What does the verse mean: "Many are called but few are chosen"

  • Christian Chat is a moderated online Christian community allowing Christians around the world to fellowship with each other in real time chat via webcam, voice, and text, with the Christian Chat app. You can also start or participate in a Bible-based discussion here in the Christian Chat Forums, where members can also share with each other their own videos, pictures, or favorite Christian music.

    If you are a Christian and need encouragement and fellowship, we're here for you! If you are not a Christian but interested in knowing more about Jesus our Lord, you're also welcome! Want to know what the Bible says, and how you can apply it to your life? Join us!

    To make new Christian friends now around the world, click here to join Christian Chat.

saintrose

Well-known member
May 9, 2020
906
510
63
#21
The few that are chosen include those who followed the Lord in truth.

Ceasing from sin through suffering; as Christ was their example (1 Peter 4:1).

Because those who are rejected are described as workers of iniquity (Luke 13:27).
I seem to think that - but those that are "called" wind up being not "chosen" ? That's what stumped me. It seems to refer to christians - or do others not think this?
 

saintrose

Well-known member
May 9, 2020
906
510
63
#22
To understand the meaning we need to examine the parable which has this verse.

MATTHEW 22:THE WEDDING GARMENT IS AN ABSOLUTE NECESSITY
1 And Jesus answered and spake unto them again by parables, and said,
2 The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son,
3 And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come.
4 Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage.
5 But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise:
6 And the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them.
7 But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city.
8 Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy.
9 Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage.
10 So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests.
11 And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment:
12 And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless.
13 Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
14 For many are called, but few are chosen.


This parable teaches us that salvation is likened to a marriage, with Christ as the divine Bridegroom, and believers as the Bride (the Church). However, only those who are wearing the robe of righteousness ("the wedding garment" which God gives to those who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ) may enter. Others are banished from His presence. "Many are called" actually means that "all are called" as we see above: "all as many as they found, both bad and good". But some despise the wedding garment, and therefore forfeit salvation.

This parable teaches us that in order to be saved we must repent and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. Only then are we justified by grace and receive the righteousness of Christ as a gift -- "the robe of righteousness", also called "fine linen, clean and white" (Rev 19:8,14), since the saints have been washed in the blood of the Lamb (Rev 1:5).
I was interpreting it to mean that we cannot come to God unless we are called - but not all who are called are going to get to heaven. I could be misinterpreting it.
 

saintrose

Well-known member
May 9, 2020
906
510
63
#23
It means God does the calling and choosing on earth.

For if God chooses who would be saved without their choice then why is God calling people that cannot be chosen, for God would only be working in the lives He chose.

Jesus lights every person born in to this world, so everybody gets the chance to see the light of Jesus.

God commands all people to repent, come to the knowledge of the truth, and be saved.

The Spirit and bride say Come, and anybody can have that salvation.

Anybody can have salvation.

But not all who confess Christ will be saved, and Jesus said not everybody that calls Him Lord will be saved, for they did not do the will of the Father, and were workers of iniquity.

Which they have a form of godliness, but deny being led of the Spirit, which God said do not associate with these people, and they are ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth, and are lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God.

For they confess Christ, and hold unto sin, and believe they still have salvation.

Which the Lord knows them that are His having this seal that everyone that names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

And awake to righteousness, and sin not, but some do not have the knowledge of God.

And if a person hates sin, and does not want sin, by the Spirit they can abstain from sin, for a Spirit led life will not fulfill the lusts of the flesh, for they have crucified the flesh with the affection and lusts.

So there is no excuse.

If we sin we should have the right attitude to get rid of it, and move forward in the Spirit, and God knows if a person is sincere or not to get rid of sin.
I think you gave the right verse to clarify it - "not everyone who calls me Lord...but he who does the will of..." That to me intimates that not everyone who professes to be a christian - and even those whose eyes who have been opened to the truth - are going to be chosen.

I don't state this lightly because I know I'm a sinner saved by Christ. But I know 'Christians' - people I genuinely believe are spiritually reborn - who are filthy liars - with tongues of Belial - and I know another 'Christian' who participated in something really vile. I cannot imagine being in heaven with people like that, because frankly, it wouldn't be heaven.

