Can someone that believes in Calvinism explain the following verse in light of the belief that God chose beforethe foundation of the world who would be saved and who would not be saved....answer the following questions please.
First off this is not for dialog with the originator of the questioner, but to serve as an answer to the questionings, which is really only question begging. Unfortunately there will be no reciprocal respect given in return, this has been my experience, for what it's worth.
God most certainly did choose those who would be "in Christ" and that truth is expressed throughout Scripture. God determined and set in number those whom he elected to salvation, electing them on the basis of his own purpose, counsel and will, according to nothing in them, Note 1 Corinthians 1:26-31. Ephesians 1 is one other passage. This is not secured by the will or choice of man; John 1:12-13; John 6:63 &c. It has been determined by God in eternity past.
Other texts are 2 Thessalonians 2:13, James 1:18; John 1:12-13, Romans 9 and several other passages including OT examples. This is the fact of the matter and a solemn Biblical truth.
God has chosen, we are at his mercy, yet when we preach, we do not know who God has chose. Thus we are to, as the parable shows, indiscriminately preach, those who hear are chosen, others are not, some even fake their way in only to be found without a garment in the end as false converts.
For the truth of the verse in question, we need to look at the entire parable, not just the one verse, as the parable gives light to the verse and its meaning.
The following is a brief explanation of the passage found in Matthew 22:1-14.
This parable has to do with the call being given out to all within hearing, but it is only effectual to the elect. This is the ending of the parable in Matthew 22:1-14. We call this the general and effectual call.
The intent of the parable serves as a picture of the Gospel call in this world, to invite all within hearing into the kingdom to be saved. Notice there are those who did not come, found excuses, mistreated the preachers, all of which would typify the Jews reaction to the Gospel call; Matthew 22:1-8.
This rejection would show they are not his sheep, John 10:26. If they were, they wold have believed his message, and who he is, John 8:24.
When we preach, we do not know who the sheep are, but God does. 2 Timothy 2:8-10 sheds light on this. Paul preached to all, only the elect would be saved. Acts 13:48 shows this truth as well. Of course there are those within that are not true believers, but say they are.
Notice that many unsavory souls are called, Matthew 22:8-10 (this describes me) which would typify the call to the Gentiles, those despised by the Jews. This would also include believing Jews as well. The disciples were despised by the self-righteous Pharisees, the believing Gentiles would be as well as seen throughout Acts and would be attacked by the Jews. These were mistreated and called vile names by the ones who thought due to their pedigree they were worthy of the kingdom, but not others. Jesus rejects this in John 8:37ff, as well as in John 1:13.
Jesus then ends the parable "for many are called, but few are chosen." That is exactly what the parable shows, only those chosen, elect are truly saved and of the kingdom, while the kingdom is even infiltrated with some who are found to be false in the end; Matthew 22:12-13.
This parable is similar in doctrine to the parable of the dragnet. The net is cast indiscriminately (that describes Gospel preaching, or many being called). When the net is brought in, the bad fish are cast off, and only the good are retained. This is in Matthew 13:47-50. Before anyone accuses of this not being the same ending and teaching, remember Jesus taught the same truths in many differing angles. It is the same teaching with different subjects. In this parable, many were also called, few were chosen. We see in the kingdom those who appear to be true converts, those who appear to be impostors (2 Timothy 3) yet the angels under Christ will sort all that out in the end.
It is easy to see the call goes out to many, only those who are chosen will remain. The rest had no desire to repent and truly believe, yet wanted to only escape hell, or wanted to appear as if they believed.
MANY are called but few Chosen
Why are only a few of the many that are called chosen?
Why are not ALL THAT ARE CALLED chosen?
Why call many that will not be chosen?
Why call any if the saved are already chosen?
WHY not call ALL IF Christ Is the savior of all men?
There seems to be only one logical answer that fits all the above questions!
This is evidence the post is only question begging. There is no readiness to do exegetical examination to truly understand the text. We need to understand too that there are not always simple answers to these theological truths, some extensive thought that amounts to more than a one liner needs to be implemented. More than one verse needs to be examined. Context needs to investigated. The setting and audience needs to be investigated. The purpose sought out. Other passages need brought in that shed light. 2 Timothy 2:15 needs to be implemented. If we are not doing this all we are seeking is a proof text with an agenda.
Why call many that will not be chosen? Because that is the nature of preaching, the general call.
I cannot help how any person wants to react to the above. Ridicule, mockery, other callow reactions? Up to you. The text has been properly handled. Seek out any commentaries on this and you will find that it is orthodox and exegetical, contextually handled to come to understand what Christ meant in Matthew 22:14.[/quote]