For many are called, but few are chosen!

HenSoma-OneBody

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“While He (Jesus) was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, many people saw the signs He was doing and believed in His name. But Jesus did not entrust Himself to them, for He knew them all. He did not need any testimony about man, for He knew what was in a man.” John 2:23-25 Jesus said, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to Me will never hunger, and whoever believes in Me will never thirst. But as I stated, you have seen Me and still you do not believe.” John 6:35-36

However, just after these things, many who believed claimed that this teaching was too hard and they stopped following Him. Jesus explained, “This is why I told you that no one can come to Me unless the Father has granted it to him. From that time on many of His disciples turned back and no longer walked with Him.” John 6:65-66 It is true that many who believe in Jesus’ name will end up walking away and no longer follow Christ once their faith is tested or they are pressed to separate themselves from the things of this world (see the Parable of the Sower: Matthew 13:1-13 & 13:18-23).

What do you believe Jesus was telling us when He said, “For many are called, but few are chosen?” Matthew 22:14
 

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What do you believe Jesus was telling us when He said, “For many are called, but few are chosen?” Matthew 22:14

The "call" of God to mankind goes out to the whole world, yet only some choose to believe(*not reject the call) and be "chosen".

For example and example only....

If I were to put together a ball team with a large group of people, I would call out to them and say, 'hey, I am putting together a ball team, wanna join?' If only a few of them come forward then I can only choose them to be on the team.

I "called" many, but only "chose" a few.
 
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HenSoma-OneBody

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The "call" of God to mankind goes out to the whole world, yet only some choose to believe(*not reject the call) and be "chosen".

For example and example only....

If I were to put together a ball team with a large group of people, I would call out to them and say, 'hey, I am putting together a ball team, wanna join?' If only a few of them come forward then I can only choose them to be on the team.

I "called" many, but only "chose" a few.
So you would say that the chosen were only the one's that found it within themselves to answer the call? Meaning in terms of what Jesus said, the called were only the one's who had it in their hearts to make a full surrender and turn away from this world, and then actually act on this by following Christ daily? This is as opposed to those who just mouth the words, maybe become religious, and yet never truly surrender everything in this world to follow Christ.
 
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Nathan@work

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So you would say that the chosen were only the one's that found it within themselves to answer the call? Meaning in terms of what Jesus said, the called were only the one's who had it in their hearts to make a full surrender and turn away from this world, and then actually act on this by following Christ daily? This is as opposed to those who just mouth the words, maybe become religious, and yet never truly surrender everything in this world to follow Christ.

Not exactly - but kinda. :)

The "chosen" are the ones who do not reject God's forgiveness, but rather believe in Him, which also includes the gift of His righteousness(exemplified in the parable by the wedding garment).

However, this not something that everyone has "within themselves". The faith has to be first given to a person(by God) before they can 'believe'.

So, in that sense(the kinda part), once a person has been given faith "called", they can either use that gift and believe thereby being "chosen", or they can reject the gift and not be chosen.

In the parable, where your question originates from, the man who was cast out had some "belief" about going to the wedding, he responded to the call, but he rejected the wedding garment before entering and therefore was not allowed in.
 
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HenSoma-OneBody

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Not exactly - but kinda. :)

The "chosen" are the ones who do not reject God's forgiveness, but rather believe in Him, which also includes the gift of His righteousness(exemplified in the parable by the wedding garment).

However, this not something that everyone has "within themselves". The faith has to be first given to a person(by God) before they can 'believe'.

So, in that sense(the kinda part), once a person has been given faith "called", they can either use that gift and believe thereby being "chosen", or they can reject the gift and not be chosen.

In the parable, where your question originates from, the man who was cast out had some "belief" about going to the wedding, he responded to the call, but he rejected the wedding garment before entering and therefore was not allowed in.
I understand your point, thank you for sharing Nathan.
 
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HenSoma-OneBody

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Called has to do with being invited.

Chosen has to do with being changed into the image of Jesus who is the real chosen One.
So even though many will be invited to surrender their lives to live for Christ, only a few will actually choose to do so and they will be changed?
 
