The Called and the Chosen: Responding to God’s Grace

God invites everyone to salvation, but not everyone says yes. So, why do some people accept the call while others turn it down? Let’s look at how God's invitation connects with how we respond. We’ll explore some key Bible verses that show how God's control and our choices come together in salvation.

In Matthew 22:14, Jesus says, For many are called, but few are chosen. This comes from a story about a king who sends out many invitations to a wedding feast. However, only a few are ready to go. Similarly, God's offer of salvation goes out to everyone, but only those who believe are chosen.

We can’t take credit for answering the call. John 6:44 tells us, No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him. It’s through God’s grace that people come to Him. While the invitation is open to all, it’s really God who helps us respond. John 6:65 makes this clear, too. Jesus says, No one can come to Me unless it has been granted him from the Father. This means that even our ability to approach Him comes from God. It’s not just hearing the Gospel; it’s God’s grace that allows the response.

In John 15:16, Jesus says, You did not choose Me, but I chose you... This shows that God’s choices are not based on how good we are. The chosen ones are those God draws to Him and who then choose to believe. These verses tell us that the call goes out to everyone who hears the Gospel. But the response is selective. It’s not enough to just hear the call; we need to respond with faith, which God enables us to do.

Ephesians 2:8-9 also speaks to this. Paul writes, For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God. Salvation isn’t something we earn. It’s a gift from God. The chosen are those who humbly accept this gift and respond to His grace.

Finally, Acts 13:48 says, As many as had been appointed to eternal life believed. This shows that God is in control. The chosen are those God has set aside for eternal life, and it’s through His grace that they come to believe.

In conclusion, Matthew 22:14 teaches us that many hear the call, but only those who respond to God’s grace are truly chosen. John 6:44 and John 6:65 highlight how important God’s drawing is for our reaction. Salvation is a gift—God calls us, draws us, and helps us respond. The chosen are those who hear the call and have faith. As believers, we should share the Gospel and trust that God will bring His chosen ones to Him.

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“What I write is not for everyone, but what I write is meant for someone.”

I am the author of two books: Embracing God's Wisdom: A Journey of Faith and Reflection and Embracing God’s Wisdom: Paul’s Commands for Victorious Living. Both are available on Amazon.

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I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has strengthened me, because He considered me faithful, putting me into service. (1 Timothy 1:12)