SOULS CHOSEN IN CHRIST
Commentary By R. DeWitt, 12/04; rev. 10/05
[This is a difficult subject, but important to consider, so this writer will set forth a
present understanding. Let us look at some thoughts about "foreknowledge",
"chosen", "predestination", "election", "called", "believing". I don't see them as
the same, but perhaps there is a progression. Those not born of the Spirit would likely have more difficulty with this subject.]
What does it mean to be "chosen" in Christ before the foundation of the world (Eph. 1:4; John 15:16)? We only know what the scriptures tell us. It is part of the "mystery" of God's ways (Matt.13), and unless one can say he completely
understands the mysteries of God, he might well take care as to what he says--
--this writer included.
Let us define and compare these terms:
1. "Foreknow" (Rom.8:29) is the perspective of God to know the end of all
things (Rev. 2:13). He clearly knows the course of those He created, and what they will do, and has already planned a response. He foreknew the acts of Adam and the serpent in the garden, and He foreknew the cross, and God had
already set the plan for recovery, blessing, and victory through Christ.
2. "Chosen" (Eph.1:4-9) speaks of grace by God for salvation and our place
with Him, in contrast with good works by men (II Tim.1:9; I Pet. 1:2-3;), and Jesus told His twelve disciples He had chosen them (John 15:16). He knew them; He chose them; He found them; and He called them. God also says He
knew Jeremiah before he was born (Jer.1:5). Truly, "many are called, but few
are chosen" (Matt. 22:14); that is: the gospel is unto all, but not all will value it as God knows, and so not all will be chosen.
3. "Predestinate" (Rom.8:29) is the purpose of God established or set in place, by His foreknowing the way of man and our individual lives. God does not predestinate one for hell, as some suppose (II Pet.3:9), but all men are headed there apart from the grace of God. Sin is real and has really contam-inated man. God knows who will respond to His gospel call and who will not, and the destination is determined.
4. "Election" (Rom.9:9-16) is the result of foreknowledge, and one is then set apart---sanctified and kept or preserved for a work or purpose. The elect angels were kept from the further influence by Lucifer.
5. "Called" (ref. Rom.8:28; II Tim.1:9) appears to be God's thoughts toward one for His purposes. That one is awakened to God by His calling to confess the Lord (John 6:44) and to yield for salvation and service.
6. "Believing" (John 9:35-38; Acts 16:31) is the responsibility of one who is
called by God. When one is quickened---awakened by the Spirit, that one has a "window of opportunity", as it were, to understand and be obedient; but God will "not always strive with man" (Gen.6:3), and to neglect and reject the call-ing may invite the enemy to blind one (II Cor.4:3-4), and that one may be given over "to a reprobate mind" (Rom. 1:28).
"There's a line that is drawn by rejecting the Lord,
Where the call of the Spirit is lost;
And you hurry along with the pleasure-mad throng;
Have you counted---have you counted the cost?
"Have you counted the cost if your soul should be lost,
Though you gained the whole world for your own;
Even now it may be that the line you have crossed;
Have you counted---have you counted the cost?"
- Gospel Hymn
It seems of high priority for man to realize that "all have sinned and come short of the glory of God" (Rom.3), and the Almighty Creator would be fully justified before the heavenly host to destroy this corrupted and ruined creation and begin again (see Gen.6:6-8; Ex.32:9-10). The grace of God is all we have for hope, and we ought to be a humble and thankful people.
The truth in Christ is for the whole world, and all men are accountable; and God's election of some is according to His sovereignty and foreknowledge. We might consider that if one is called that one is brought into privilege to know of Christ and salvation. The question then remains: what will one do with that privilege? (see Rom.10). If the Spirit of God quickens one (Psa.80:18 - awakens or makes alive one to know of God), that one has an inner stirring to think upon God. This is often the result of someone preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ (Rom.10:14). Will one appreciate the value of that calling, or reject it to continue in their own way and reasoning? No man can come unto Christ except he be called, and God then tells one to open the door (Rev. 3:20; John 10:9), and "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shall be saved" (Acts 16:31). He is not talking about religion, but faith in Jesus Christ.
God did not want man to be as angels, who are created to always obey and serve God. He did not need more angels. He created man in His image to make decisions ---to desire to know God and to learn to love Him. God wants our heart. Sin came forth from Lucifer, who was given much liberty and privilege, and God allowed it to touch man that God might get the victory over it and the glory. Man can choose to acknowledge God and trust Him when he is called. That is also what brings a desire to be obedient. This is what pleases God.
Certainly, from God's perspective we are lost, blind, and helpless sinners who need to be rescued. All our righteous-ness is as "filthy rags", God says ((Isa.64:6; Rom. 3:10-26). It is remarkable that God sought to recover man, rather than just cast him away as ruined by sin. Man needs to hear God speaking to him, read God's Word and thankfully receive God's gift of life in His Son. If he does not he will forfeit much, suffer loss and condemnation. God is long suffering, however, and may not give up with a rebellious one---according to foreknowledge (Rom.8:30), and God seems intent on recovering that which He began according to His purposes.
Man must be responsible for his actions, and he is given the privilege to be obedient and faithful. He will forfeit much by not yielding to the love of God. It is a divine truth that when man sincerely desires God and will esteem His Son
and receive Him, God will gladly give him eternal life in His time, and make him a child of God by the indwelling and sealing of the Holy Spirit; though, one must confess: it is all part of the divine mystery, and one can only value, appreciate, and appropriate it.
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