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com7fy8

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So even though many will be invited to surrender their lives to live for Christ, only a few will actually choose to do so and they will be changed?
yes < the simple answer :)

If you wish to read more about what I offer about this >

I understand that our Father brings a person to Jesus, so the person truly trusts in Christ > Ephesians 1:12.

But I see it is possible how there now can be a cultural version of being catholic, born-again, evangelical . . . but with church copy-catting which has people claiming they want Jesus, but then simply fitting in with some group.

But if God changes a person "from the power of Satan to God" (Acts 26:18) > now the person begins the process of being changed to be and to love like Jesus. And Hebrews 12:4-14 to me means our Father is guaranteed to do this deep character correction in every child of God.

And what is chosen, really, is how Jesus is, in a person.

So, being chosen is not just a label thing, and has nothing to do with which group we are in.

And with God's way of character change, we become capable of being submissive to our Father, so we can obey how all the chosen of God are "called" to live "in one body" >

"And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful." (Colossians 3:15)
 
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HenSoma-OneBody

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yes < the simple answer :)

If you wish to read more about what I offer about this >

I understand that our Father brings a person to Jesus, so the person truly trusts in Christ > Ephesians 1:12.

But I see it is possible how there now can be a cultural version of being catholic, born-again, evangelical . . . but with church copy-catting which has people claiming they want Jesus, but then simply fitting in with some group.

But if God changes a person "from the power of Satan to God" (Acts 26:18) > now the person begins the process of being changed to be and to love like Jesus. And Hebrews 12:4-14 to me means our Father is guaranteed to do this deep character correction in every child of God.

And what is chosen, really, is how Jesus is, in a person.

So, being chosen is not just a label thing, and has nothing to do with which group we are in.

And with character change, we become capable of being submissive to our Father, so we can obey how all the chosen of God are "called" to live >

"And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful." (Colossians 3:15)
This brings to mind what Jesus had to say to those who in the end were the self-proclaimed "Chose."

"Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness!’ Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain fell, the torrents raged, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because its foundation was on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain fell, the torrents raged, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell—and great was its collapse!” Matthew 7:21-27
 
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Nathan@work

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So even though many will be invited to surrender their lives to live for Christ, only a few will actually choose to do so and they will be changed?

You bring up a question(*for me) in this statement.

Are you saying that surrendering your life is synonymous with belief?

I have heard it said this way before, it is a very common statement that is made. However, I do not see where it is stated as such in the Bible. Inferred maybe, but never stated as such. Just wondering why people use the word when there are already words written down that better describe the call of God.
 
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com7fy8

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This brings to mind what Jesus had to say to those who in the end were the self-proclaimed "Chose."
That could be more of an individual and self-claimed status thing, I suppose. Being chosen, we are not about status or who is more than someone else, but we are family ! ! ! :) We are humble, ready to share love with anybody . . . not conceited. After all, Jesus is so superior and better than all; yet, Jesus left Heaven itself in order to come to us and reach us and save us.

But how God loves us unconditionally is our example, required also of us >

"And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma." (Ephesians 5:2)

So, this is basic in living as the chosen . . . while living in submission to our Father in His peace > Colossians 3:15.

Are you saying that surrendering your life is synonymous with belief?
I would say so.

Well, there is Biblical belief and not-Biblical belief. But what God means is we believe and therefore trust and submit. And Colossians 3:15 says our Father desires to personally rule each of us in His own peace. So, this is included . . . fitting with how Jesus guarantees us "rest for your souls" (Matthew 11:28-30) because we have trusted Him and submitted to His "yoke".

"Therefore submit to God." (in James 4:7)

Submitting to someone is very personal. And always it is good to be with God, submitting to Him in His peace.
Just wondering why people use the word when there are already words written down that better describe the call of God.
Oh . . . I just looked at your choice of wording. You say "surrendering", not "submitting".

