Many are called but few are chosen

[VictoryinJesus]

Can the chosen also be rejected? Yes. But the chosen (few), when proved to be unworthy of that calling... need not be entirely rejected. They can be bumped down to the many who are barely saved.


Parable of the unjust steward....

Luke 16:1 He also said to His disciples: "There was a certain rich man who had a steward, and an accusation was brought to him that this man was wasting his goods.

2 So he called him and said to him, 'What is this I hear about you? Give an account of your stewardship, for you can no longer be steward.'

3 Then the steward said within himself, 'What shall I do? For my master is taking the stewardship away from me. I cannot dig; I am ashamed to beg.

4 I have resolved what to do, that when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses.'

5 So he called every one of his master's debtors to him, and said to the first, 'How much do you owe my master?'

6 And he said, 'A hundred measures of oil.' So he said to him, 'Take your bill, and sit down quickly and write fifty.'

7 Then he said to another, 'And how much do you owe?' So he said, 'A hundred measures of wheat.' And he said to him, 'Take your bill, and write eighty.'

8 So the master commended the unjust steward because he had dealt shrewdly. For the sons of this world are more shrewd in their generation than the sons of light.

9 And I say to you, make friends for yourselves by unrighteous mammon, that when you fail, they may receive you into an everlasting home.

10 He who is faithful in what is least is faithful also in much; and he who is unjust in what is least is unjust also in much.

11 Therefore if you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches?

12 And if you have not been faithful in what is another man's, who will give you what is your own?

struggling here. I’m not saying this passage does not prove what you think it proves...but I’m not convinced. The master and lord of the unjust steward is the lord of the present world and present kingdom(it is obvious who the master of the unjust steward is). The steward justifies himself before men so they will accept him into their houses when the master lets him go. Christ tells the unjust steward to go ahead...make friends with the mammon...so when it fails because it will fail, since there is no friendship to be had with the unrighteous mammon. That they may receive you into an everlasting home....when? When it fails. “...That when you fail, they may receive you into an everlasting home.” To assume the houses of men one justifies themselves before and the houses of mammon are everlasting...again, I’m not convinced. The Lord said the house of the enemy is coming down. That there is no foundation in the wicked. God says the name of the wicked will end and be no more. There is only one everlasting name. Only one everlasting kingdom. only one everlasting house which is the house of God.

Luke 16:13-15
[13] No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. [14] And the Pharisees also, who were covetous, heard all these things: and they derided him. [15] And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.

Isn’t it about conversion. Isn’t that the heart of God? The restoration, reconciliation of God and man? Luke 22:31-32 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: [32] But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

Did God allow Peter to be sifted? “I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not...” for the sifting is coming and you will be converted(translated). Acts 14:22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.

Why is Christ telling the unjust steward to go ahead and trust in what fails?

Again, I’m sorry but these are my thoughts. Wrong, very likely. Convince me that scripture shows an everlasting habitation for the unjust steward that justifies himself before men.

 

[Episkopos]

struggling here. I’m not saying this passage does not prove what you think it proves...but I’m not convinced. The master and lord of the unjust steward is the lord of the present world and present kingdom(imho but could be wrong). The steward justifies himself before men so they will accept him into their houses when the master lets him go. Christ tells the unjust steward to go ahead...make friends with the mammon...so when it fails because it will fail, since there is no friendship to be had with the unrighteous mammon. That they may receive you into an everlasting home....when? When it fails. “...That when you fail, they may receive you into an everlasting home.” To assume the houses of men one justifies themselves before and the houses of mammon are everlasting...again, I’m not convinced. The Lord said the house of the enemy is coming down. That there is no foundation in the wicked. God says the name of the wicked will end and be no more. There is only one everlasting name. Only one everlasting kingdom. only one everlasting house which is the house of God.

Luke 16:13-15
[13] No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. [14] And the Pharisees also, who were covetous, heard all these things: and they derided him. [15] And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.

Hi VIJ! I have a framework that allows to understand the word...down to the smallest details. Now very few will see it that way, of course. Especially in this time of rampant opinion mongering.

