chosen

Bible Study Guides – Many Called—but Few Chosen

by

February 21, 2010 – February 27, 2010

Key Text

“Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall.” II Peter 1:10.

Study Help: Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 445–456, especially 450–456.

Introduction

“Man is elected to work out his own salvation with fear and trembling. He is elected to put on the armor, to fight the good fight of faith.” Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 454.

1 To what are we told to give diligence, daily diligence, and why? II Peter 1:10.

Note. “If we comply with the conditions the Lord has made, we shall secure our election to salvation. Perfect obedience to His commandments is the evidence that we love God, and are not hardened in sin.

“Christ has a church in every age. There are in the church those who are not made any better by their connection with it. They themselves break the terms of their election. Obedience to the commandments of God gives us a right to the privileges of His church.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 6, 1079.

2 Knowing that our salvation is an issue in making our election sure, what are we told to do? Philippians 2:12.

Note. “Every soul is elected who will work out his own salvation with fear and trembling. He is elected who will put on the armor and fight the good fight of faith. He is elected who will watch unto prayer, who will search the Scriptures, and flee from temptation. He is elected who will have faith continually, and who will be obedient to every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. The provisions of redemption are free to all; the results of redemption will be enjoyed by those who have complied with the conditions.” Patriarchs and Prophets, 208.

“Genuine faith always works by love. When you look to Calvary it is not to quiet your soul in the non-performance of duty, not to compose yourself to sleep, but to create faith in Jesus, faith that will work, purifying the soul from the slime of selfishness. When we lay hold of Christ by faith, our work has just begun. Every man has corrupt and sinful habits that must be overcome by vigorous warfare. Every soul is required to fight the fight of faith. If one is a follower of Christ, he cannot be sharp in deal, he cannot be hardhearted, devoid of sympathy. He cannot be coarse in his speech. He cannot be full of pomposity and self-esteem. He cannot be overbearing, nor can he use harsh words, and censure and condemn.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 6, 1111.

3 To lay hold on eternal life, to what kind of fight are we called? I Timothy 6:12.

Note. “When we lay hold of Christ by faith, our work has just begun. Every man has corrupt and sinful habits that must be overcome by vigorous warfare. Every soul is required to fight the fight of faith.” Ibid., 1111.

4 The testing or trial of our faith is more precious than what? How are we to be found when Jesus comes? I Peter 1:7.

Note. “Many poor souls are groping in darkness, looking for the feelings which others say they have had in their experience. They overlook the fact that the believer in Christ must work out his own salvation with fear and trembling. The convicted sinner has something to do. He must repent and show true faith.

“When Jesus speaks of the new heart, He means the mind, the life, the whole being. To have a change of heart is to withdraw the affections from the world, and fasten them upon Christ. To have a new heart is to have a new mind, new purposes, new motives. What is the sign of a new heart?—A changed life. There is a daily, hourly dying to selfishness and pride.” Messages to Young People, 71, 72.

5 Since faith is based upon a moral conviction, how is it made perfect? James 2:22. Can faith be dead; if so, how? James 2:17.

Note. “While we must often impress the mind with the fact that the Christian life is a life of warfare, that we must watch and pray and toil, that there is peril to the soul in relaxing the spiritual vigilance for one moment, the completeness of the salvation proffered us from Jesus who loves us and gave Himself that we should not perish but have everlasting life, is to be the theme.

“Day by day we may walk with God, day by day following on to know the Lord, entering into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, laying hold on the hope set before us. If we reach heaven it must be by binding the soul to the Mediator, becoming partakers of the divine nature. Leaning on Christ, your life being hid with Christ in God and led by His Spirit, you have the genuine faith.” Selected Messages, Book 1, 182.

6 Name some works of the flesh. Galatians 5:19–21.

Note. “That which Satan plants in the heart—envy, jealousy, evil surmising, evil speaking, impatience, prejudice, selfishness, covetousness, and vanity—must be uprooted. If these evil things are allowed to remain in the soul, they will bear fruit by which many shall be defiled. Oh, how many cultivate the poisonous plants, that kill out the precious fruits of love and defile the soul!” My Life Today, 179.

7 To overcome corrupt and sinful habits by vigorous warfare is a battle. What does I Timothy 6:12 say?

Note. “Man, fallen man, may be transformed by the renewing of the mind, so that he can ‘prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God’ [Romans 12:2]. How does he prove this? By the Holy Spirit taking possession of his mind, spirit, heart, and character. Where does the proving come in? ‘We are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men’ [I Corinthians 4:9]. A real work is wrought by the Holy Spirit upon the human character, and its fruits are seen.