But I see a point about saying to surrender. While we were enemies of God, we needed to surrender to Jesus. And during our Christian life, there are times we need to surrender however we might want to possess our lives for what we want.

In any case, surrender can be done in different ways. A soldier can surrender because you have him or her in your sights. But the person does not want to surrender. Or - - your good example can win a soldier of Satan to see how Jesus is so desirable and we have such benefits of our citizenship in Heaven; and so the person wants to surrender . . . by defecting and joining in all the good we have, becoming a citizen with us > in our one nation of God ruling us in His own peace.

I did about thirteen minutes on YouTube, about Colossians 3:15, in case you wish to search YouTube with "p1QCRyQztLc". Or, "obey God in His peace - YouTube" in Google can find it, I think.

This video brings out how we are God's family, obeying God together in His peace, while helping each other to grow in Jesus. So, this could apply to what is meant by being the "chosen" and all which submissive surrender can bring > we are not a bunch of individuals who are so great, chosen and congratulating each one's own self, but we love and share as family and grow together.
 
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HenSoma-OneBody

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You bring up a question(*for me) in this statement.

Are you saying that surrendering your life is synonymous with belief?

I have heard it said this way before, it is a very common statement that is made. However, I do not see where it is stated as such in the Bible. Inferred maybe, but never stated as such. Just wondering why people use the word when there are already words written down that better describe the call of God.
Many believe and never truly open their hearts to the truth because they do not wish to let go of the things in this world (such as the wealthy man who came to see Jesus). True belief (faith) is something that is in the heart, not in the head as many believe. For instance, I believed that there was a Santa Clause, Tooth Fairy, etc. as a child. I mean I really believed this, until I became older and in my mind I no longer believed. My mind was changed. This is the way many believe in God and the gospel; I know this because I once believed in this manner. However, once the truth penetrated my heart, there was a choice I had to make that would either change my life in this world forevermore, or I would reject the calling and remain lost in my sin.

Jesus spoke a great deal about a hardened heart and how it made all the difference to keep one from the kingdom of heaven. Repentance, true repentance, does not come from a belief in one's head, but instead it is a full change of the heart. I had to surrender my identity, who I was in this world, to open my heart through faith to something my mind could never understand. This was the moment of full surrender, transformation, and spiritual rebirth. The human definition of "belief" falls short of what Christ is looking for in our hearts, yet this is not what is taught in most circles. "There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way of death." Proverbs 14:12 This is why it is a heart condition (full submission) and not a head condition (human belief).
 
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Nathan@work

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When I think of Faith and repentance, I guess I do not see how true Faith can be in a person without true repentance. I understand the wicked use of the idea of 'belief' and how some just take it as a thought process, but at the same time, I often hear the term 'surrender' or 'submit' used just as much in the wrong ways.

For instance, John 3:16. Would it have not been just as 'easy' for Jesus to have substituted the words "believes in" for the words "surrenders to"? He did not though, and many times throughout His time teaching here, he never uses the word surrender or submit when speaking of coming to Him. Right? Am I missing somewhere He did?

In other words, the call of God to a person is that He gave His only Son to die and put all our sins on Him, and in doing so He set us free from sin(both penalty and bondage to it) - all while we are in a state of being unable to do anything for Him - God has forgiven us while we were still enemies of Him.

So, if I really believe that(not reject His gift of Faith), then I automatically have to also believe that my previous thoughts about sin(both penalty and bondage) are wrong - completely and totally - which is repentance.

When I hear the words surrender I often hear it in the context of doing something for God in order to receive something from Him. As in, I must do X before God does Y. Make sense? Not saying you are insinuating that, but that is what prompted my question. :)
 
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MOD HAT ON

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HenSoma-OneBody

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When I think of Faith and repentance, I guess I do not see how true Faith can be in a person without true repentance. I understand the wicked use of the idea of 'belief' and how some just take it as a thought process, but at the same time, I often hear the term 'surrender' or 'submit' used just as much in the wrong ways.