So it made me wonder about that verse. It seems to imply that not all true christians are going to be chosen.
 
S

Scribe

Guest
#24
The parable is about the Kingdom of Heaven that the Jews all believed was coming and that they would be a part of.

They hoped Jesus would bring it by conquest of the Romans. The Kingdom of Heaven, or Kingdom of God was prophesied and they looked forward to it. Jesus is using this parable to explain that those who thought they were going to be part of it because they were Jews, or the seed of Abraham or followed the rules of the Pharisees were not going to inherit it. They were going to reject Jesus as the messaiah and their city would be burned up, as it was in 70AD. When the Kingdom finally does come on the earth they will not be part of it because they would die in their sins unregenerate and without the wedding garment of Faith in Jesus Christ. Even though they were called through the covenant of Abraham they would not be chosen in the end. But Gods House would be filled and He would have guests at the wedding. He would go to the Gentiles and fill his house with those who are according to the Jews unclean and despised... into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind.
That is you and me. Praise GOD!!!

So many of the Jews were called but few (only those who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ) would be chosen.


Matt 22
1And Jesus answered and spake unto them again by parables, and said, 2The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son, 3And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come. 4Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage. 5But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise: 6And the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them. 7But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city. 8Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy. 9Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage. 10So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests.

11And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment: 12And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless. 13Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 14For many are called, but few are chosen.

Luke 14
15And when one of them that sat at meat with him heard these things, he said unto him, Blessed is he that shall eat bread in the kingdom of God.

16Then said he unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many: 17And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready. 18And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused. 19And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused. 20And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come. 21So that servant came, and shewed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind. 22And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room. 23And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. 24For I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper.
 

Blik

Senior Member
Dec 6, 2016
7,312
2,424
113
#25
Could it be that many do not really take their sins to Christ but aim to keep the sin?

If we really want sin to be wiped out so we are righteous through Christ we must give our sin to Him, not ask Christ to accept the sin in us but just forgive.

We know we cannot be righteous by our own efforts, it is only Christ that makes us righteous. But I don't think Christ can go against our will to give us righteousness.
 
Mar 28, 2016
15,954
1,528
113
#26
I am unsure of the meaning of this verse. At first i thought that all Christians automatically go to heaven once they accept Christ. But now I'm wondering if this verse indicates that not all Christians will go to heaven. I know some Christians who are more devils than Christian. I know other Christians who lie, and still others who are respecter of persons. So it made me seriously re-think whether all Christians were really going to heaven.
The word many is the key. it defines the all as a portion Universalist say all means w every one. As many as the father gave to the Son .They alone can come as the father draws them




John 1:12 But as many as received him, to them gave he "power" to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:

Mark 6:56 And whithersoever he entered, into villages, or cities, or country, they laid the sick in the streets, and besought him that they might touch if it were but the border of his garment: and as many as touched him were made whole.

John 6:64-66 King James Version (KJV) But there are some of you that believe not. For Jesus knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him. And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father. From that time many of his disciples went back, and walked no more with him.
 

Nehemiah6

Senior Member
Jul 18, 2017
24,167
12,764
113
#27
I was interpreting it to mean that we cannot come to God unless we are called - but not all who are called are going to get to heaven. I could be misinterpreting it.
Yes you are indeed misinterpreting it. All are called, but few will obey the Gospel. God does not elect some for salvation and others for damnation. That is why the Gospel must be preached to "every creature".
 

Relic

Active member
Apr 29, 2020
249
104
28
#28
I am unsure of the meaning of this verse. At first i thought that all Christians automatically go to heaven once they accept Christ. But now I'm wondering if this verse indicates that not all Christians will go to heaven. I know some Christians who are more devils than Christian. I know other Christians who lie, and still others who are respecter of persons. So it made me seriously re-think whether all Christians were really going to heaven.
I am unsure of the meaning of this verse. At first i thought that all Christians automatically go to heaven once they accept Christ. But now I'm wondering if this verse indicates that not all Christians will go to heaven. I know some Christians who are more devils than Christian. I know other Christians who lie, and still others who are respecter of persons. So it made me seriously re-think whether all Christians were really going to heaven.
Matthew 22 Jesus spoke to them again in parables, saying: 2 “The kingdom of heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son. 3 He sent his servants to those who had been invited to the banquet to tell them to come, but they refused to come.

