To be chosen by God can mean to be predestined for a ministry or a task. Election is shown in the person of Abraham and later with Israel. “But thou, Israel, art my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the seed of Abraham, my friend; Thou, whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, and called thee from the chief men thereof, and said unto thee, Thou art my servant; I have chosen thee, and not cast thee away. Fear thou not; for I am with thee. Be not dismayed, for I am thy God. I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee, yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” (Isa. 41:8-10).

As it was common with the prophets, Jeremiah also could testify of his ministry and commission, “Then the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, Before I formed thee in the womb, I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb, I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.” (Jer. 1:4-5).

Out of the twelve tribes of Israel, God chose the tribe of Levi for the priesthood. “For the Lord thy God hath chosen him out of all thy tribes, to stand to minister in the name of the Lord, him and his sons forever.”
(Dt. 18:5).

From all the sons of Jesse, God chose David and ordained him to be king over His people (I Sam. 16:5-13).

Jesus also chose the apostles for special service. “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit …” (Jn. 15:16).

The Lord spoke to Ananias in connection with the conversion of Saul, “Go thy way; for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel” (Acts 9:15). Although the conversion was experienced later in life, Paul was sepa-rated and chosen from his mother‘s womb as were the prophets of old. “But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother‘s womb, and called me by his grace, to reveal his Son in me …” (Gal. 1:15-16). Generally, it applies what Paul wrote to the Corinthian church, “For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called; but God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world … that no flesh should glory in his presence.” (I Cor. 1:26-29).

For better understanding, we need some more Scriptural background, because to be called and to be chosen are two different things and refer to two different groups. The chosen ones are also called, but the called ones are not all chosen. In the parable of the wedding supper, our Lord said, “For many are called, but few are chosen.” (Mt. 22:14). The chosen ones from each church age make up the overcomers who will inherit everything promised in the seven messages to the seven church ages (Rev. 2 + 3).

The called ones believe in Jesus Christ as their personal saviour, but don‘t permit themselvesto be led into all the truth, and, therefore, they cannot fully coincidewith the Word of God. Their names are, of course, written in the bookof life and they will enter into eternal life at the White Throne Judgment (Rev. 20:11-15). In Rev. 17, we are told about the Lamb fighting and conquering and we are also told about the multitude of the overcomers who will reach the highest goal. All the three terms apply to this group: called, chosen and faithful. “… for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings, and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful” (vs. 14).

Both, the Redeemer and the redeemed are being spoken of as being chosen of God. “Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth …” (Isa. 42:1). “Ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord, and my servant whom I have chosen …” (Isa. 43:10; Mt. 12:18). God’s pleasure and delight first came upon His Chosen One, and through Him upon all the chosen ones (Mt. 3:17; Mt. 17:5). Thus it is coming to pass what was announced at the birth of our Redeemer, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” (Lk. 2:14). There are people on earth having God’s pleasure by His grace.

To be chosen goes hand in hand with predestination. There is only one kind of choosing, namely the one for redemption, and there is only one predestination for the same purpose. The Son who was born about 2,000 years ago was chosen before the foundation of the world. Therefore, looking back He could speak of the glory of God which He possessed before the world ever was. “And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.” (Jn. 17:5). The formulation “before the foundation of the world” is being frequently used in reference to the plan of salvation. The term “before the foundation of the world” speaks of the very first beginning, when the Logos came out from the eternal fullness of God and, therefore, was “with God” (Jn. 1:1).
At that moment, all sons and daughters of God were chosen in Christ. They are, therefore, glorified with the same glory He has until the redeemed appear in His very image. “Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am, that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me; for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.” (Jn. 17:24).

Of the redeemed the same is said as of the Redeemer. They were also chosen before the foundation of the world. “According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him, in love having predestinated us unto the adoption of sons by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will” (Eph. 1:4-5). God, who is eternal, has set forth His plan before the world was and He accomplishes the same in the course of time until time merges into eternity.

