD, I AM LAYING IN ZION A CHOSEN STONE, A PRECIOUS (honored) CORNERSTONE, AND HE WHO BELIEVES IN HIM [whoever adheres to, trusts in, and relies on Him] WILL NEVER BE DISAPPOINTED [in his expectations].” [Is 28:16] This precious value, then, is for you who believe [in Him as God’s only Son—the Source of salvation]; but for those who disbelieve, “THE [very] STONE WHICH THE BUILDERS REJECTED HAS BECOME THE CHIEF CORNERSTONE,” [Ps 118:22] and, “A STONE OF STUMBLING AND A ROCK OF OFFENSE”; for they stumble because they disobey the word [of God], and to this they [who reject Him as Savior] were also appointed. [Is 8:14] But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A CONSECRATED NATION, A [special] PEOPLE FOR God’s OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies [the wonderful deeds and virtues and perfections] of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. [Ex 19:5, 6] Once you were NOT A PEOPLE [at all], but now you are GOD’S PEOPLE; once you had NOT RECEIVED MERCY, but now you have RECEIVED MERCY. [Hos 2:23]