So the king sent his servants out to bring in anyone who would come. Then the king spotted
a man with inappropriate clothes on. The king was not concerned about the man's fashion.
Here is where the Jews come in. The man was a Jew and he was disrespecting the king. So
the king kicked him out into the darkness. The king knew the man was just there to take
notes on what was going on. They had their chance and they refused it. So those who come
as invited are chosen. The rest are out on the street. We always need to accept when God
calls, that is His ways. king = God
 

Blain

The Word Weaver
Aug 28, 2012
19,177
2,539
113
#29
I think it is best described in this manner - there is a difference between a Christian by title and a Christian by heart. However I don't think the verse has to do with our ability to not sin or do the Lords will, many are called because he desires that all men are saved(and women) but people hear his calling but are not chosen because they refuse to listen.

Anyone can be called, he calls every person all the time but people tune him out and live their lives the way they want to thus not being chosen because they themselves made it that way. He doesn't force anything on us he treasures a willling child not a controlled one so he calls everyone he draws them but they have to choose to be chosen.
 

Blik

Senior Member
Dec 6, 2016
7,312
2,424
113
#30
The parable is about the Kingdom of Heaven that the Jews all believed was coming and that they would be a part of.

They hoped Jesus would bring it by conquest of the Romans. The Kingdom of Heaven, or Kingdom of God was prophesied and they looked forward to it. Jesus is using this parable to explain that those who thought they were going to be part of it because they were Jews, or the seed of Abraham or followed the rules of the Pharisees were not going to inherit it. They were going to reject Jesus as the messaiah and their city would be burned up, as it was in 70AD. When the Kingdom finally does come on the earth they will not be part of it because they would die in their sins unregenerate and without the wedding garment of Faith in Jesus Christ. Even though they were called through the covenant of Abraham they would not be chosen in the end. But Gods House would be filled and He would have guests at the wedding. He would go to the Gentiles and fill his house with those who are according to the Jews unclean and despised... into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind.
That is you and me. Praise GOD!!!

So many of the Jews were called but few (only those who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ) would be chosen.


Matt 22
1And Jesus answered and spake unto them again by parables, and said, 2The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son, 3And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come. 4Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage. 5But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise: 6And the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them. 7But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city. 8Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy. 9Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage. 10So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests.

11And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment: 12And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless. 13Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 14For many are called, but few are chosen.

Luke 14
15And when one of them that sat at meat with him heard these things, he said unto him, Blessed is he that shall eat bread in the kingdom of God.

16Then said he unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many: 17And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready. 18And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused. 19And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused. 20And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come. 21So that servant came, and shewed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind. 22And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room. 23And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. 24For I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper.
Matthew 22 Jesus spoke to them again in parables, saying: 2 “The kingdom of heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son. 3 He sent his servants to those who had been invited to the banquet to tell them to come, but they refused to come.

So the king sent his servants out to bring in anyone who would come. Then the king spotted
a man with inappropriate clothes on. The king was not concerned about the man's fashion.
Here is where the Jews come in. The man was a Jew and he was disrespecting the king. So
the king kicked him out into the darkness. The king knew the man was just there to take
notes on what was going on. They had their chance and they refused it. So those who come
as invited are chosen. The rest are out on the street. We always need to accept when God
calls, that is His ways. king = God
When we read scripture through the eyes of the Jew/gentile question instead of knowing that God is speaking to all the people God created as equal, then we read it from a slanted viewpoint that is not of God. God does not invite only Jews to come to Him, God invites mankind.

God created the Jews out of the gentile race, they each and every one can trace their lineage back to gentiles. He gave them special training and a special place for the sake of all mankind.
 

Blik

Senior Member
Dec 6, 2016
7,312
2,424
113
#31
I think it is best described in this manner - there is a difference between a Christian by title and a Christian by heart. However I don't think the verse has to do with our ability to not sin or do the Lords will, many are called because he desires that all men are saved(and women) but people hear his calling but are not chosen because they refuse to listen.

Anyone can be called, he calls every person all the time but people tune him out and live their lives the way they want to thus not being chosen because they themselves made it that way. He doesn't force anything on us he treasures a willling child not a controlled one so he calls everyone he draws them but they have to choose to be chosen.
You are speaking through the Holy Spirit's prompting.
 

