Our opening verse isn't a promise, but a statement of fact and instruction. Reading it in the Amplified version is even more inspiring: "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a dedicated nation, [God's] own purchased, special people, that you may set forth the wonderful deeds and display the virtues and perfections of Him Who called you out of darkness into His marvellous light." This is the purpose for which God has called you: you're called to display the virtues and perfections of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvellous light! Humility is a virtue; boldness is a virtue; faith and hope are virtues. These are examples of the virtues God has called you to manifest, not in the sweet by and by, but here on earth. Galatians 5:22-23 says, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law." These are more virtues that God desires you to display to your world. As new creations in Christ Jesus, we're peculiar; we're the first fruits; that means, the first and the best of God's creatures: "Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures" (James 1:18). You're the crowning glory, and the highest of everything God made. God created you so He would manifest His beauty, holiness, grace, glory, excellence, and righteousness through you. He's counting on you to bring the unconverted to the knowledge of His saving power. He wants you to bring them to the light of His Word through the way you live, the things you do, and the words you speak. As you daily display His virtues and perfections, their hearts will turn towards Him to receive salvation.