GOD CHOOSES PEOPLE

GOD CHOOSES PEOPLE

NONE SHOULD STUMBLE at the thought of God selecting, picking out, or electing. He selected Abraham to be the progenitor of a race of blessing. Moses was chosen to lead the people of God from Egyptian bondage. Aaron was selected of God to be the high priest. David was chosen to be king of the people of God. Zacharias and Elizabeth were chosen to have John the Baptist, and Mary was chosen to bear the Son of God. The Lord chose prophets like Jeremiah, John the Baptist, and Paul before they were born (Jer 1:5; Luke 1:41-44; Gal 1:15). None of the Prophets were volunteers for the office, nor were any of the Apostles. They were all "picked out," so to speak. No Scripturally informed person questions these statements.

ISRAEL WAS CHOSEN. Israel was a chosen people. As it is written, "For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God: the LORD thy God hath chosen thee to be a special people unto Himself, above all people that are upon the face of the earth. The LORD did not set His love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people" (Deut 7:6-7). Again it is written, "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" (Deut 14:2). Surely no one will affirm He chose them because they were worthy, or because they measured up to His expectations. The choice was not made because they excelled, were greater than other nations, or had more natural abilities than the peoples surrounding them. The reason for the choice was God Himself – in particular, His graciousness or favor. They were chosen because He wanted them. That is the highest of all reasons!

THE APOSTLES WERE CHOSEN. In an extensive dialog with His disciples, Jesus spoke of divine choice. "Ye have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in My He may give it you" (John 15:16). The Apostles of the Lamb could not boast of earning their office, or deserving it by their moral or spiritual achievements. Their involvement in the "eternal purpose" of God was because of Christ's choice! The remarkable accomplishments they realized were due Jesus' choice of them. The duration of their fruit is also traceable that choice.

GOD CHOSE THOSE WHO WOULD PREACH THE GOSPEL; TO THE GENTILES. When the early church was discussing the acceptance of the Gentiles, Peter explained how they had heard the Gospel. "And when there had been much dispute, Peter rose up and said to them: ‘Men and brethren, you know that a good while ago God chose among us, that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe'" (Acts 15:7).

HOW BEFITTING THAT THOSE IN CHRIST are also declared to be "chosen in Him (Christ)" (Eph 1:4), "chosen to salvation" (2 Thess 2:13), and "a chosen generation" (1 Pet 2:9). Rufus is said to be "chosen in the Lord" Rom 16:13). Spiritual soldiers are also said to be "chosen to be a good soldier" (2 Tim 2:4). God has also "chosen the poor of this world, rich in faith" (James 2:5). What marvelous grace has been extended to us! This is not something about which men are to argue or speculate. It is a simple statement of the facts in the case.
– Given O. Blakely