“Just as a good tree will bear good fruit, so will the tree that is actually planted in the Lord’s garden produce good fruit unto eternal life. Besetting sins are overcome; evil thoughts are not allowed in the mind; evil habits are purged from the soul temple. The tendencies which have been biased in a wrong direction are turned in a right direction. Wrong dispositions and feelings are changed, new principles of action supplied, and there is a new standard of character. Holy tempers and sanctified emotions are now the fruit borne upon the Christian tree. An entire transformation has taken place. This is the work to be wrought.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 6, 1080.

8 What is brought into the life of every true believer? I Corinthians 13:4–8.

Note. “Only the love that flows from the heart of Christ can heal. Only He in whom that love flows, even as the sap in the tree or the blood in the body, can restore the wounded soul.

“Love’s agencies have wonderful power, for they are divine. The soft answer that ‘turneth away wrath’ [Proverbs 15:1], the love that ‘suffereth long, and is kind’ [I Corinthians 13:4], the charity that ‘covereth a multitude of sins’ [I Peter 4:8]—would we learn the lesson, with what power for healing would our lives be gifted! How life would be transformed, and the earth become a very likeness and foretaste of heaven!” My Life Today, 179.

9 What character traits should no longer be found in the life of every true believer? Ephesians 4:31, 32.

Note. “We individually have a case pending in the court of heaven. Character is being weighed in the balances of the sanctuary, and it should be the earnest desire of all to walk humbly and carefully, lest, neglecting to let their light shine forth to the world, they fail of the grace of God and lose everything that is valuable. All dissension, all differences and faultfinding, should be put away, with all evil speaking and bitterness.” Testimonies, vol. 5, 279.

“I have this message for you from the Lord: Be kind in speech, gentle in action. Guard yourself carefully, for you are inclined to be severe and dictatorial, and to say rash things. The Lord speaks to you, saying, Watch and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. Harsh expressions grieve the Lord; unwise words do harm. I am charged to say to you, Be gentle in your speech; watch well your words; let no harshness come into your utterances or into your gestures. Bring into all you do and say the fragrance of Christlikeness. Let not natural traits of character mar and spoil your work. You are to help and strengthen the tempted. Let not self appear in rash words. Christ has given His life for the flock, and for all for whom you labor. Let no word of yours balance souls in the wrong direction. In the minister of Christ there must be revealed Christlikeness of character.” Gospel Workers, 163.

10 What promise is given to him that overcomes? Revelation 3:21.

Note. “Here is the beginning of our confidence which we must hold steadfast unto the end. If Jesus resisted Satan’s temptations, He will help us to resist. He came to bring divine power to combine with human effort.” “Ellen G. White Comments,” The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol. 7, 929.

Additional Reading

“But those who are waiting to behold a magical change in their characters without determined effort on their part to overcome sin, will be disappointed. We have no reason to fear while looking to Jesus, no reason to doubt but that He is able to save to the uttermost all that come unto Him; but we may constantly fear lest our old nature will again obtain the supremacy, that the enemy shall devise some snare whereby we shall again become his captives. We are to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God that worketh in you to will and to do of His good pleasure. With our limited powers we are to be as holy in our sphere as God is holy in His sphere. To the extent of our ability, we are to make manifest the truth and love and excellence of the divine character. As wax takes the impression of the seal, so the soul is to take the impression of the Spirit of God and retain the image of Christ.” Selected Messages, Book 1, 336, 337.

“There is an election of individuals and a people, the only election found in the word of God, where man is elected to be saved. Many have looked at the end, thinking they were surely elected to have heavenly bliss; but this is not the election the Bible reveals. Man is elected to work out his own salvation with fear and trembling. He is elected to put on the armor, to fight the good fight of faith. He is elected to use the means God has placed within his reach to war against every unholy lust, while Satan is playing the game of life for his soul. He is elected to watch unto prayer, to search the Scriptures, and to avoid entering into temptation. He is elected to have faith continually. He is elected to be obedient to every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God, and that he may be, not a hearer only, but a doer of the word. This is Bible election.” Testimonies to Ministers and Gospel Workers, 453, 454.