The apostle Peter speaks of the spotless Lamb of God, “… who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you” (I Pet. 1:20). The redeemed were also foreordained in Him. Therefore, their names could already be written in the Lamb’s book of life before the foundation of the world. “And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him (the antichrist), whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.” (Rev. 13:8).

In the Old Testament, God had chosen Israel to be His special property. “For thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God, and the Lord hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth” (Dt. 14:2). From the view point of the New Testament church which is composed of all nations, the apostle writes, “As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes; but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers’ sakes.” (Rom. 11:28).

Predestination leads to dedication and to sanctification by the Holy Spirit. Israel did not call and separate herself. It was a divine act and, therefore, they were a holy people dedicated unto the Lord. “… then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people; for all the earth is mine: And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation” (Ex. 19:5-6). Addressing the believers of the New Testament, the apostle Peter writes, “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people …” (I Pet. 2:9).

In the following verses, the apostle Paul thoroughly deals with this subject, “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. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the first born among many brethren. 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” (Rom. 8:28-30).

God certainly did not see anything good in man whereupon He could start. There was absolutely nothing. Salvation comes totally from God and God alone. He saw humanity in Christ. In Him the Yes — the acceptance towards the redeemed was given. In Him also the Amen was given and the placing into the sonship (2 Cor. 1:20). The testimony of the Scriptures is very clear and overwhelming. He foresaw His own and ordained them to eternal life. The Omniscient could both choose and predestinate at the same time. “And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord; and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.” (Acts 13:48).

Choosing is not arbitrariness. God declares His will, but forces nobody to do it. His declared intention is this: “Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” (II Tim. 2:4). Because God is omniscient, He also knew who would accept salvation and who would reject. Whosoever does not come to God remains distant from Him. Whosoever refuses to be saved remains lost. Therefore, He could foresee those who would believe in Him and predestinate them to salvation before the foundation of the world.

Many times the statement of Paul which he took from the Old Testament as found in Romans 9 is misunderstood, “… I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. … Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth.” (Rom. 9:15-18). Those who come to Him will find mercy. They are the ones who receive His grace and love. With them the statement is fulfilled, “So, then, it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that showeth mercy.” (vs. 16). God cannot be merciful to those who do not come to Him. Those who remain afar off harden their hearts and do not permit God to deal with them. God never changed His original intention. On the contrary, He brings it to pass with those who believe Him. Further on we read about vessels of wrath which are prepared for destruction. They are the ones who remain in unbelief. They simply do not want to have anything to do with God. Upon such, the wrath of God remains, although it was actually taken away in Christ. There are people who do not receive the statement to be free and reject the same, and, therefore, remain under condemnation. Whosoever does not come to Christ, upon him the wrath of God remains, because the finished work of redemption is not being accepted or applied.

Lucifer used his free will to revolt against God. He and his followers will never be able to submit to the will of God. There are people who will never submit to the plan of God. God can only bring about grace, forgiveness and the total redemption to those who receive them as a gift by faith. They should accept the substitutional reconciliation through Christ.

We are told, “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men.” (Tit. 2:11). The call of the Lord is addressed to all, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Mt. 11:28). But all do not come to Him. They do not listen to His call. Even among those who search His Word, there are some who have different motives and do not reach the personal fellowship with their Lord and Saviour. “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life; and they are they which testify of me. And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.” (Jn. 5:39-40). All the searching in the Scriptures and the whole theological study is in vain, if the individual could not come to the Lord and receive eternal life. The Lord saith, “If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.” (Jn. 7:37).
Most people do not come because they do not thirst.

The statement, “… whom he will he hardeneth” (Rom. 9:18) is determined by force. God cannot act against the will of man. He did not want man to be lost, because it is His expressed will that all should be saved and come to the knowledge of truth, but if man does not want what God wants, God will permit what man want. God made man a free moral agency right at the beginning. He never forced mankind and certainly did not make mankind as an automatic device or machine. Man could decide between obedience and disobedience, between life and death, etc.