But let's look at this more closely together! :)

A steward is one who has authority. We could say...like a man who received a talent in the parable of the talent. He has received something to be profitable with. It is a gift but also a responsibility...as we shall see.

But what if a person was incompetent, not being able to furnish the kind of productivity, or advancement that God expected? Remember that God has many servants...and there IS a standard by which a higher calling entails. We know that Paul would have more responsible for not doing what he was supposed to do.

So here is a part of my framework...

To whom much is given, more is required.

The steward was given a responsibility that he failed in. But God is showing us a way out of such a predicament...when we fail the higher calling.

It is like being an officer on a ship....the authority thing...but being unworthy of being such. The ousted officer then looks for a berth on the ship as a member of the crew.

Framework #2: The difference between the high calling in holiness for the saint and the general calling of the righteous to inhabit the nations.

So then in my ship story, the officer in question is wise...since he remains on the ship by humbling himself to become part of the crew...and he is happy about it. So is the captain of the ship (God). He finds AN ETERNAL BERTH among his fellow crewmates. So then in his unjust ways...he has used his position to become a guest...rather than be in the bridal party.

Very wise....and humble.

The everlasting abode is in the nations NOT the new Jerusalem. So then he used his high calling to find a lower station....from being a saint to being just a bad guest. But a guest nevertheless.

Unless you have a proper framework this parable (and others) will never make any sense to you.

(to be continued)

 

[Episkopos]

Isn’t it about conversion. Isn’t that the heart of God? The restoration, reconciliation of God and man? Luke 22:31-32 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: [32] But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

Did God allow Peter to be sifted? “I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not...” for the sifting is coming and you will be converted(translated). Acts 14:22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.

Why is Christ telling the unjust steward to go ahead and trust in what fails?

Again, I’m sorry but these are my thoughts. Wrong, very likely. Convince me that scripture shows an everlasting habitation for the unjust steward that justifies himself before men.

OK Try explaining this...in the parable of the talents. The Lord says....

Mat. 25:26 “But his lord answered and said to him, ‘You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed. 27So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest

What if the wicked servant had deposited the Lord's money with the bankers? Would he still have been cast into outer darkness?

Now, these parables are spoken to us so that we can understand the standard we are to aim for.

What Luke 16 is illustrating is that the wicked servant in Mat. 25. should have done as the unjust steward in Luke 16. He should have given over the Lord's money to the money changers.

Who are the money changers?
Everything in the world belongs to God. So if we give ...we are essentially giving something of his. So if we receive grace from God....from His mercy....then bestowing that grace and mercy on others....who are deserving or not...makes us to be righteous. So then we can be in a sense....righteous by using unrighteous things.

Even simpler....if we can't be a saint then make friends with the righteous. Humble yourself and see yourself as one of them. Then, they will take you in to the nations in a humbler yet secure salvation of an everlasting habitation among them.

Framework #3: Receive a prophet in the name of a prophet and get a prophet's reward. But....(and this is intended for this illustration of the unjust and wicked servants)...receive a righteous man in the name of a righteous man...and get a righteous man's reward.

Mat. 10:41 "He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward; and he who receives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward.

If you meditate on these things...your mind might get blown! :)

 

[farouk]

I’ve experienced the same. Was up late last night reading Job and book marking so many verses that made sense ...because “There is no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful....” maybe one or more of these verses will also give comfort: Job 33:27-30
[27] He looketh upon men, and if any say, I have sinned, and perverted that which was right, and it profited me not; [28] He will deliver his soul from going into the pit, and his life shall see the light. [29] Lo, all these things worketh God oftentimes with man, [30] To bring back his soul from the pit, to be enlightened with the light of the living.

