Once I began this journey, I decided to take notes on things that were new points, and one thing that has really stood out was something I wanted to share with all of you. That being that God chooses his people. His chose them in Biblical times, and he chooses them now. Over and over, in my Bible reading I kept coming across scriptures that spoke of those being "called", and those being "chosen". That God actually selects those that are His. So I began writing down every scripture that I came across that spoke of either one, as this was quite interesting.
Previously, having been a Jehovah's Witness, I had always looked at salvation differently than most people. We believed that Christ died for all, however, our salvation was dependent upon our works. We were taught that we had to spend a certain amount of time per month preaching, knocking on doors... in order to maintain a good standing with God, and the congregation. We literally kept track of every minute spent on "time cards", which we had to turn in by a certain date, each month. That time was added and evaluated by a congregation elder, called the Service Overseer. The elders kept a file on each member, and one thing that was in the file, was our activity and the time we spent in preaching. This file was kept locked in a file cabinet in each congregation, that only the elders had access to. We had no access to our own personal file. If we were to move, that file was forwarded to the next congregation's Service Overseer. In addition to our preaching, being regular in our meeting attendance was also critical in order to remain in good standing with God. If you slacked in any area at all, you could expect a call or a visit from the elders, and trust me...no one wanted to be reprimanded for not being present and participating. If we noticed members missing on a regular basis, from either of the three congregation meetings, or the "preaching work" as we called it, then it was expected, and common to hear whispers, that, that person was weak, and that they had better get their act together to remain in good standing with God. In Jehovah's Witness teachings, your salvation is dependent upon works. Since leaving years ago, I no longer hold to those teachings, because they are not founded in scripture. Ephesians 2:8,9 clearly states, "For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not a result of works, so that no one may boast."
So you can imagine, how reading scripture after scripture, that we are actually called, and chosen, shed quite a different light on salvation. Jesus made it very clear that God actually draws those he chooses. John 6:44 says-"No one can come to ME unless the Father who sent Me draws him;" And Ephesians 4:1-4 says, "Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, being diligent to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you also were called in one hope of your calling;".
Jesus gave a parable that explains it further, called: The Parable of the Marriage Feast. It's found in Matthew 22:1-14. Basically, it's a story of a King who was having a marriage feast for his son, and he had invited specific people to the wedding. But those that were invited refused to come, as they were all too busy. So the King sent his servants out to invite anyone they could find, and invited them to come, as the dinner was already prepared and the wedding feast was ready to eat. All who the servants found, both good and bad, they invited, and they came. The wedding hall was filled with dinner guests. Jesus ended the Parable with saying this, in verse 14, " For many are called, but few are chosen."
Because of Adam and Eve's disobedience, God made a plan for reconciliation, through his Son, Christ Jesus. He promised Abraham, whom he called his "friend", that the Messiah would come down through his lineage or "seed". In that process, God chose the Jewish nation of Israel became his special possession. Romans 9:30-33 and 10:1-4 explains that the Jews as a whole, had misdirected zeal, and were trying to get right with God by their works rather than their faith. The Jewish laws were a stumbling block for them, refusing to accept God's way. The Gentiles, (people who were not Jews), however, weren't even trying to follow God's standards, but had faith in him, and this is why the invitation was opened to them. Romans 10:20 says, " “I WAS FOUND BY THOSE WHO DID NOT SEEK ME,
I REVEALED MYSELF TO THOSE WHO DID NOT ASK FOR ME.” But as for Israel, He says, “I HAVE SPREAD OUT MY HANDS ALL DAY LONG TO A DISOBEDIENT AND OBSTINATE PEOPLE.”
Apostle Paul explains it, in Romans 8:28, "And we know that God causes all things to work together for the good to those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew, he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, so that he would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters; and these whom He predestined, He also called; and these whom He called; are justified; and these whom He justified, He also glorified.
God calls ones he wants out of the darkness, and into the light, as stated in Romans 9:15 God said, "I will show mercy to anyone I choose and I will show compassion to anyone I choose." And in 1 Peter 2:9 says, " But you are a CHOSEN PEOPLE, a royal PRIESTHOOD, a HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR GOD's OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into HIS marvelous light; for you once were NOT A PEOPLE, but now you are THE PEOPLE OF GOD, you had NOT RECEIVED MERCY, but now you have RECEIVED MERCY.
Jesus said in Matthew 9:13, "Now go and learn what this means, I DESIRE COMPASSION, RATHER THAN SACRAFICE, for I did not come to call the righteous, but sinners." We all are sinners and fall short of the glory of God. There is nothing we can do to earn salvation, as it is a free gift. We are chosen and we are called. It is by our faith in Christ Jesus that's absolutely essential, when it comes to salvation. The apostles understood this as being the key element in their relationship with God. Not their works, but their faith. However, its important to note that our faith will move us into action. Reading the Bible and all the accounts of those that were faithful, verifies this, as they didn't just say they had faith, they lived it. Their faith is what set them apart, it moved them to make choices, and to do things that God approved of, and blessed them for.
Honestly, there were so many scriptures on being called and chosen that I thought that it might be easier to list them, so you could see for yourself. Please find them listed them below. I'm sure there are many others as I'm in 2 Corinthians, and still have some to go. It's pretty incredible when you really stop and think about it though. We are all sinners, and yet to be called, chosen, and drawn by the Father to the Son, as his own...that pretty amazing!! How awesome is it that the God of the universe saw something in YOU!?! I hope this blessed you. Have a lovely day my friends. Keep the faith!!
~Blessings & Joy!
Lisa
John 15:16, " You did not choose ME, but I chose you..."
2 Timothy 1:9 "who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was granted to us in Christ Jesus from all eternity,"
Isaiah 43:1,7..."Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine!... Everyone who is called by My name,"
1 Peter 1:15 but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior;"
Romans 1:6 "among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ;"
1 Corinthians 1:2 "To the church of God which is in Corinth, to those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, saints by calling, with all who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours:"