“God has appointed means, if we will use them diligently and prayerfully, that no vessel shall be shipwrecked, but outride the tempest and storm, and anchor in the haven of bliss at last. But if we despise and neglect these appointments and privileges, God will not work a miracle to save any of us, and we will be lost as were Judas and Satan.

“Do not think that God will work a miracle to save those weak souls who cherish evil, who practice sin; or that some supernatural element will be brought into their lives, lifting them out of self into a higher sphere, where it will be comparatively easy work, without any special effort, any special fighting, without any crucifixion of self; because all who dally on Satan’s ground for this to be done will perish with the evildoers. They will be suddenly destroyed, and that without remedy.” Ibid., 453.

Lesson Studies were prepared by Judy Hallingstad of the LandMarks staff. She can be contacted at judyhallingstad@stepstolife.org .

Plague Spots – Few are Chosen

by

Spiritual health is very important. It is something that many of us often tend to forget with so much happening in our busy schedules. The reality is that if our spiritual health is not good, we have lost everything.

It is much like our attitude towards physical health. We start off with enthusiasm on a healthy regime, putting to practice the eight laws of health, and then after a little while we find that we have slipped back into our old habits and lifestyle. Without physical health, we have no quality of life, and without spiritual health, we have no hope of future eternal life.

“And a certain ruler asked him, saying, Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life? And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? none is good, save one, that is, God. Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honour thy father and thy mother. And he said, All these have I kept from my youth up. Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me. And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful: for he was very rich. And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!” Luke 18:18–24.

In The Desire of Ages, 520, Ellen White says, “Christ’s words were verily to the ruler the invitation, ‘Choose you this day whom ye will serve.’ Joshua 24:15. The choice was left with him. Jesus was yearning for his conversion. He had shown him the plague spot in his character, and with what deep interest He watched the issue as the young man weighed the question! If he decided to follow Christ, he must obey His words in everything.”

She goes on to say, “Christ gave this man a test. He called upon him to choose between the heavenly treasure and worldly greatness. The heavenly treasure was assured him if he would follow Christ. But self must yield; his will must be given into Christ’s control. The very holiness of God was offered to the young ruler. He had the privilege of becoming a son of God, and a coheir with Christ to the heavenly treasure.” Ibid., 519, 520. [Emphasis supplied.]

Jesus called upon him to choose between heavenly treasure and worldly greatness. The very holiness of God was offered to him and to you and me. The very privilege of becoming sons and daughters of God is offered to us! “Choose you this day whom ye will serve.” Joshua 24:15.

What happened? That young man turned away—why? His love of self and worldly gain was out of harmony with the principles of heaven. This was a plague spot in his character. Is there something in your life that is out of harmony with the principles of heaven? “Can two walk together, except they be agreed?” Amos 3:3.

The word of God tells us that many are called but few are chosen. Anything out of harmony with the principles of heaven will not be chosen. Anytime you do something or choose something that is out of harmony with the principles of heaven, you turn away from walking with Jesus, just like that young ruler turned away.

What are some things that are “out of harmony” with the principles of heaven or plague spots? A plague spot is something that is malignant and contagious, like a tumor that threatens death. It causes harm and it has a deadly influence. A dictionary may define a plague spot as “rebellious against God or against government,” very discontent.

We are told that the young ruler had a plague spot in his character, which was revealed when he spoke with Jesus. Sadly, he made his choice and walked away sorrowfully, not wanting to part with his riches.

Paul points out a few of the plague spots that are deadly to character in Ephesians 4:22–32. They include:

  • Falsehood and lying are out of harmony with the principles of heaven—always speak truth. There is no lying in heaven.
  • Stealing is out of harmony—start working and giving to those in need.
  • Unwholesome speech—start edifying others with speech that builds up instead of what tears down; speech that teaches morality.
  • Bitterness, anger, slander, malice—be kind to others revealing a tender heart with forgiveness.

When we turn away from the invitation to put on Jesus and reveal His heavenly attributes we forfeit the opportunity to be among the few who are chosen. Living the principles of heaven here is to fit us for the kingdom of God.

“For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.” Romans 14:17. The rich young ruler turned his back on the call. His principles were out of harmony with heaven, and he chose to walk away. Each time we tell a lie, steal, have bitterness or anger or put down people, we also are out of harmony with God’s kingdom of righteousness, and we no longer walk with Jesus.

“God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him, should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16. The young ruler was tested, as each of us is, to prove his worthiness of this most precious gift.