Job 36:5-10
[5] Behold, God is mighty, and despiseth not any: he is mighty in strength and wisdom. [6] He preserveth not the life of the wicked: but giveth right to the poor. [7] He withdraweth not his eyes from the righteous: but with kings are they on the throne; yea, he doth establish them for ever, and they are exalted. [8] And if they be bound in fetters, and be holden in cords of affliction; [9] Then he sheweth them their work, and their transgressions that they have exceeded. [10] He openeth also their ear to discipline, and commandeth that they return from iniquity.

Job 36:20-22
[20] Desire not the night, when people are cut off in their place. [21] Take heed, regard not iniquity: for this hast thou chosen rather than affliction. [22] Behold, God exalteth by his power: who teacheth like him?

“...who teacheth like God?” Job 37:7 He sealeth up the hand of every man; that all men may know his work.

Job 35:14
[14] Although thou sayest thou shalt not see him, yet judgment is before him; therefore trust thou in him.

Job 34:3-4
[3] For the ear trieth words, as the mouth tasteth meat. [4] Let us choose to us judgment: let us know among ourselves what is good.

Job is indeed an extremely moving book, full of wisdom, so old and yet new.

 

[farouk]

@stunnedbygrace : Thanks for the 'like'; Job is indeed so searching.

 

[farouk]

struggling here. I’m not saying this passage does not prove what you think it proves...but I’m not convinced. The master and lord of the unjust steward is the lord of the present world and present kingdom(it is obvious who the master of the unjust steward is). The steward justifies himself before men so they will accept him into their houses when the master lets him go. Christ tells the unjust steward to go ahead...make friends with the mammon...so when it fails because it will fail, since there is no friendship to be had with the unrighteous mammon. That they may receive you into an everlasting home....when? When it fails. “...That when you fail, they may receive you into an everlasting home.” To assume the houses of men one justifies themselves before and the houses of mammon are everlasting...again, I’m not convinced. The Lord said the house of the enemy is coming down. That there is no foundation in the wicked. God says the name of the wicked will end and be no more. There is only one everlasting name. Only one everlasting kingdom. only one everlasting house which is the house of God.

Luke 16:13-15
[13] No servant can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon. [14] And the Pharisees also, who were covetous, heard all these things: and they derided him. [15] And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.

Isn’t it about conversion. Isn’t that the heart of God? The restoration, reconciliation of God and man? Luke 22:31-32 And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: [32] But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

Did God allow Peter to be sifted? “I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not...” for the sifting is coming and you will be converted(translated). Acts 14:22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.

Why is Christ telling the unjust steward to go ahead and trust in what fails?

Again, I’m sorry but these are my thoughts. Wrong, very likely. Convince me that scripture shows an everlasting habitation for the unjust steward that justifies himself before men.

Thanks; you've just given me an idea for a Bible study; over the weekend I was studying about intercession in the Old Testament.

 

[VictoryinJesus]

I will (I am) meditating on them. Again, not saying you are wrong. I’ve seen things of God open before to where I say, “How did I not see that before when it was right in front of me.” But I have questions:

Who are the money changers?
Everything in the world belongs to God. So if we give ...we are essentially giving something of his. So if we receive grace from God....from His mercy....then bestowing that grace and mercy on others....who are deserving or not...makes us to be righteous. So then we can be in a sense....righteous by using unrighteous things.

Here you refer to the money in the parable of the Lord as grace or mercy. This makes sense when you said “so if we receive grace from God...from His mercy...then bestowing that grace and mercy on others....who are deserving or not....makes us to be righteous.” It fits “to forgive” as you have been forgiven. In fact, it seems to be the very thing we are called to do in being chosen...to show (declare) mercy and to bear witness of God’s grace and mercy. Yes, makes sense that out of love and thankfulness for the mercy and grace we have received, that we also extend it to others(deserving or not).

But then you revert back from grace and mercy to “so then we can in a sense be...righteous by using unrighteous things.” Are you speaking of “grace” or “money” now? Is grace not righteous? Not grace as in descriptive “grace” and beauty...but “grace” as a verb, an action of something given (exchanged)? God uses a temporal (the Unrighteous Mammon) to teach a spiritual application of an eternal treasure?