Man separated from God, insists on his self-determination, until he recognises and accepts the divine determination for himself. He wishes to project himself, until he permits God’s plan to be projected with him. He wishes to be independent and does not want to submit and in searching for his own liberty he falls into bondage and destruction. Whosoever is detached from God is attached to the adversary. Therefore deliverance is very much necessary. The Redeemer came to preach this deliverance to the captives (Lk. 4:18).

Abraham, the father of faith, is given unto us for an example. As it was with him, it is with all who would hear and believe and do according to the Word of God. They acknowledge God in His dealings and take sides with Him and thereby confirm the covenant which He made with us. The chosen ones believe God in all things. Whatever He said, they would do. What He commanded, they would act in obedience to it. With them word, faith and works agree. Those who are predestinated have no more their self-will but they submit to the will of God and pray honestly, “Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.” (Mt. 6:10). They have no intentions of their own but they are just part of God’s will and purpose. As the Son of God was the direct accomplishment of the Word made flesh, so they are also. Because of the new birth they are part of God. To such people the apostle Peter addressed his admonition, “Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure; for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall.” (II Pet. 1:10).

As the apostle also writes, Christ is the precious and elected stone. He is the chief cornerstone. But for some He is the rock of offence and a stone of stumbling. To the ones who make up the chosen generation, the kingly priesthood, Christ is both, the cornerstone and the headstone. Whosoever is offended with Him is still in disobedience against the Word of God (I Pet. 2:3-10).

Spiritual experience teaches that everyone would find the place ordained for him. Whosoever cannot believe in predestination, certainly is not predestinated. It starts with conversion, renewing, new birth and every other experience we can have with God. Everyone can only experience and receive what he believes. “But we are bound to give thanks always to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth.” (II Th. 2:13).

“Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself; That in the dispensation of the fullness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth, even in him: In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will” (Eph. 1:9-11).

To be chosen by God can mean to be predestined for a ministry or a task. Election is shown in the person of Abraham and later with Israel. “But thou, Israel, art my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the seed of Abraham, my friend; Thou, whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, and called thee from the chief men thereof, and said unto thee, Thou art my servant; I have chosen thee, and not cast thee away. Fear thou not; for I am with thee. Be not dismayed, for I am thy God. I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee, yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.” (Isa. 41:8-10).

As it was common with the prophets, Jeremiah also could testify of his ministry and commission, “Then the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, Before I formed thee in the womb, I knew thee; and before thou camest forth out of the womb, I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.” (Jer. 1:4-5).

Out of the twelve tribes of Israel, God chose the tribe of Levi for the priesthood. “For the Lord thy God hath chosen him out of all thy tribes, to stand to minister in the name of the Lord, him and his sons forever.”
(Dt. 18:5).

From all the sons of Jesse, God chose David and ordained him to be king over His people (I Sam. 16:5-13).

Jesus also chose the apostles for special service. “Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit …” (Jn. 15:16).

The Lord spoke to Ananias in connection with the conversion of Saul, “Go thy way; for he is a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel” (Acts 9:15). Although the conversion was experienced later in life, Paul was sepa-rated and chosen from his mother‘s womb as were the prophets of old. “But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother‘s womb, and called me by his grace, to reveal his Son in me …” (Gal. 1:15-16). Generally, it applies what Paul wrote to the Corinthian church, “For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called; but God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world … that no flesh should glory in his presence.” (I Cor. 1:26-29).

For better understanding, we need some more Scriptural background, because to be called and to be chosen are two different things and refer to two different groups. The chosen ones are also called, but the called ones are not all chosen. In the parable of the wedding supper, our Lord said, “For many are called, but few are chosen.” (Mt. 22:14). The chosen ones from each church age make up the overcomers who will inherit everything promised in the seven messages to the seven church ages (Rev. 2 + 3).