In Ephesians 1:3 we are told, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ.” Where? In Christ! Spiritual blessings will never be found in any other place. “According as He (God) hath chosen us in Him (Jesus) before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love” (Verse 4). “Before the foundations of the earth were laid, the covenant was made that all who were obedient, all who should through the abundant grace provided, become holy in character, and without blame before God … should be children of God.” Fundamentals of Christian Education, 403.

Jesus gave His life that we should be holy and without fault—with no neglect of duty, unstained, before Him in love. He covenanted with the Father that He would put that new heart within us. We are to become partakers of the divine nature and escape worldly corruption through receiving that new heart. (Read Ezekiel 36:26.) Jesus died so this promise would be fulfilled in each of us if we so choose. We are among the many who have been called. God has emptied all heaven that we may have that choice! The question remains whether we will receive the new heart that is offered so we can be chosen.

Another golden nugget of truth is found in Ephesians 1:5. It says, “Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself.” God has predestinated us to this adoption through Jesus. Like a child—the parents have big plans for their little baby to become all that they would like their child to become. The outcome of that success is determined by the choices the child makes of the opportunities that are made available. That child’s destiny depends upon his/her choices.

Each of us has been called by God and predestinated to receive the very holiness of God and become His child. He works things out to accomplish His purpose for us. In Romans 8:28, 29, it says, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.”

Will we choose to walk the path that God has chosen for us—the path of obedience—to walk with Jesus? The rich young ruler made his choice; he walked away sorrowful.

How can all things work together for good? How does theft work together for good? God allows circumstances to test us.

  • The thief – God tests that person, as he is tempted to steal. He failed the test and wanted something that belonged to somebody else more than to walk honestly with Jesus! He coveted and then stole. He was predestined to be a child of God and called to walk with Jesus, but the invitation was refused. Unless there is repentance he will not be among the chosen.
  • The victims of the theft – Those persons were tested to see how they would respond to something of theirs being stolen, whether in a Christlike manner or otherwise. If they responded as Jesus would when called to this test, they would be chosen. If they do not respond like Jesus would and turn from Him, they will not be chosen unless there is repentance.

Daily our characters are being tested to see if we have surrendered our lives to Jesus and come to understand why or how all things work together for good. Each test is a call to stand and to reflect the image of Jesus Christ regardless of the outcome.

“ ‘Many are called,’ Christ said, ‘but few are chosen’ [Matthew 22:14]. If we would remember that we are on test and trial before the heavenly universe, that God is proving us, to see what spirit we are of, there would be more serious contemplation, more earnest prayer.” The Signs of the Times, August 9, 1899.

As hard as it is to understand, God can and does bring joy and good out of accident and tragedy.

When my older brother died—my life changed as a consequence! I was not religious, and I believed that my brother was in heaven, so I tried to contact him. There was no answer, so I thought I needed to become a witch, and then I could make contact. I picked up witchcraft books and started incantations. I look back now and can see how God had His hand over me, and I was so unaware. Finally, I came back to reality and considered what my brother would have wanted me to do with my life. I loved my brother so much! The first thing I did was to quit where I was working, because it was not a nice place, and my brother never did approve of me being there. I would never have done that if he had not died in that accident. I went back to school for training and ended up working in law offices. Had it not been for my brother’s death, I would not be here, because the thought of changing my life had not occurred to me before this. God knew that my brother’s death was the only way He could get my attention.

In heaven we will thank God for all the things that have happened in our lives and the lives of our family—even though we do not understand right now. That is why we trust God, by remembering what He has done for us in the past. He has predestined us for good reason.

God loves us so much that He emptied all heaven to save us. He can be trusted through thick and thin. His promises are sure, and we can safely believe that all things do work together for good to them that love Him—to those who are called according to His purpose. His purpose is that we be conformed into the image of His Son.

God told Jeremiah, “Before I formed thee in the belly I knew thee; And before thou camest forth out of the womb I sanctified thee, and I ordained thee a prophet unto the nations.” Jeremiah 1:5. He believed and accepted that call and filled the place God had for him.

John 1:12 says, “As many as received him”—as many who associated with Him or spent time with Him—“to them gave he power to become the sons of God.” Spend time with Jesus, associate with Him, get to know Him through His Word and receive the power He so freely offers.

