1 Peter 2:1-9

1Therefore, 1putting aside all 2malice and all deceit and 3hypocrisy and 4envy and all 56slander, 27like newborn babies, long for the 89pure 10milk of the word, so that by it you may 11grow 12in respect to salvation, 3if you have 13tasted 1415the kindness of the Lord.

4And coming to Him as to a living stone which has been 16rejected by men, but is 17choice and precious in the sight of God, 518you also, as living stones, 19are being built up as a 20spiritual house for a holy 21priesthood, to 22offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6For this is contained in 23Scripture: “24Behold, I lay in Zion a choice stone, a 25precious corner stone, And he who believes in 26Him will not be 27disappointed.” 728This precious value, then, is for you who believe; but for those who disbelieve, “29The stone which the builders 30rejected, This became the very corner stone,” 8and, “31A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense”; 32for they stumble because they are disobedient to the word, 33and to this doom they were also appointed.

9But you are 34a chosen race, a royal 35priesthood, a 36holy nation, 37a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you 38out of darkness into His marvelous light;