Understanding Chosen: Matthew 22:14 and Divine Calling

Matthew 22:14

14 For many are called, but few are chosen.

In the context of Matthew 22:14 being "chosen" refers to the act of God selecting and electing individuals who have cooperated with His grace by accepting the terms of salvation and putting on the wedding garment of Christ's righteousness Matthew 22:1-14LTJMB5 80.2+1. While the call of the gospel is extended to all people, only those who choose to be transformed by the Holy Spirit and align their lives with God's will are eventually counted among the electRH May 8, 1900, par. 18+2.

The Meaning of Election and Choice 🗳️

• Definition of Election: The word "election" signifies a "choosing out" or "selecting," identifying those who are recipients of special privileges because they are choice and precious in God’s sightSYNPT 306.1+1.

• Not Arbitrary: This selection is not a result of a stern decree of fate or an arbitrary act by God, but rather a choice made on the condition of the individual's cooperation with ChristSYNPT 306.1+2.

• The Individual's Part: God gives the free choice to everyone, and those who are "chosen" are those who themselves choose to accept the invitation and its requirements Deuteronomy 30:19SITI February 20, 1901, page 116.6.

• Cooperation with Grace: To be among the chosen, one must work on the "plan of addition," growing in Christian graces to make their calling and election sure 2 Peter 1:5-11PCP 47.2+1.

The Wedding Garment Requirement 👗

• Accepting the Invitation: The parable of the marriage of the king’s son illustrates that while many are invited to the feast, the "chosen" are those found wearing the wedding garment provided by the King Matthew 22:11-12RH May 8, 1900, par. 18+1.

• Symbolism of the Garment: This garment represents the righteousness of Christ, which must be sought, asked for, and put on by the believerRH May 8, 1900, par. 18+2.

• The Final Decision: Those found without this preparation are "called" but not "chosen" for the kingdom, as they have neglected to accept the free gift of salvation and heart-transformationRH May 8, 1900, par. 18+2.

Characteristics of the Chosen ✨

• A Peculiar People: The chosen are described as a "royal priesthood" and a "holy nation," called out of darkness to show forth the praises of God 1 Peter 2:9RH May 9, 1899, Art. A, par. 13+1.

• Obedience and Faith: Those who are elected are obedient to the faith and serve as a "remnant" who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus Revelation 14:12ARSH March 3, 1853, page 162.9+1.

• Spiritual Sincerity: The elect work in simplicity and humility, realizing that they can do no good thing of themselves and relying entirely on communion with GodBEcho July 10, 1899, par. 11.

• Making the Calling Sure: It is the duty of every believer to give all diligence to ensure their status among the chosen by living a life of prayer, watchfulness, and constant growth 2 Peter 1:10ARSH September 8, 1863, page 119.12+1.

Historical and Scriptural Examples 📖

• Israel and the Patriarchs: God’s election is seen throughout history, such as the selection of Abraham and the preservation of a remnant in Israel according to the election of grace Romans 11:5BHOTV1 61.3+1.

• Cyrus and Other Leaders: God calls specific individuals by name, such as Cyrus, to perform a particular work for the sake of His "elect" people, Israel Isaiah 45:1-4GEP 55.2.

• The 144,000: In the final days, a peculiar group is gathered who are described as being without guile or fault before the throne of God Revelation 14:1-5QSM 35.1.

In summary, being "chosen" is the result of a divine-human partnership where God’s invitation meets man’s willing acceptance and faithful service Philippians 2:12-13RH June 14, 1906, par. 13+1. 🙏

Galatians 1:15

15 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb, and called me by his grace,

Jeremiah 1:5

5 Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.

Being "separated from the womb" refers to God’s divine foreknowledge and His purpose to set individuals apart for specific service based on His ability to see the future as clearly as the presentBDOC 17.13. While this indicates a call from birth, it does not imply an arbitrary decree that bypasses human choice, but rather illustrates how God works through human efforts to accomplish His name's glory4MR 348.3+1.

Foreknowledge and Predestination 🧬

• The concept of being separated from the womb is deeply rooted in the relation between foreknowledge and predestinationBDOC 17.13.

• Before we were formed in the belly, God knew us; and before we came forth out of the womb, He sanctified us Jeremiah 1:5.

• This sanctification is based on the fact that God knows the way we will take and can see the future as we see the presentBDOC 17.13.

• For whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son Romans 8:29.

• God has indeed chosen men to salvation from the foundation of the earth, yet this election is "through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth" 2 Thessalonians 2:13BDOC 17.13.

The Purpose of Divine Calling 🕊️

• When it pleased God, who separated us from our mother's womb and called us by His grace, it was for the purpose of revealing His Son in us Galatians 1:15-16.

• The call of an apostle or a prophet from the womb marks a new and important epoch in their lifework, intended to fulfill the work of saving souls4MR 378.1+1.

• Every soul is called to stand in a position of deep consecration, as God calls for laborers to come into line during specific crises in His workPH120 13.2.

• This calling is an invitation to be a "chosen vessel" to bear the name of God before the world, just as Paul was apprehended for a special mission Acts 9:15SITI August 24, 1888, page 519.10.

The Necessity of Making the Calling Sure ⚓

• Even if one is separated from the womb for God's service, they must still give all diligence to make their calling and election sure 2 Peter 1:10CCh 50.4+1.

• God has elected a character in harmony with His law, and anyone who reaches the standard of His requirement will enter the kingdomPP 207.4.

• There is no election but one's own by which any may perish; every person is a free moral agent deciding their own futureST October 8, 1885, par. 6.

• Genuine sanctification, which follows this calling, is a daily work of a lifetime, involving a constant struggle with established habits and tendenciesCCh 56.2+2.

• If the invited or "separated" soul rejects the Spirit and refuses to believe the truth, the initial choosing does not result in final salvationSYNPT 308.1.

Sanctification for Service 🛠️

• Being "set apart" primarily signifies being pure, beautiful, and uncontaminated for God's useBHOTV2 93.1.

• God would have us reflect His glory by cultivating our powers and using our entrusted mental faculties to win souls4MR 378.1.

• This preparation is a life business, requiring a hand-to-hand struggle to keep Jesus prominent and self out of sight4T 376.1.

• Those who are called are provided with ample grace to become partakers of the divine nature and reach the lofty standard of perfection in Christ 2 Peter 1:4ST July 26, 1899, par. 1.