For instance, John 3:16. Would it have not been just as 'easy' for Jesus to have substituted the words "believes in" for the words "surrenders to"? He did not though, and many times throughout His time teaching here, he never uses the word surrender or submit when speaking of coming to Him. Right? Am I missing somewhere He did?

In other words, the call of God to a person is that He gave His only Son to die and put all our sins on Him, and in doing so He set us free from sin(both penalty and bondage to it) - all while we are in a state of being unable to do anything for Him - God has forgiven us while we were still enemies of Him.

So, if I really believe that(not reject His gift of Faith), then I automatically have to also believe that my previous thoughts about sin(both penalty and bondage) are wrong - completely and totally - which is repentance.

When I hear the words surrender I often hear it in the context of doing something for God in order to receive something from Him. As in, I must do X before God does Y. Make sense? Not saying you are insinuating that, but that is what prompted my question. :)
Use the word that best fits for you Nathan, and have a true heart of repentance, but it sounds to me you understand what is expected from Christ. Today's religions offer a Christianity based on the word "believe" in a way that falsely identifies what Christ expects of each of us for true salvation. This can only take place through one's faith (not by any action or penance we must do because He has done it all) and true repentance (turning the other direction, about face) from one's life as they have lived it when lost in sin. It now becomes a wonderful life of servitude to do the will of the Heavenly Father as we give up our own will here on earth. It has become very easy for one to say they do this (the many), yet to do it whole heartedly is not so easy (the few). Thank you for sharing and I pray you will continue to have a blessed day!
 
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I agree with you really. It is just that we must be very cautious when pointing out the error of one side that’s in a ditch, that we don’t yank the weak minded clear across the road to the other ditch.

When we start putting ‘conditions’ for salvation other than Faith it can become a slippery road.

I whole heartedly agree that repentance is apart of salvation, but it is not as if it is a separate part from Faith. True Faith ‘contains’ repentance. Not Faith and repentance.

The easiest way to illustrate this is by looking at a simple egg. An egg without what’s inside cannot be called an egg. You can call it an egg shell, but in order for it to be an egg it must contain the ‘innards’. :)

Repentance, submission, love, works, surrender, etc(the list is long) are all apart of the Faith God gives us.

Back to the parable. The man who headed the call in the street and came to the feast choose not to accept the garments(Faith). We don’t know why, but we are told that he knew why because he purposefully kept his mouth shut when asked.

The “package” of Faith we are given works differently in each person. The rate of which the different aspects of Faith grown in an individual is all dependent on how God chooses to work in their life.

In my ‘younger’ years I was truly concerned that a person could be un-willfully tricked into the wrong ‘belief’. As I have grown I have learned that rejection of God and Christ is one of the most willful things humans do.

Pointing people toward the truth, instead of pointing out all the falsehoods, is the best use of our time. Pointing others to the truth automatically points out all the false things around.
 
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HenSoma-OneBody

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I agree with you really. It is just that we must be very cautious when pointing out the error of one side that’s in a ditch, that we don’t yank the weak minded clear across the road to the other ditch.

When we start putting ‘conditions’ for salvation other than Faith it can become a slippery road.

I whole heartedly agree that repentance is apart of salvation, but it is not as if it is a separate part from Faith. True Faith ‘contains’ repentance. Not Faith and repentance.

The easiest way to illustrate this is by looking at a simple egg. An egg without what’s inside cannot be called an egg. You can call it an egg shell, but in order for it to be an egg it must contain the ‘innards’. :)

Repentance, submission, love, works, surrender, etc(the list is long) are all apart of the Faith God gives us.

Back to the parable. The man who headed the call in the street and came to the feast choose not to accept the garments(Faith). We don’t know why, but we are told that he knew why because he purposefully kept his mouth shut when asked.

The “package” of Faith we are given works differently in each person. The rate of which the different aspects of Faith grown in an individual is all dependent on how God chooses to work in their life.

In my ‘younger’ years I was truly concerned that a person could be un-willfully tricked into the wrong ‘belief’. As I have grown I have learned that rejection of God and Christ is one of the most willful things humans do.

