Called by grace, chosen by faith

Proverbs 5:15-16 ESV
Drink water from your own cistern, flowing water from your own well. [16] Should your springs be scattered abroad, streams of water in the streets?

Understanding Gods relationship with his people essential to understanding salvation. Many are called but few are chosen. Who are the chosen? Who are the called? The children of Israel are his chosen people, called to live different lives than the rest of the world. They were called to keep his laws, follow his commandments, and in all of their dealings be righteous. Obviously they refused to be his people but they were still chosen to bring the messiah and salvation.

Who are the called and chosen today? Like the Jews are today, Christians have embraced the name the world gave them. Quickly the followers of Jesus spread the gospel and unbelievers took notice of how different the followers “of the way” of salvation were. They labeled believers little Christ or Christians. But quickly those who converted from all walks of life happily found themselves out in the proverbial desert making idols and whoring around like the Israelites waiting on Moses to bring the commandments. Understanding that we are slaves either to sin or righteousness is at the core of this point I would make. Christians all are the called to live as Christ lived and most of us aren’t or have not done a good job of it. Those who read their bible for themselves and choose to believe it with pure faith and surrender to God’s will immediately become called, and that faith immediately removes the chains of sin. Those whose faith has brought freedom and forgiveness from sin are called to repent of their sins. This is what people leave out when urging others to buy into an eternal life insurance policy with a sinners prayer.

Who are the chosen? Abraham was called to follow the Lord. He was chosen because of the faith he showed not by being perfect but perfectly following because of his faith. He unknowingly committed adultery with his wife’s servant. But God corrected him and he had faith to follow his correction. God asked him to sacrifice his son and he had faith in resurrection though being ignorant of gods plan of salvation. Yahovah Yirah. God is my provider. No we are not perfect as Abraham was not perfect. To be chosen, we must have hearts and minds to be willing to accept discipline.

Whether we are living in sin. Whether we are conservative with our sin or liberal with them, sin is sin. That which sets us apart is knowledge or denial of the truth. We will be judged as we have been judged. Whether we sinned ignorantly, or willingly after the call.