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Differences between 'Many Called' and 'Few Chosen'
mharrell08:
--- Quote from: lauriellen on January 21, 2010, 07:07:27 PM ---as i see rays teachings, there is no difference between the called and the chosen, really...they are both doing Gods will as it pertains to them individually. the chosen only believe and understand all the things you stated because it was a gift from God...and the called only believe the things you stated because God hardened their hearts and blinded their eyes and stopped up their ears to the truth....i don't think it is fair to say that unbelievers are going against Gods will, because it is His will that they can't believe in the first place.....the bottom line is God created vessels of honor and vessels of dishonor, and we have no say in the matter.
lauriellen
--- End quote ---
Hello Lauriellen,
I believe you are confusing God's will with God's intention:
Excerpts from Lake of Fire Part 15-A (http://bible-truths.com/lake15.html):
DIFFERENTIATING BETWEEN GOD’S STATED WILL AND HIS PLAN OR INTENTIONS
Few students of the Scriptures have learned the truth regarding God’s stated WILL and His PLAN or INTENTIONS. They are clearly not one and the same. They operate completely differently for different purposes.
First we should understand that God’s will is used both as a noun and a verb. As a noun, God’s will is virtually synonymous with His GOAL. It is usually not too hard to tell in Scripture whether the word "will" is used as a noun or a verb. In the Scripture we just used to show that things only happen "if God will," it is used as a verb. And whenever God uses His will as a verb, then it absolutely will be fulfilled and carried out at the time and place that He wills it.
If, however, God is speaking of His will as a noun, meaning His ultimate goal, then it does not immediately come about in totality at the place and time that He states it. A perfect example of God’s will as a noun and it not coming to total fruition at the place and time stated, is in what is popularly called "The Lord’s Prayer."
"Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heave" (Matt. 6:9-10).
I don’t think too many would argue that God’s kingdom and His will has not totally come to this earth as it is in heaven. This is a goal—it will happen, just not at this time. And so man’s will is almost always at variance with God’s stated will as His ultimate goal for the human race. But God’s day-to-day willing of events to carrying out His plan is never ever contradicted or thwarted by puny man. Paul understood this principle perfectly.
WHO HAS RESISTED GOD’S WILL?
So God has mercy upon whom He will have mercy and whom He wills, He hardens. But when I tell people that this is how God operates, they find fault with it. They say that isn’t fair. They say we are mere puppets if this is the way God operates. How can God blame and punish people for doing what God Himself caused them to do in the first place? The Apostle Paul got the same carnal-minded criticisms of God’s plan:
"You will say then unto me, Why does He [God] yet find fault? For who has resisted His will [Greek: boulema—‘resolve, purpose, a deliberate intention’]?" (Rom. 9:19).
This is an amazing Scripture. This Scripture shows the difference in attitude between those who understand God’s plan and will and those who do not.
After explaining to the Romans that God raised Pharaoh up for a specific purpose in God’s plan, Paul foresees the attitudes of his listeners. They will reason that if God is the One behind our actions, and we are totally incapable of doing other than what He determines we will do, then WHY DOES HE FIND FAULT WITH US WHEN WE SIN?
First it is most important that we look at and understand the word translated "will" in Rom. 9:19. It is not the usually Greek word, which is translated "will" hundreds of times in the New Testament. This Greek word boulema is used but twice in the Bible, here in Rom. 9:19 and in Acts 27:43 where it is translated "purpose."
So the question that Paul is setting up is not "…who has resisted His will?" but rather, "who has resisted His purpose [His plan, His intention]?"
To the question, "…who has resisted His will?" the answer is: EVERYONE! But when properly translated, to the question, "who has resisted His purpose?" the answer is: ABSOLUTELY NO ONE!
God has a will and God has a plan and purpose to reach that will. And no small part of reaching His desired will is to set men against His will, just as He did with Pharaoh. But no one has ever hindered God’s plan and purpose in reaching that goal and stated will. God’s will, will be done in His time.
So back to Paul’s questioners: If God causes us to do what we do, and no one ever has or ever can go against or resist that purpose of God, why does He blame us when we sin? And again, I will let Paul answer, since the question was directed to him. But you know what? Paul does not even deign to answer their question. That’s right, Paul proposes the question and then does not directly answer it. He considers the very question itself too demeaning, if not blasphemous to answer. Instead He says this:
"Nay but, O man, WHO ARE YOU that replies against God? Shall the thing formed [that’s us] say to Him that formed it, [that’s GOD] Why have You made me thus? Has not the Potter [GOD] power over the clay [man], of the same lump to make one vessel unto honour, and another unto dishonour?" (Rom. 9:20-21).
I never said anyone resisted God's intentions, only His Will as in His ultimate goal and purpose.
I never said anyone has 'say in the matter', only that it is a wonderful thing that God is doing in our lives. I don't understand how this subject could be confusing, but if you don't see a difference between those God is calling and those He is not, I really don't know what to tell you.
This thread was simply one of encouragement for our fellow brethren, nothing more.
Marques
lauriellen:
it is a wonderful thing for the "few chosen".....not so much for the "many called".....
lauriellen
Patric:
totally agree....and yet we are accountable and God is responsible for this....that is the part the humbles me the most
Marlene:
It is going to be a good thing for all. It sure beats the false teaching of Babylon. At least all will be judged fairly and learn to live righteous. I have never heard such Good News. I have peace, if I am not chosen, I know that God will be a fair judge. I much rather obey now, but then again this wanting to obey all comes from him.
This is truly Good News for all!
In His Love,
Marlene
LiberatedEagle:
--- Quote from: lauriellen on January 21, 2010, 09:09:17 PM ---it is a wonderful thing for the "few chosen".....not so much for the "many called".....
lauriellen
--- End quote ---
I kind of felt the same way. Used to anyway...
When I think about the lessons, trials and chastisement the "few chosen" have to endure and how we enter the kingdom of God through much tribulation, I realize though I'm blessed to have received this knowledge of truth before the many called, it definitely comes with a price. I am required to follow the footsteps of Jesus and that means MY flesh has to die. This process will not be pleasurable. I'm quite sure if the "many called" really knew the requirements of being a son of God they wouldn't jump at the opportunity, neither would I for that matter, but we have been bought with a price. God does the choosing and places this desire in us because our flesh wouldn't desire it's own crucifixion. So though it is a wonderful thing for the "few chosen" it is also very trying. Who in their right mind wants to jump in the fire first....only the chosen.
In His Will,
Charles
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