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NASB | Matthew 22:14 "For many are called, but few are chosen." |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Matthew 22:14 "For many are called (invited, summoned), but few are chosen." |
Bible Question:
God mentions his "Elect in the bible: Isaiah 65:22, Matthew 24:22, Matthew 24:24, Matthew 24:31, Mark 13:20, Mark 13:22, Mark 13:27, Luke 18:7, Romans 8:33, Romans 9:11, Romans 11:5, Romans 11:7, Romans 11:28, Colossians 3:12,1 Thessalonians 1:4, 1 Timothy 5:21, 2 Timothy 2:10, Titus 1:1, 1 Peter 1:2, 1 Peter 2:6, 2 Peter 1:10 God refers to the elect as His Sheep many places in the bible. In John 10:11 Jesus says: I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. And: John 10:14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. And: John 10:15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. And: John 10:27 My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: It sems clear that Jesus came into the world to save the election ONLY. Jesus says: John 6:37 All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. If this it true then the reasoning and doctrine that the Churches have held is wrong and we have been lied too. Salvation isn't based on church attendance or anything else anyone can do to get right with our Father. Nothing we can do can save us or others. Our Father is the one who gives his sheep to our Lord Jesus: Romans 9:15 and will have mercy on them if he choses. So sitting in a church isn't going to get anyone saved. In fact, sitting in any church now may do just the reverse. I believe anyone who truly seeks God will come to this conclusion and shake with fear. What do you think? I know I am praying so much more now then ever. |
Bible Answer: Your logic is correct in some cases but incorrect in others: "If this it true then the reasoning and doctrine that the Churches have held is wrong and we have been lied too. Salvation isn't based on church attendance or anything else anyone can do to get right with our Father. Nothing we can do can save us or others." There IS nothing we can do to save ourselves. Not church attendance or anything else. It is not by works of righteousness but by grace we are saved through faith. God has done all the work. That is Grace, the free gift of God. However, we can work to save others, by bringing them the Gospel, the power unto salvation. We have the "great commission:" Go into all the world and make desciples of ALL men, and know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his [the sinner's soul] soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins. It is also clear that as many as receive the Gospel are "called" to be "chosen," as indicated in 2 Thesalonians 2:13-15 "But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth. It was for this He called you through our gospel, that you may gain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter from us." We can derive from the command of Christ to go forth into all the world and preach the Gospel, as well as from God's desire to save us [2 Peter 3:9] "The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance," that all are "called." We also know that "many are called, but few are chosen," just as Christ has taught us. In this case, as many as receive the Gospel are invited to salvation, though not all recognize the hour of their visitation and react towards being "chosen," just as the parable describes in Matthew 22:8-14. "So sitting in a church isn't going to get anyone saved. In fact, sitting in any church now may do just the reverse." This statement is true for a great many reasons, though it is true with or without the scriptures and views you have presented. "I believe anyone who truly seeks God will come to this conclusion and shake with fear." This is false. We know that God is love, and we know that those who seek him, he will abide in. We also know that God loves us, and that we are to love God. Finally, we can conclude with 1 John 4:18 "there is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love." If we love, God abides in us. There is nothing that can seperate us from God [Romans 8:31-39]. Thus, we can dismiss this notion on the basis that it brings fear. Finally, you say "I know I am praying so much more now then ever." I do not mean this to offend, so please do not take it so. If you have come to the conclusions you describe, why are you praying? By your own determination, it should be fruitless, and thus needless. I hope this helps. |