Blain

The Word Weaver
Aug 28, 2012
19,177
2,539
113
#32
You are speaking through the Holy Spirit's prompting.
Well you know me I always speak my heart but the credit always goes to him.
 

Blade

Well-known member
Nov 19, 2019
1,582
565
113
#33
What was He talking about before that verse? No one can come to Him on their own. It has to be by the sweet holy Spirit. So you came to Christ?.. you choose Him? No.. He chose you. Many are called.. few are chosen. Some get stuck on the wording. Like saying God harden so and so heart. No.. Its about a wedding. To say all those that come.. they chose to be there..is wrong. He did.. He chose them.

Like it or not.. agree or not.. He chose every one of us. Such pride by some to think.. they found Christ. That conviction in ones heart came from? Yep.. holy Spirit. So you see.. many are called.. few are chosen. He called to them.. many said no.. few said yes.

Makes you wonder why YOU and ME are not crying in the streets huh. This is what GOD did? "Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water
 

Blik

Senior Member
Dec 6, 2016
7,312
2,424
113
#34
What was He talking about before that verse? No one can come to Him on their own. It has to be by the sweet holy Spirit. So you came to Christ?.. you choose Him? No.. He chose you. Many are called.. few are chosen. Some get stuck on the wording. Like saying God harden so and so heart. No.. Its about a wedding. To say all those that come.. they chose to be there..is wrong. He did.. He chose them.

Like it or not.. agree or not.. He chose every one of us. Such pride by some to think.. they found Christ. That conviction in ones heart came from? Yep.. holy Spirit. So you see.. many are called.. few are chosen. He called to them.. many said no.. few said yes.

Makes you wonder why YOU and ME are not crying in the streets huh. This is what GOD did? "Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water
But God leaves us free to accept or reject Him.
 
Jan 12, 2019
7,497
1,399
113
#35
The parable is about the Kingdom of Heaven that the Jews all believed was coming and that they would be a part of.

They hoped Jesus would bring it by conquest of the Romans. The Kingdom of Heaven, or Kingdom of God was prophesied and they looked forward to it. Jesus is using this parable to explain that those who thought they were going to be part of it because they were Jews, or the seed of Abraham or followed the rules of the Pharisees were not going to inherit it. They were going to reject Jesus as the messaiah and their city would be burned up, as it was in 70AD. When the Kingdom finally does come on the earth they will not be part of it because they would die in their sins unregenerate and without the wedding garment of Faith in Jesus Christ. Even though they were called through the covenant of Abraham they would not be chosen in the end. But Gods House would be filled and He would have guests at the wedding. He would go to the Gentiles and fill his house with those who are according to the Jews unclean and despised... into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind.
That is you and me. Praise GOD!!!

So many of the Jews were called but few (only those who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ) would be chosen.


Matt 22
1And Jesus answered and spake unto them again by parables, and said, 2The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son, 3And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come. 4Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage. 5But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise: 6And the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them. 7But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city. 8Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy. 9Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage. 10So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests.

11And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment: 12And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless. 13Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 14For many are called, but few are chosen.

Luke 14
15And when one of them that sat at meat with him heard these things, he said unto him, Blessed is he that shall eat bread in the kingdom of God.

16Then said he unto him, A certain man made a great supper, and bade many: 17And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready. 18And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused. 19And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused. 20And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come. 21So that servant came, and shewed his lord these things. Then the master of the house being angry said to his servant, Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in hither the poor, and the maimed, and the halt, and the blind. 22And the servant said, Lord, it is done as thou hast commanded, and yet there is room. 23And the lord said unto the servant, Go out into the highways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. 24For I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of my supper.
I agree with you, this parable is about Jews entering into the promised Kingdom.

Like many other times, most of us like to read Paul's gospel of grace into it and interpret from that perspective.
 

Blik

Senior Member
Dec 6, 2016
7,312
2,424
113
#36
I agree with you, this parable is about Jews entering into the promised Kingdom.

Like many other times, most of us like to read Paul's gospel of grace into it and interpret from that perspective.
But when we say that scripture is speaking to Jews as under separate directions from how God directs us as if they are not of the human race but other than human, it is putting on something that is not of God. What God wants of them is to show His ways to all people.
 