God has a purpose for you. He has called you. Will you answer that call or will that privilege be given to another? Are you receiving Christ daily into your life? Walk with Him and talk with Him daily. I shudder to think what would have happened had my brother not died or if I had not accepted the invitation to Bible studies and rejected God’s will for my life. God’s purpose for me would not have been fulfilled! I would have lost out. But it was not easy; I had to step out of my “comfort zone” and take each step, one at a time. If I had not taken that first step, I would have continued in the world walking in that wide road and, worse yet, no light would be shining to others. All in my sphere of influence may have been lost, because I would not have been reflecting the light that comes from Jesus.

God has called me and He has called you. I want to be part of the “few [who] are chosen” (Matthew 22:14)! Don’t you? “Choose you this day whom ye will serve … but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15, last part.

Peter said, “Give diligence to make your calling and election sure.” II Peter 1:10. In Paul’s plea to the Ephesians, he said, “I … beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called.” Ephesians 4:1. He said to walk worthy or to “regulate” your life, or “conduct one’s self” worthy of your calling.

“As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him.” Colossians 2:6. The rich young ruler was called but chose not to walk with Jesus; he turned away. Are you being called today? Are you hearing the invitation to “Come and follow Me”? Have you chosen to walk the narrow way with Jesus? Are you following the light that illuminates your way? Are you walking worthy of your calling and regulating your life? Think on these things and make your calling and election sure.

“Those who perish will perish [why?] because they refuse to be adopted as children of God through Christ Jesus.” The Signs of the Times, January 2, 1893. Like the rich young ruler they refused the call to walk with Jesus.

Matthew 22:9–14 tells the parable of the wedding garment.

“When the king came in to view the guests, the real character of all was revealed. For every guest at the feast there had been provided a wedding garment. This garment was a gift from the king. By wearing it the guests showed their respect for the giver of the feast.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 309.

Many have been called to this spiritual feast, and a garment has been made available—a robe of righteousness—a mighty character transformation through Jesus Christ. We have been called and may, right now, join the banquet.

What is included in this feast? In The Review and Herald, January 17, 1899, it says, “The spiritual banquet has been set before us in rich abundance. We have had presented to us by the messengers of God the richest feast—the righteousness of Christ, justification by faith, the exceeding great and precious promises of God in his word, free access to the Father by Jesus Christ, the comforts of the Holy Spirit, and the well-grounded assurance of eternal life in the kingdom of God. We ask, What could God do for us that he has not done in preparing the great supper, the heavenly banquet?”

We have been provided a wedding garment that “represents the character which all must possess who shall be accounted fit guests for the wedding.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 307.

“But one man was clothed in his common citizen dress. He had refused to make the preparation required by the king. The garment provided for him at great cost he disdained to wear.” Ibid., 309.

The character that was provided for him at great price—the death of the Son of God—he undervalued. He despised it—despised the character of Christ—held it of no value and clung to his own evil character traits. As David pled, so should we also plead: “Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Psalm 139:23, 24.

One man came dressed in citizen’s clothing. “Thus he insulted his lord. To the king’s demand, ‘How camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment?’ he could answer nothing. He was self-condemned. Then the king said, ‘Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness’ [Matthew 22:12, 13].”

“By the king’s examination of the guests at the feast is represented a work of judgment. The guests at the gospel feast are those who profess to serve God, those whose names are written in the book of life. But not all who profess to be Christians are true disciples.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 309, 310. [Emphasis supplied.] Many are called!

“When the work of investigation shall be ended, when the cases of those who in all ages have professed to be followers of Christ have been examined and decided, then, and not till then, probation will close, and the door of mercy will be shut.” The Great Controversy, 428.

“It is not enough for us to believe that Jesus is not an impostor, and that the religion of the Bible is no cunningly devised fable. We may believe that the name of Jesus is the only name under heaven whereby man may be saved, and yet we may not through faith make Him our personal Saviour. It is not enough to believe the theory of truth. It is not enough to make a profession of faith in Christ and have our names registered on the church roll. ‘He that keepeth His commandments dwelleth in Him, and He in him. And hereby we know that He abideth in us, by the Spirit which He hath given us.’ ‘Hereby we do know that we know Him if we keep His commandments.’ I John 3:24; 2:3. This is the genuine evidence of conversion. Whatever our profession, it amounts to nothing unless Christ is revealed in works of righteousness.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 312, 313.

He is to be revealed in our characters! It is our choice; we either accept Christ or the plague spots, as the two cannot exist together.

“The truth is to be planted in the heart. It is to control the mind and regulate the affections. The whole character must be stamped with the divine utterances. Every jot and tittle of the word of God is to be brought into the daily practice.

