From: Robert Blair
To: Dad
Sent: Saturday, July 25, 2015
Subject: Who are "the called" in scripture?
To: Dad
Sent: Saturday, July 25, 2015
Subject: Who are "the called" in scripture?
Hi Dad, Romans 8:28 came up in my devotions this morning and it caused me to want to look into "the called" a bit including the Matthew 22:14 verse. I want to have a strong, logical and accurate position in the debate of "calling and predestination". I have studied this many times but never compared the Matthew ref to the Romans ref.
Mt 22:14 "For many are called, but few are chosen."
"Called" is an invitation. Many are invited to accept Christ as their Savior but "few" actually accept the invitation. Many could refer to everyone because everyone would be many but more importantly Jesus promised in John 16:7-11 that when he went back to Heaven He would send the Holy Spirit to convict the world (every human being) of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment. In addition, God has been revealing Himself to all men and women through His creation... from Adam & Eve to the present world population (Romans 1:20). It is "clearly seen" for anyone who will take time to notice.
"Chosen" in Mt 22:14 are those who have accepted Christ as their Savior and Lord... they become the Chosen of God... Christians... His Children.
Another calling, invitation.
Romans 8:28-30
28 "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
29 "For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren."
30 "Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified."
29 "For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren."
30 "Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified."
In this portion of scripture, the "called" (Greek-kletos) in v 28 are the few of the many who are called and have accepted the invitation, therefore chosen of God and they have submitted to His purpose in their lives. All things work together for their good.
In verse 30, the "called" (Greek-kaleo) who are apparently the few of the many who are called, but those who God knew, before they were born, would accept the invitation. When they accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior they become "chosen", justified (declared righteous in God's eyes through Jesus' blood) and glorified (honored, praised, celebrated).
Finally, God would prefer that none perish... "but that all should come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9), that is why God "lighteth every man (human being) that cometh into the world" (John 1:9) with His true Divine Light.
Thanks dad
In your patience possess ye your souls. Luke 21:19
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From: Rayburn Blair
To: Robert Blair
Subject: Who are "the called" in scripture
Thank YOU, my son, for sharing that with me and for your love of God's word.
