“Many Are Called, But Few Are Chosen.”
Matthew 22:1-14 contains a pointed parable. It speaks of a king who prepared a marriage feast for his son. The king's servants were sent out to invite many guests, who declined his invitation. They were sent out again to invite all they found to come. When the king entered the feast, he found a man who did not have on a wedding garment. When asked why, he was speechless. Then the king had his servants bind him and cast him out into the outer darkness. Jesus concluded, “For many are called, but few are chosen.”
This parable teaches the necessity of holiness and meshes with other parables.
In Matthew 13 we have: “the sower”, where one only one soil in four brought forth
a harvest; “the tares”, where the weeds are separated from the wheat at the time of harvest; and “the net”, where the bad fish are cast away from the good. In Matthew 25 we read of ten virgins - but half were foolish; the talents, where one of three servants did nothing; and the sheep and the goats, where the sheep helped those in need, but the goats did not. We may remember that the root idea of holiness or sanctification is separation.
The author of Hebrews wrote: “Follow after peace with all men, and holiness without which no man shall see the Lord.”- 12:14. John reminded, “and everyone who has this hope on him purifies himself, even as He is pure.”- 1 John 3:3 Jesus said, “ For narrow is the gate, and straightened the way, that leads unto life, and few are they that find it.” And, “He who loves his life loses it; and he who hates his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.” – Matthew 7:14, John 12:25
In regard to the marriage feast, and the wedding garment, “Let us rejoice and be exceeding glad, and let us give the glory unto him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife has made herself ready. And it was given unto her that she should array herself in fine linen, bright and pure: for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.” – Revelation 19:7-8 Cf. 2 Timothy 1:16-18
“But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, for that God chose you from the beginning unto salvation in sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth : whereunto He called you through our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.” – 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14 “And the God of peace himself sanctify you wholly; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved entire, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Faithful is He that calls you, who will also do it.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:23-4
11/22/05 wm