2 Corinthians 6:1-10
[1] We then, as workers together with him , beseech you also that ye receive not the grace of God in vain. [2] (For he saith, I have heard thee in a time accepted, and in the day of salvation have I succoured thee: behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.) [3] Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed: [4] But in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God, in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, [5] In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings; [6] By pureness, by knowledge, by longsuffering, by kindness, by the Holy Ghost, by love unfeigned, [7] By the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armour of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, [8] By honour and dishonour, by evil report and good report: as deceivers, and yet true; [9] As unknown, and yet well known; as dying, and, behold, we live; as chastened, and not killed; [10] As sorrowful, yet alway rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, and yet possessing all things.

 

[VictoryinJesus]

Framework #3: Receive a prophet in the name of a prophet and get a prophet's reward. But....(and this is intended for this illustration of the unjust and wicked servants)...receive a righteous man in the name of a righteous man...and get a righteous man's reward.

Mat. 10:41 "He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward; and he who receives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward.

I’m not sure how this connects to the parable of the unjust steward? Or how it connects to Luke 16:9 And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations.

Matthew 10:40-41
[40] He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me. [41] He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward.

Seems to be saying just what the Lord says: He that receives you(in my name), also receives Me(Christ). Who does not hear you, does not hear Me(Again Christ). By this you will know who is mine(Christ’s).

 

[Episkopos]

Here you refer to the money in the parable of the Lord as grace or mercy. This makes sense when you said “so if we receive grace from God...from His mercy...then bestowing that grace and mercy on others....who are deserving or not....makes us to be righteous.” It fits “to forgive” as you have been forgiven. In fact, it seems to be the very thing we are called to do in being chosen...to show (declare) mercy and to bear witness of God’s grace and mercy. Yes, makes sense that out of love and thankfulness for the mercy and grace we have received, that we also extend it to others(deserving or not).

But then you revert back from grace and mercy to “so then we can in a sense be...righteous by using unrighteous things.” Are you speaking of “grace” or “money” now? Is grace not righteous? Not grace as in descriptive “grace” and beauty...but “grace” as a verb, an action of something given (exchanged)? God uses a temporal (the Unrighteous Mammon) to teach a spiritual application of an eternal treasure?

When I say we give grace....it isn't the same way that God does since His grace directly empowers us.

The way we give grace indirectly empowers people....by encouraging them, supporting them, rescuing them....and basically loving them.

If loving them includes money then so be it. We transform the power of unrighteous money....by giving it away.

 

[Episkopos]

I’m not sure how this connects to the parable of the unjust steward? Or how it connects to Luke 16:9 And I say unto you, Make to yourselves friends of the mammon of unrighteousness; that, when ye fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations.

Matthew 10:40-41
[40] He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me. [41] He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward.

Seems to be saying just what the Lord says: He that receives you(in my name), also receives Me(Christ). Who does not hear you, does not hear Me(Again Christ). By this you will know who is mine(Christ’s).

The question is how can someone receive you into eternal habitations that has been rejected by God?

I am trying to point out the different standards (or destinies) that the bible is informing us about.

IOW....a saint must live to the standard of a saint...which is very difficult. And a righteous person must conform to that standard....which is much easier.

 

[Hidden In Him]

Mat. 22:14 For many are called, but few are chosen.
So who are the many?
Who are the chosen?
Chosen by whom? and how?...and for what?

Greetings, Episkopos.

The "many" are the world, and the "chosen" are those clothed in the Holy Spirit, both Jew and Gentile. They will be chosen by God for the wedding feast of the Lamb.

The full parable reads as follows:

1 And Jesus answered and spake unto them again by parables, and said, 2 "The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son, 3 And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come. 4 Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage. 5 But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise: 6 And the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them. 7 But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city.