The called ones believe in Jesus Christ as their personal saviour, but don‘t permit themselves  to be led into all the truth, and, therefore, they cannot fully coincide  with the Word of God. Their names are, of course, written in the book  of life and they will enter into eternal life at the White Throne Judgment (Rev. 20:11-15). In Rev. 17, we are told about the Lamb fighting and conquering and we are also told about the multitude of the overcomers who will reach the highest goal. All the three terms apply to this group: called, chosen and faithful. “… for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings, and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful” (vs. 14).

Both, the Redeemer and the redeemed are being spoken of as being chosen of God. “Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth …” (Isa. 42:1). “Ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord, and my servant whom I have chosen …” (Isa. 43:10; Mt. 12:18). God’s pleasure and delight first came upon His Chosen One, and through Him upon all the chosen ones (Mt. 3:17; Mt. 17:5). Thus it is coming to pass what was announced at the birth of our Redeemer, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” (Lk. 2:14). There are people on earth having God’s pleasure by His grace.

To be chosen goes hand in hand with predestination. There is only one kind of choosing, namely the one for redemption, and there is only one predestination for the same purpose. The Son who was born about 2,000 years ago was chosen before the foundation of the world. Therefore, looking back He could speak of the glory of God which He possessed before the world ever was. “And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.” (Jn. 17:5). The formulation “before the foundation of the world” is being frequently used in reference to the plan of salvation. The term “before the foundation of the world” speaks of the very first beginning, when the Logos came out from the eternal fullness of God and, therefore, was “with God” (Jn. 1:1).
At that moment, all sons and daughters of God were chosen in Christ. They are, therefore, glorified with the same glory He has until the redeemed appear in His very image. “Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am, that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me; for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.” (Jn. 17:24).

Of the redeemed the same is said as of the Redeemer. They were also chosen before the foundation of the world. “According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him, in love having predestinated us unto the adoption of sons by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will” (Eph. 1:4-5). God, who is eternal, has set forth His plan before the world was and He accomplishes the same in the course of time until time merges into eternity.

The apostle Peter speaks of the spotless Lamb of God, “… who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you” (I Pet. 1:20). The redeemed were also foreordained in Him. Therefore, their names could already be written in the Lamb’s book of life before the foundation of the world. “And all that dwell upon the earth shall worship him (the antichrist), whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world.” (Rev. 13:8).

In the Old Testament, God had chosen Israel to be His special property. “For thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God, and the Lord hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth” (Dt. 14:2). From the view point of the New Testament church which is composed of all nations, the apostle writes, “As concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sakes; but as touching the election, they are beloved for the fathers’ sakes.” (Rom. 11:28).

Predestination leads to dedication and to sanctification by the Holy Spirit. Israel did not call and separate herself. It was a divine act and, therefore, they were a holy people dedicated unto the Lord. “… then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people; for all the earth is mine: And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation” (Ex. 19:5-6). Addressing the believers of the New Testament, the apostle Peter writes, “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people …” (I Pet. 2:9).

In the following verses, the apostle Paul thoroughly deals with this subject, “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. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the first born among many brethren. 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” (Rom. 8:28-30).

God certainly did not see anything good in man whereupon He could start. There was absolutely nothing. Salvation comes totally from God and God alone. He saw humanity in Christ. In Him the Yes — the acceptance towards the redeemed was given. In Him also the Amen was given and the placing into the sonship (2 Cor. 1:20). The testimony of the Scriptures is very clear and overwhelming. He foresaw His own and ordained them to eternal life. The Omniscient could both choose and predestinate at the same time. “And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord; and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.” (Acts 13:48).

Choosing is not arbitrariness. God declares His will, but forces nobody to do it. His declared intention is this: “Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” (II Tim. 2:4). Because God is omniscient, He also knew who would accept salvation and who would reject. Whosoever does not come to God remains distant from Him. Whosoever refuses to be saved remains lost. Therefore, He could foresee those who would believe in Him and predestinate them to salvation before the foundation of the world.

