Understanding the difference between being "called" and being "chosen" is a nuanced and profound aspect of Christian theology that delves into God's sovereign plan for humanity, His purpose for the Church, and the individual's response to His grace. To explore this distinction, we must draw upon the teachings of Scripture, the insights of theological scholars, and the practical implications for believers.
The concept of being "called" is frequently encountered in the New Testament. The Greek word for "called" is "kletos," which means to be invited or summoned. In the context of the New Testament, this calling often refers to the invitation to follow Christ and to enter into a relationship with God. For example, in Matthew 22:14, Jesus says, "For many are called, but few are chosen." This verse succinctly encapsulates the difference between the two terms, suggesting that while many receive the invitation, only a select few are ultimately chosen.
The calling of God can be understood in two primary ways: the general call and the effectual call. The general call is the proclamation of the Gospel to all people. It is the universal invitation to salvation extended to everyone, regardless of their background or status. This is evident in passages such as Matthew 28:19-20, where Jesus commands His disciples to "go and make disciples of all nations." The general call is inclusive and broad, reflecting God's desire for all people to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).
However, not everyone who hears the general call responds positively. This is where the concept of the effectual call comes into play. The effectual call is the work of the Holy Spirit in the hearts of individuals, enabling them to respond in faith to the Gospel. It is a specific and powerful call that results in the transformation of the believer's life. The Apostle Paul speaks of this in Romans 8:30, where he writes, "And those He predestined, He also called; those He called, He also justified; those He justified, He also glorified." Here, the calling is linked with predestination, justification, and glorification, indicating that it is an integral part of God's redemptive plan.
On the other hand, being "chosen" refers to God's sovereign election of individuals for a specific purpose or destiny. The Greek word for "chosen" is "eklektos," meaning selected or picked out. This concept is rooted in the idea that God, in His infinite wisdom and foreknowledge, has elected certain individuals to be recipients of His grace and to fulfill His divine purposes. Ephesians 1:4-5 states, "For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight. In love, He predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will."
The doctrine of election can be a challenging and, at times, controversial topic within Christian theology. It raises questions about God's justice, human free will, and the nature of salvation. However, it is important to approach this doctrine with humility and a recognition of the mystery that surrounds God's ways. Isaiah 55:8-9 reminds us, "'For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways,' declares the Lord. 'As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts.'"
To further elucidate the distinction between being called and being chosen, we can consider the parable of the wedding banquet in Matthew 22:1-14. In this parable, a king invites many guests to his son's wedding banquet, but several of those invited refuse to come. The king then extends the invitation to others, including those who were initially not considered. Eventually, the banquet hall is filled with guests, but one man is found without the proper wedding attire and is cast out. Jesus concludes the parable by saying, "For many are called, but few are chosen."
This parable illustrates that while the invitation (calling) is extended to many, not all who receive the invitation are ultimately chosen to participate in the banquet. The chosen are those who not only receive the invitation but also respond appropriately, signifying a genuine acceptance and transformation. The wedding garment in the parable can be seen as a symbol of the righteousness that comes through faith in Christ, which is necessary to be part of God's kingdom.
Theologically, being chosen implies a deeper level of relationship and purpose. It is not merely about responding to an invitation but about being set apart by God for His specific purposes. This chosen status is often associated with the idea of being part of the "elect," a term used in Scripture to refer to those whom God has predestined for salvation and service. 1 Peter 2:9 describes believers as "a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession, that you may declare the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light."
The difference between being called and being chosen also has practical implications for believers. Understanding that we are called by God should compel us to respond to His invitation with faith and obedience. It is a reminder that the Gospel is not merely information to be acknowledged but a call to a transformed life. Being chosen, on the other hand, should instill in us a sense of gratitude and responsibility. It is a recognition that our salvation and our place in God's kingdom are not based on our merit but on His sovereign grace.
Furthermore, the distinction between calling and choosing can impact our understanding of evangelism and mission. Recognizing that the general call of the Gospel is extended to all should motivate us to share the message of Christ widely and inclusively. At the same time, understanding that God has chosen individuals for salvation should encourage us to trust in His sovereign work and to pray for the Holy Spirit to move in the hearts of those we evangelize.
The writings of notable Christian theologians also provide valuable insights into this topic. For instance, John Calvin, in his seminal work "Institutes of the Christian Religion," discusses the doctrine of election extensively. He emphasizes that God's election is based on His sovereign will and not on any foreseen merit in individuals. Calvin writes, "We say, then, that Scripture clearly proves this much, that God by His eternal and immutable counsel determined once for all those whom it was His pleasure one day to admit to salvation, and those whom, on the other hand, it was His pleasure to doom to destruction" (Book III, Chapter 21).
Similarly, Charles Spurgeon, a renowned Baptist preacher, often spoke about the interplay between God's calling and choosing. In one of his sermons, he remarked, "The call of the Gospel is as wide as the whole world, and it is a call which ought to be addressed to every creature under heaven. But the special call, which comes only to the chosen, brings men to Christ, and to salvation."
In summary, the difference between being called and being chosen lies in the scope and depth of God's invitation and selection. The calling is the broad and inclusive invitation to all people to come to Christ, while being chosen refers to God's sovereign election of individuals for salvation and His divine purposes. This distinction highlights the interplay between God's sovereignty and human responsibility, and it calls believers to respond to God's grace with faith, obedience, and gratitude. As we navigate these profound theological truths, may we do so with humility, reverence, and a deep sense of awe for the God who calls and chooses us for His glory.