FlyingDove

Senior Member
Dec 27, 2017
1,259
431
83
#37
I am unsure of the meaning of this verse. At first i thought that all Christians automatically go to heaven once they accept Christ. But now I'm wondering if this verse indicates that not all Christians will go to heaven. I know some Christians who are more devils than Christian. I know other Christians who lie, and still others who are respecter of persons. So it made me seriously re-think whether all Christians were really going to heaven.
OP: What does the verse mean: "Many are called but few are chosen"

Context is alway's KEY! Below Vine's Greek to English bible dictionary lists 7 meaning based on context used: 5 times as a verb, once a noun & in the verse questioned an adjective.

I listed eklekto/Greek - chosen/English 1st

Vine's Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words: Choice, Choose, Chosen
[ Adjective,G1588, eklektos ]
akin to A, No. 1, signifies "chosen out, select,"

(MY NOTE: Jesus said" if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me John 12:32.
Jesus was lifted up on cross & most importantly, from the grave. God the Father's stamped receipt, sins required payment received & accepted. So, everyone born post resurrection will be drawn/CALLED. Only those that call on/receive Christ's sin atoning death, burial & resurrection are those who will be CHOSEN)


[ Verb,G1586, eklego ]
to pick out, select," means, in the Middle Voice, "to choose for oneself," not necessarily implying the rejection of what is not chosen, but "choosing" with the subsidiary ideas of kindness of favor or love,

[ Verb,G1951, epilego ]
in the Middle Voice, signifies "to choose," either in addition or in succession to another.

[ Verb,G138, haireo ]
"to take," is used in the Middle Voice only, in the sense of taking for oneself, choosing, 2 Thessalonians 2:13, of a "choice" made by God (as in Deuteronomy 7:6-Deuteronomy 7:7; Deuteronomy Its special significance is to select rather by the act of taking, than by showing preference or favor.

[ Verb,G140, hairetizo ]
akin to the verbal adjective hairetos, "that which may be taken" (See No.3), signifies "to take," with the implication that what is taken is eligible or suitable; hence, "to choose," by reason of this suitability,

[ Verb,G4401, procheirotoneo ]
signifies "to choose before,"

Notes: (1) For procheirizo See APPOINT, No. 12.

(2) Stratologeo, in 2 Timothy 2:4 (AV, "chosen to be a soldier"), signifies to enroll as a soldier (RV). See SOLDIER.

[ Noun,G1589, ekloge ]
akin to A, No. 1 and B, "a picking out, choosing" (Eng., "eclogue"), is translated "chosen" in Acts 9:15, lit., "he is a vessel of choice unto Me." In the six other places where this word is found it is translated "election." See ELECTION.
 

blueluna5

Well-known member
Jul 30, 2018
529
317
63
#38
Yes but Scripture says you can't come to God unless you're called - so that tells me that it's Christians. It's confusing.
You're focusing on the wrong thing. Instead of looking inward at yourself, look forward to God. When you see the holiness and love before you go to him. You don't have to analyze yourself. Accept the love in front of you and listen. That was the message of the dream.
 
Jan 12, 2019
7,497
1,399
113
#39
But when we say that scripture is speaking to Jews as under separate directions from how God directs us as if they are not of the human race but other than human, it is putting on something that is not of God. What God wants of them is to show His ways to all people.
Jesus himself stated it in Matthew 10:5 and Matthew 15:24.

We gentiles were excluded until Paul (Ephesians 2:11-12)
 

Blik

Senior Member
Dec 6, 2016
7,312
2,424
113
#40
Jesus himself stated it in Matthew 10:5 and Matthew 15:24.

We gentiles were excluded until Paul (Ephesians 2:11-12)
On what scripture are you base this conclusion?

Scripture tells us Christ was at the beginning of creation, and Christ does include us in His gospel. If all gentile people were excluded until Paul was sent to bring the gospel to the gentiles, then all we learn of God ( and Christ is God) is out for us.

The Hebrews came from gentiles. Yet you say God includes them and excludes us for 4,000 years of our earth, it is only in the last 2,000 years we God recognizes us! That is impossible.