{"id":44208,"date":"2019-08-15T20:54:46","date_gmt":"2019-08-15T17:54:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wingulamashahidi.org\/?p=44208"},"modified":"2025-05-05T23:36:06","modified_gmt":"2025-05-05T20:36:06","slug":"many-are-called-but-few-are-chosen","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wingulamashahidi.org\/en\/2019\/08\/15\/many-are-called-but-few-are-chosen\/","title":{"rendered":"Many Are Called, But Few Are Chosen\u201d"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Call of Many \u2013 God\u2019s Open Invitation<\/strong><\/h3>\n

The calling of God is open to many. In the ministry of Jesus, we see that He initially called a large group of disciples. According to Luke 10:1<\/em>, Jesus appointed seventy others besides the twelve and sent them out in pairs:<\/p>\n

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“After these things the Lord appointed seventy others also, and sent them two by two before His face into every city and place where He Himself was about to go.”<\/strong> (Luke 10:1, NKJV)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

This shows that Jesus had a wider group of disciples beyond the twelve. People from various backgrounds\u2014fishermen, tax collectors, ordinary men\u2014were called to follow Him. They responded by leaving their old lives behind, embracing the first step of discipleship.<\/p>\n

This reflects God\u2019s general call to humanity to repent and follow Him.<\/p>\n

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\u201cFor many are called, but few are chosen.\u201d<\/strong> (Matthew 22:14, NKJV)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

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2. The Choosing of a Few \u2013 God\u2019s Sovereign Election<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Later, from among the larger group, Jesus selected twelve apostles for a special role. This wasn\u2019t because they were more qualified, more righteous, or more spiritual than the rest. It was a sovereign choice made in prayerful dependence on God:<\/p>\n

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“Now it came to pass in those days that He went out to the mountain to pray, and continued all night in prayer to God. And when it was day, He called His disciples to Himself; and from them He chose twelve whom He also named apostles.”<\/strong> (Luke 6:12-13, NKJV)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

These men were chosen by grace<\/strong>, not merit. Theologically, this reflects the concept of divine election<\/strong>\u2014God\u2019s sovereign choice rooted in His purpose and mercy.<\/p>\n

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\u201cSo then it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who shows mercy.\u201d<\/strong> (Romans 9:16, NKJV)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Grace is unearned favor. Unlike \u201cluck,\u201d which may imply randomness, grace<\/strong> chooses the unworthy for God’s purposes.<\/p>\n

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3. Election Is Not Immunity \u2013 The Danger of Falling Away<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Being chosen doesn\u2019t guarantee that one will finish well. Among the twelve chosen apostles was Judas Iscariot\u2014who later betrayed Jesus. His story is a sobering warning that election requires perseverance<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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“Have I not chosen you, the twelve, and one of you is a devil?”<\/strong> (John 6:70, NKJV)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

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“Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.”<\/strong> (Acts 1:25, NKJV)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Despite being called and empowered, Judas allowed sin to creep in. He began stealing (John 12:6<\/em>), became greedy, and eventually betrayed Jesus. Yet Jesus didn\u2019t expel him\u2014He let him continue until the end, emphasizing how subtle spiritual decline can be.<\/p>\n

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4. A Warning for the Elect \u2013 Deception in the Last Days<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Jesus warned that in the last days, even those chosen could be deceived if they are not watchful.<\/p>\n

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\u201cFor false christs and false prophets will rise and show great signs and wonders to deceive, if possible, even the elect.\u201d<\/strong> (Matthew 24:24, NKJV)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

This means that even the elect must remain vigilant<\/strong>. Salvation is not a one-time event, but a journey that requires steadfastness.<\/p>\n

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5. The Privilege of Knowing the Mysteries \u2013 A Call to Responsibility<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Jesus often spoke to the crowds in parables, but to His disciples, He revealed the deeper truths.<\/p>\n

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\u201cIt has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given.\u201d<\/strong> (Matthew 13:11, NKJV)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

If you are receiving and understanding the deeper things of God\u2019s Word, it is a sign of God’s grace upon your life. But with this grace comes great responsibility\u2014to remain faithful, discerning, and obedient.<\/p>\n

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6. Strengthening Your Calling and Election<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Peter gives us the formula for enduring in our calling:<\/p>\n

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\u201cTherefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble.\u201d<\/strong> (2 Peter 1:10, NKJV)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Practical steps to make your calling and election sure:<\/strong><\/p>\n