8 Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy. 9 Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage. 10 So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests. 11 And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment: 12 And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless. 13 Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness, there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 14 For many are called, but few are chosen." (Luke 22:1-14)

Jesus here predicted the coming destruction of Jerusalem after the Jewish leadership would murder the apostles (verses 1-6). Then He predicted the gospel being preached even to the Gentiles thereafter, since most of the Jews would be found unworthy (verses 8-10). Verses 11-14 describe Christ's return (before the actual supper of the Lamb) when He will come to "see the guests" and pass judgement on who is worthy to attend and who is not. Those not clothed in the Holy Spirit will not have on the proper garments on, for all must "put on Christ" in order to attend.

 

[Episkopos]

Greetings, Episkopos.

The "many" are the world, and the "chosen" are those clothed in the Holy Spirit, both Jew and Gentile. They will be chosen by God for the wedding feast of the Lamb.

The full parable reads as follows:

1 And Jesus answered and spake unto them again by parables, and said, 2 "The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son, 3 And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come. 4 Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage. 5 But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise: 6 And the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them. 7 But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city.

8 Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy. 9 Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage. 10 So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests. 11 And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment: 12 And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless. 13 Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness, there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 14 For many are called, but few are chosen." (Luke 22:1-14)

Jesus here predicted the coming destruction of Jerusalem after the Jewish leadership would murder the apostles (verses 1-6). Then He predicted the gospel being preached even to the Gentiles thereafter, since most of the Jews would be found unworthy (verses 8-10). Verses 11-14 describe Christ's return (before the actual supper of the Lamb) when He will come to "see the guests" and pass judgement on who is worthy to attend and who is not. Those not clothed in the Holy Spirit will not have on the proper garments on, for all must "put on Christ" in order to attend.

What you are espousing is a popular misconception. The world isn't full of many...but all. Look more carefully at what is laid out...


You are staying to one standard...and mixing holiness with righteousness.

Who are in the "saved" nations? Who are in the New Jerusalem?

 

[Hidden In Him]

What you are espousing is a popular misconception. The world isn't full of many...but all. Look more carefully at what is laid out...
You are staying to one standard...and mixing holiness with righteousness.
Who are in the "saved" nations? Who are in the New Jerusalem?

Have a good one. Been down this road before. :)

Blessings,
Hidden

 

[Episkopos]

Have a good one. Been down this road before. :)

Blessings,
Hidden

And on that road are many habitations for sale...but not for money. ;)

 

[Hidden In Him]

And on that road are many habitations for sale...but not for money. ;)

I'd take the trip again, but it turned out to be kind of a dead end last time, LoL.

 

[Episkopos]

I'd take the trip again, but it turned out to be kind of a dead end last time, LoL.

The road keeps going...although it looks like a dead end. You have to have faith that the road continues....and then it does! :)

It is a test of faith.

 

[Hidden In Him]

It is a test of faith.

LoL. I've had enough tests for one week, but I appreciate the invite.

 

[stunnedbygrace]

I'd take the trip again, but it turned out to be kind of a dead end last time, LoL.

it helps if you understand that he doesn't concern himself with unbelievers so much as the hypocrisies and blindnesses in us believers.

What he has to say stuns and makes joyful a man who has had some small amount of humbling by God. It is not distressing to that man - he is relieved to say, I leave it to my Lord where He will place me, He is good and merciful and can be trusted.

But to a man who is sure of the seating arrangement, he offends.

 

[Hidden In Him]

it helps if you understand that he doesn't concern himself with unbelievers so much as the hypocrisies and blindnesses in us believers.

What he has to say stuns and makes joyful a man who has had some small amount of humbling by God. It is not distressing to that man - he is relieved to say, I leave it to my Lord where He will place me, He is good and merciful and can be trusted.

But to a man who is sure of the seating arrangement, he offends.

Episkopos and I have quite a few disagreements on things, but I don't find him particularly offensive, unless of course we end up going around and around on something to no good end. Occasionally he teaches some well-thought out insights, so he at least has that going for him. :)

But I've learned to leave it alone when I can see we are going to disagree.

No problems, and thanks for the nice message.

 

[stunnedbygrace]

Lol, most everything he posts i object to at first. I have to think very hard and listen for some time before I can understand and agree with it.