4. To whom coming, as unto a living stone, rejected indeed of men, but chosen of God, and precious,
5. You also, as living stones, are built up into a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.
6. Therefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Zion a chief cornerstone, elect, precious: and he that believes on him shall not be confounded.
7. Unto you therefore who believe he is precious: but unto them who are disobedient, the stone which the builders rejected, the same is made the head of the corner,
8. And, A stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense, even to them who stumble at the word, being disobedient: to which also they were appointed.
9. But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own; that you should show forth the praises of him who has called you out of darkness into his marvelous light:
10. Who in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: who had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.
11. Dearly beloved, I beseech you as aliens and exiles, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;