⁶ and has made us to be a kingdom and priests^(A) to serve his God and Father^(B)—to him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen.^(C)

⁶ Blessed^(A) and holy are those who share in the first resurrection. The second death^(B) has no power over them, but they will be priests^(C) of God and of Christ and will reign with him^(D) for a thousand years.

⁵ you also, like living stones, are being built^(A) into a spiritual house^[a](B) to be a holy priesthood,^(C) offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.^{(D) 6} For in Scripture it says:

⁷ Now to you who believe, this stone is precious. But to those who do not believe,^(G)

⁸ and,

They stumble because they disobey the message—which is also what they were destined for.^(K)

⁹ But you are a chosen people,^(L) a royal priesthood,^(M) a holy nation,^(N) God’s special possession,^(O) that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.^(P)

⁶ you^[a] will be for me a kingdom of priests^(A) and a holy nation.’^(B) These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites.”

A Living Sacrifice

12 Therefore, I urge you,^(C) brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice,^(D) holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.

¹¹ If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God.^(A) If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides,^(B) so that in all things God may be praised^(C) through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.^(D)