Many Are Called But Few Are Chosen

Q

Re: “Many are called but few are chosen.” What exactly does this mean? I’m afraid that I won’t make it if only a few are going to Heaven.

A

It’s another slant on John 3:16. God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten son that who so ever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. Jesus died for everyone, but only believers get eternal life.

God doesn’t want any of us to be lost but for all to come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9) But although He’s made provision for everyone, He’s left the choice to us.

In the passage you quoted, Matt. 22:14, the whole world represents the many who are called. Those who believe that the death of God’s Son was payment for their sins and have asked Him to be their Savior are the few who are chosen. If you’ve done that you needn’t worry. You’ve met the only qualification.

The most tragic day in human history will be the one where unbelievers finally realize that the penalty for all of their sins was paid in full and they rejected it.