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The distinction between being “called” and being “chosen” is a significant topic in Christian theology, particularly as it relates to understanding God’s invitation to salvation and the conditions for fulfilling that invitation. Matthew 22:14 provides a crucial insight into this distinction, and exploring this verse in its broader context reveals deeper theological implications.
“For many are called, but few are chosen.”
— Matthew 22:14 (NKJV)
To fully grasp the meaning of this verse and its implications, it’s essential to explore the context in which it is stated, the theological significance of being “called” versus “chosen,” and the application of these concepts in the Christian life.
1. Context of Matthew 22:14
a. The Parable of the Wedding Feast
Matthew 22:14 is part of the Parable of the Wedding Feast, which Jesus uses to illustrate the kingdom of heaven and the response to God’s invitation.
“And Jesus answered and spoke to them again by parables and said: ‘The kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who arranged a marriage for his son, and sent out his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding; and they were not willing to come.’”
— Matthew 22:1-3 (NKJV)
In this parable, a king prepares a wedding feast for his son and invites guests to join the celebration. However, those invited initially refuse to come. The king then extends the invitation to everyone, both good and bad, symbolizing the universal call to God’s kingdom.
b. The King’s Response
The response of the king in the parable highlights the seriousness of the invitation and the consequences of rejecting it.
“But when the king came in to see the guests, he saw a man there who did not have on a wedding garment. So he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you come in here without a wedding garment?’ And he was speechless.”
— Matthew 22:11-12 (NKJV)
This part of the parable emphasizes that being called is not sufficient on its own; proper preparation and adherence to the expected standards are necessary to be accepted.
2. Theological Significance of Being Called
a. The Universal Call
The term “called” refers to the broad invitation extended by God to all people to enter into a relationship with Him. This call is inclusive and reaches out to everyone.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”
— John 3:16 (NKJV)
This verse demonstrates that God’s call to salvation is universal, extending to all who will believe.
b. The Nature of the Call
The call of God is often characterized by an invitation to embrace salvation and live according to His will. It is a general invitation to all individuals, regardless of their background or status.
“And the Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ And let him who hears say, ‘Come!’ And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.”
— Revelation 22:17 (NKJV)
This passage reinforces the idea that the invitation to receive eternal life is open to anyone who desires it.
3. Theological Significance of Being Chosen
a. The Specific Selection
Being “chosen” refers to those who respond positively to the call and meet the conditions set by God. It implies a more selective process, where individuals are not only invited but also fulfill certain requirements.
“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.”
— 1 Peter 2:9 (NKJV)
This verse highlights that those that accept Christ are set apart for a specific purpose and role within God’s plan.
b. The Role of Faith and Obedience
The concept of being chosen involves responding in faith and obedience to God’s call. It is not merely about receiving an invitation but about living according to God’s standards and requirements.
“According as He hath chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love.”
— Ephesians 1:4 (NKJV)
This passage emphasizes that being chosen involves a call to holiness and living a life that reflects God’s love and standards.
4. Implications for the Christian Life
a. Response to the Call
The call to follow Christ is universal and open to all, but the response to this call determines whether one is counted among the chosen. The parable illustrates that responding to the call with proper preparation and adherence to God’s standards is essential.
“Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble.”
— 2 Peter 1:10 (NKJV)
This verse encourages believers to ensure their response to God’s call is genuine and consistent with the standards He has set.
b. Living as the Chosen
Those who are chosen are expected to live in a manner worthy of their calling, reflecting the values and principles of God’s kingdom.
“I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called.”
— Ephesians 4:1 (NKJV)
This passage underscores the importance of living a life that reflects the seriousness and commitment of being chosen by God.
5. Biblical Examples of the Called and the Chosen
a. Old Testament Examples
In the Old Testament, God’s call and selection are seen in figures like Abraham and Moses. They were called by God and chosen for specific roles and purposes within His plan.
“And the Lord said to Abram: ‘Get out of your country, From your family And from your father’s house, To a land that I will show you.’”
— Genesis 12:1 (NKJV)
Abraham’s call involved leaving his homeland to follow God’s direction, illustrating both the universal call and the specific choice of God for his role.
b. New Testament Examples
In the New Testament, Jesus calls His disciples to follow Him, and they respond to this call by leaving their previous lives behind. Their choice to follow Jesus demonstrates the transition from being called to being chosen.
“And He said to them, ‘Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.’”
— Matthew 4:19 (NKJV)
This calling involves not just an invitation but a transformative process where the disciples become integral to Jesus’ mission.
6. Are Humans Predestined?
The Scriptures doesn’t teach that God has predestined certain men to be saved and certain others to be lost, regardless of their own freedom of choice in this matter. Some use the words of Paul as a basis for their belief in predestination: “For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren” (Romans 8:29).
According to the Bible, God foresaw, and thus foreknew, each generation of men that would come upon the stage of this world’s action, He coupled immediately with His foreknowledge the decision to predestine them all to be saved. For God “will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4). He is “not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). He declared, “As I live, saith the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live” (Ezekiel 33:11). “Whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely” (Revelation 22:17).
Divine foreknowledge and divine predestination in no way exclude human liberty. No Bible writer, suggests that God does predestine certain men to be saved and certain others to be lost, regardless of their own choice in the matter. Having foreknowledge of what choices people would make is far different from predetermining it. God does predestine each person that has ever been born, to go to Heaven. But, He also gives men the FREE WILL to choose to be saved or lost. God, being all-knowing, knows what we will choose. He does not get in the way of our decisions and predestines our lives.
In the parable of the wedding feast, Jesus said although many were called to come to the feast, few were actually willing to accept the king’s gracious invitation and enter into the festive chamber. Similarly, in the Sermon on the Mount Jesus clearly stated that, comparatively speaking, only a “few” find the way to salvation, whereas many enter into the broad” way that leads to destruction (Matthew 7:13, 14 and Luke 13:23, 24 ).
Conclusion
The distinction between being called and being chosen is a central theme in understanding the Christian concept of salvation and divine purpose. Matthew 22:14 underscores that while God’s invitation to His kingdom is open to everyone, the path to being chosen involves responding to that call with the right preparation and adherence to God’s standards. The call is universal, reflecting God’s love, while being chosen signifies a response that aligns with divine expectations. Understanding this distinction helps believers appreciate the seriousness of God’s invitation and the importance of living a life that reflects the values of His kingdom.
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In His service,
BibleAsk Team