Pointing people toward the truth, instead of pointing out all the falsehoods, is the best use of our time. Pointing others to the truth automatically points out all the false things around.
Once again Nathan, thank you for sharing. Pointing people toward Jesus is the only thing that matters in the end. Not one of us can save a soul, and if we yield to the leading of the Holy Spirit He will show us where to go, whom we should share with, what needs to be said, and all the glory goes to Him - for everything! This is true wisdom, I pray you will be blessed as long as your day is called today.
 
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I believed that there was a Santa Clause, Tooth Fairy, etc. as a child. I mean I really believed this, until I became older and in my mind I no longer believed. My mind was changed.
I wanted for there to be Santa Claus and the tooth fairy, so I could use them for things I wanted. Ones can believe what they want to be true, because of how they are.

So I need, then, for God to change me so I am believing for what He wants and all He will do. My submission, then, is open . . . seeking for beyond what I now can understand and hope for. I need correction which makes me capable of sharing with God and others in all the good of His loving and sharing as His family.

"Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you." (Ephesians 4:31-32)

Believing, then, includes not trusting unforgiveness stuff and its thinking and stinking. And we trust how God tells us to forgive "even as God" . . . to be discovered, how this is, I would say :)
 
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“While He (Jesus) was in Jerusalem at the Passover Feast, many people saw the signs He was doing and believed in His name. But Jesus did not entrust Himself to them, for He knew them all. He did not need any testimony about man, for He knew what was in a man.” John 2:23-25 Jesus said, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to Me will never hunger, and whoever believes in Me will never thirst. But as I stated, you have seen Me and still you do not believe.” John 6:35-36

However, just after these things, many who believed claimed that this teaching was too hard and they stopped following Him. Jesus explained, “This is why I told you that no one can come to Me unless the Father has granted it to him. From that time on many of His disciples turned back and no longer walked with Him.” John 6:65-66 It is true that many who believe in Jesus’ name will end up walking away and no longer follow Christ once their faith is tested or they are pressed to separate themselves from the things of this world (see the Parable of the Sower: Matthew 13:1-13 & 13:18-23).

What do you believe Jesus was telling us when He said, “For many are called, but few are chosen?” Matthew 22:14

Study John 17, and note Lord Jesus pointed there to two specific groups of His elect, and understand the difference between those who are 'sent' vs. those who believe by their word.

Christ has a 'very elect' that cannot be deceived, like those of Matthew 24:24. Those are the called and chosen.

Then there are those who come to Christ by the preaching of His chosen. These are elect through Faith, and are called only, and can allow themselves to be deceived and thus fall away.

When our Lord Jesus returns, then we will all know why this present world was setup this way, with some being 'sent' chosen very elect ones while the majority of the rest of us as called elect only. There will be a hierarchy in Christ's future Kingdom, as we know He already promised His Apostles they each would sit upon a throne judging the 12 tribes of Israel. I'll be happy if I'm just hammering nails in His future Kingdom.
 
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Study John 17, and note Lord Jesus pointed there to two specific groups of His elect, and understand the difference between those who are 'sent' vs. those who believe by their word.

Christ has a 'very elect' that cannot be deceived, like those of Matthew 24:24. Those are the called and chosen.

Then there are those who come to Christ by the preaching of His chosen. These are elect through Faith, and are called only, and can allow themselves to be deceived and thus fall away.

When our Lord Jesus returns, then we will all know why this present world was setup this way, with some being 'sent' chosen very elect ones while the majority of the rest of us as called elect only. There will be a hierarchy in Christ's future Kingdom, as we know He already promised His Apostles they each would sit upon a throne judging the 12 tribes of Israel. I'll be happy if I'm just hammering nails in His future Kingdom.
Thank you for your comments Davy, I did look at these scriptures and understand your reasoning and conclusions based on what is written. Do the one's who fall away (do not continue to follow Christ) enter into the kingdom of heaven? Or, because they chose to not remain in the vine, they become withered branches that bare no fruit and are thrown into the burning fire by the Angels of the Lord in the end?
 
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