The Bible talks a lot about God’s “chosen ones”, and I’ve often wondered what that means. This is a big theological topic, and I am in no way “theologically trained” – so I am not claiming to have the answer. But when I wonder about things like this, I search through Scripture to try to come up with an answer, or at least an idea of what it might mean.
For many are invited… Matthew 22:14
Jesus tells a parable about a king that had prepared a big wedding feast. He sent his servants out more than once to tell the guests that had been invited that the banquet was ready, but they all refused to come. They each had their own excuse, and they ignored the invitation and refused to come. So the king told his servants to go out and “urge anyone you can find to come, so that the house will be full”. (Luke 14:16-24)
…but few are chosen. Matthew 22:14
Does this mean that God only choses a few of us and the rest are doomed? I am certainly thankful that God chose me and revealed the truth about his Son, Jesus Christ, to me. But what about those who haven’t accepted Christ as their savior? Those who are on the wrong path, headed for destruction? (2 Thessalonians 1:8 & 9)
There are many passages of scripture that lead me to believe that God invites everyone (see below) and whether or not we are ultimately chosen has a lot to do with what we do with that invitation. When we hear the Good News of Jesus’ death and resurrection and of how it is the only way our sins can be washed away – when we hear that faith in Jesus and what he accomplished on the cross is the only way we can be made righteous in God’s sight – that is our invitation! God has invited us.
What we do with that invitation is like our R.S.V.P. If we just hang it in on the fridge (so to speak) and don’t ever call in the R.S.V.P. – or if we call and say we can’t make because something else is going on – then there won’t be a place set for us at the party. We will not be chosen.
Of course, when it comes to a party – the more the merrier. God wants the “banquet hall” to be full, so he asks all of us have accepted his invitation to keep inviting others up to the moment when the party starts! After all, if people don’t know about it – they can’t decide whether or not to come.
So will you be there? If you’ve already been invited – I hope you’ve R.S.V.P.’d (with a “yes”, of course)! If you haven’t been invited yet, here’s your invitation:
God loves you! He created you to be in a relationship with him. But, just like me – you are a hopeless sinner, not even close to worthy enough to be in the presence of God. So God had a plan to fix that. He sent his Son, Jesus, to earth to suffer your punishment – death! And then to have victory over death so that it has no power over you! (1 Corinthians 15:57) And all you have to do is say “yes”. Believe that Jesus came, died and rose again. Ask him to become the Lord of your life. And then allow the Holy Spirit to move in and make you a new person. (2 Corinthians 5:17)
There, now you’ve been invited! Be sure to R.S.V.P. right away – because the party could start at any time!
For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16
God our Savior…wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:4
For there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity – the man Christ Jesus. He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone. 1 Timothy 2:5 & 6
The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He doesn’t want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent. 2 Peter 3:9
Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. Acts 2:21
And he will send out his angels with the mighty blast of trumpet, and they will gather his chosen ones from all over the world – from the farthest ends of the earth and heaven. Matthew 24:31
Let the party begin!!!!