“He who becomes a partaker of the divine nature will be in harmony with God’s great standard of righteousness, His holy law. This is the rule by which God measures the actions of men. This will be the test of character in the judgment.” Ibid., 314.

God has predestined each of us for a high calling. What more can He do that has not been done? Do not insult God by refusing the gift that has been offered to walk with His Son, refusing to reflect His character.

“Believers in Christ are, in this world to bring into action the principles of heaven. …

“Into the heavenly courts will enter no taint of sin. Those who enter there will have obeyed the truth in this world, and will have brought into the life-practice, while on this earth, the principles of heaven. Only such can be allowed to enter heaven, for only those who learn to live in accordance with the principles of heaven will have demonstrated that they would not, after entering heaven, introduce specious devisings that would create a second rebellion.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 20, 171.

“ ‘Many are called, but few are chosen.’ This is a true statement of the final outcome.” The Review and Herald, May 8, 1900.

God has called you—what more can He do?

“Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, … Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him.” Ephesians 1:5, 9, 10.

Are you in Christ Jesus? Will you be chosen? Is your election sure?

“He is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with Him are called, and chosen, and faithful.” Revelation 17:14.

“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth [bitterness, anger, unkindness, lies, impatience?—No!] the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” I Peter 2:9.

As tests come to you, remember that the Lord is calling you to hold a heavenly standard. Don’t let Him down or allow another to steal your crown. “For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lasciviousness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness: All these evil things come from within, and defile the man.” Mark 7:21–23.

Get rid of them!

Send up this prayer at that moment of test or trial:

“Lord, take my heart; for I cannot give it. It is Thy property. Keep it pure, for I cannot keep it for Thee. Save me in spite of myself, my weak, unchristlike self. Mold me, fashion me, raise me into a pure and holy atmosphere, where the rich current of Thy love can flow through my soul.” Christ’s Object Lessons, 159.

Don’t hang onto your plague spots. “Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” Isaiah 1:18. Many are called but few are chosen. I want you and me to be part of the chosen.

The rich young ruler thought he was good! But when the test came, his heart was revealed; he refused to yield himself to Christ—to walk with Jesus—to receive the very holiness of God. When tests come to you, will you, by your responses and actions, choose to walk with Jesus? Will you be part of the few who are chosen?

Judy Hallingstad works with the LandMarks team. She can be contacted by email at: judyhallingstad@stepstolife.org.

Keys to the Storehouse – Conditions Chosen for You

by

I am sure many of you remember this conversation in the Bible: “Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, We have found Him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph. And Nathanael said unto him, Can there any good thing come out of Nazareth? Philip saith unto him, Come and see.” John 1:45, 46.

To hear what Philip said about Nazareth, it must have been considered a rough and sinful city, well known for its crimes and vices. Even with its notorious reputation, something “good” did come out of Nazareth, Jesus Christ our Saviour.

Nazareth, with all of its depravity, was the city chosen by our heavenly Father for His only begotten Son to be raised.

“What were the conditions chosen by the infinite Father for His Son?

  • A secluded home in the Galilean hills;
  • a household sustained by honest, self-respecting labor;
  • a life of simplicity;
  • daily conflict with difficulty and hardship;
  • self-sacrifice, economy, and patient, gladsome service;
  • the hour of study at His mother’s side, with the open scroll of Scripture;
  • the quiet of dawn or twilight in the green valley;
  • the holy ministries of nature;
  • the study of creation and providence;
  • and the soul’s communion with God—these were the conditions and opportunities of the early life of Jesus.” Ministry of Healing, 365, 366.

We have no excuse for not following our Lord under all circumstances. God has chosen our surroundings for our growth. If it were not for challenges, we would not grow spiritually. Let us praise God for His choices for each of us, knowing that He has chosen such because He loves us.

Remember, “We know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He did predestinate, them He also called: and whom He called, them He also justified: and whom He justified, them He also glorified.” Romans 8:28–30.

God has a plan for you and He has chosen the conditions surrounding your life for good reason. Are you being conformed to His image, or are you making excuses because you are not happy with the circumstances that the Lord has chosen for you? God’s only begotten Son followed His will with delight. Will You?

Father: Forgive me for complaining at times because of circumstances and challenges. Please put peace and happiness into my heart that I may give glory to Thee in all areas of my life. That under all conditions or circumstances, I will remember that it is Your will for my life, and I will praise Your name for Your mercy at that moment and not murmur or complain. Amen.