Many times the statement of Paul which he took from the Old Testament as found in Romans 9 is misunderstood, “… I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion. … Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy, and whom he will he hardeneth.” (Rom. 9:15-18). Those who come to Him will find mercy. They are the ones who receive His grace and love. With them the statement is fulfilled, “So, then, it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that showeth mercy.” (vs. 16). God cannot be merciful to those who do not come to Him. Those who remain afar off harden their hearts and do not permit God to deal with them. God never changed His original intention. On the contrary, He brings it to pass with those who believe Him. Further on we read about vessels of wrath which are prepared for destruction. They are the ones who remain in unbelief. They simply do not want to have anything to do with God. Upon such, the wrath of God remains, although it was actually taken away in Christ. There are people who do not receive the statement to be free and reject the same, and, therefore, remain under condemnation. Whosoever does not come to Christ, upon him the wrath of God remains, because the finished work of redemption is not being accepted or applied.

Lucifer used his free will to revolt against God. He and his followers will never be able to submit to the will of God. There are people who will never submit to the plan of God. God can only bring about grace, forgiveness and the total redemption to those who receive them as a gift by faith. They should accept the substitutional reconciliation through Christ.

We are told, “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men.” (Tit. 2:11). The call of the Lord is addressed to all, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Mt. 11:28). But all do not come to Him. They do not listen to His call. Even among those who search His Word, there are some who have different motives and do not reach the personal fellowship with their Lord and Saviour. “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life; and they are they which testify of me. And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.” (Jn. 5:39-40). All the searching in the Scriptures and the whole theological study is in vain, if the individual could not come to the Lord and receive eternal life. The Lord saith, “If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.” (Jn. 7:37).
Most people do not come because they do not thirst.

The statement, “… whom he will he hardeneth” (Rom. 9:18) is determined by force. God cannot act against the will of man. He did not want man to be lost, because it is His expressed will that all should be saved and come to the knowledge of truth, but if man does not want what God wants, God will permit what man want. God made man a free moral agency right at the beginning. He never forced mankind and certainly did not make mankind as an automatic device or machine. Man could decide between obedience and disobedience, between life and death, etc.

Man separated from God, insists on his self-determination, until he recognises and accepts the divine determination for himself. He wishes to project himself, until he permits God’s plan to be projected with him. He wishes to be independent and does not want to submit and in searching for his own liberty he falls into bondage and destruction. Whosoever is detached from God is attached to the adversary. Therefore deliverance is very much necessary. The Redeemer came to preach this deliverance to the captives (Lk. 4:18).

Abraham, the father of faith, is given unto us for an example. As it was with him, it is with all who would hear and believe and do according to the Word of God. They acknowledge God in His dealings and take sides with Him and thereby confirm the covenant which He made with us. The chosen ones believe God in all things. Whatever He said, they would do. What He commanded, they would act in obedience to it. With them word, faith and works agree. Those who are predestinated have no more their self-will but they submit to the will of God and pray honestly, “Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.” (Mt. 6:10). They have no intentions of their own but they are just part of God’s will and purpose. As the Son of God was the direct accomplishment of the Word made flesh, so they are also. Because of the new birth they are part of God. To such people the apostle Peter addressed his admonition, “Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure; for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall.” (II Pet. 1:10).

As the apostle also writes, Christ is the precious and elected stone. He is the chief cornerstone. But for some He is the rock of offence and a stone of stumbling. To the ones who make up the chosen generation, the kingly priesthood, Christ is both, the cornerstone and the headstone. Whosoever is offended with Him is still in disobedience against the Word of God (I Pet. 2:3-10).

Spiritual experience teaches that everyone would find the place ordained for him. Whosoever cannot believe in predestination, certainly is not predestinated. It starts with conversion, renewing, new birth and every other experience we can have with God. Everyone can only experience and receive what he believes. “But we are bound to give thanks always to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth.” (II Th. 2:13).

“Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself; That in the dispensation of the fullness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth, even in him: In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will” (Eph. 1:9-11).