An enthusiastic friend of mine sent out a letter with the following in it:
The Chosen
Most are invited, but only some are picked out of the crowd. Is it our free will or God’s election? God calls everyone and gives them the power to respond—but to be chosen, we must respond to the call, using the power God gave us to take on the character of Christ.
Read it again— “to be chosen we must respond.” What then does it mean to be chosen? Oh goodness, me! Here is an example of that which induces in us spontaneous praise to God, not only for His sovereign salvation, but also for the Canons of Dordt and wonderful Westminster. The Confessions are very helpful on this topic. My friend, unfortunately, is not. Pray we can help our peers see some of the beauty which remains hidden from them. A great deal of the attractiveness of God’s Gospel is inevitably out of sight when schemes dictate that becoming chosen is up to you! As the great rabbis said: Oy Vey!
pastor steve
Amen and Amen!