"Many are called, but few are chosen"

The statement which forms the title of this blog entry was made by Christ in Matthew 22:14. He made the remark at the end of the parable of the wedding feast. The guest who lacked a wedding garment was cast into "outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth."

The point of Jesus' parable is that someone must be prepared, but there will unfortunately be few who will prepare. The same point is made in Matthew 7:13-14 which reads, "Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it."

What determines whether one is "chosen" or not is their obedience. Someone's salvation depending upon obedience is "taboo" in religious thought today, but Jesus proves that obedience is necessary in Matthew 7:21-23. He said, "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." If you want to be "chosen" among God's people, you need to truly obey, not just pay lip-service or do what you feel is right. God demands your submission. Because you love Him, follow Him!

Kyle Campbell