Hi Rick,
Well we know that the elect are only a few that will serve with Christ to save the rest of humanity, but we also know that there are all those righteous from the OT and some were mentioned in Hebrews 11, who died in faith NOT receiving the promise (verse 39). And as you were saying there are many others, that are not among the chosen but who are not wicked, weak to the carnal flesh and sinners yes, but not really wicked. Then I noticed a Scripture that seems to suggest something about these.
Mat 8:11 And I say to you that many will come from east and west, and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven.
Luke 13:28 There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, and yourselves thrust out.
We can understand that Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob lived before salvation came through Christ Jesus, so they cannot be among the elect. So what about what these verses "Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom"?
Well if you think about it, certainly those people were not enemies of God, they served Him faithful during their past life on earth. So when those people come up in the 2nd resurrection, the white throne judgment, will they be put back into God's service, with many others as well, in the physically/earthly aspect of the kingdom when Christ rules the earth?
Rev 21:3 And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, "Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God.
I can see how the elect will serve as powerful, glorious, spiritual rulers with Christ... but I would think there would need to be a lot of administrative workers, so to speak, who are already trusted and proven from their past life. Maybe there will be a whole physical aspect to the kingdom... that does seem to be what is indicated in those Scripture in Matthew and Luke.
All of this is being worked out by God that His plan may be carried out exactly as He ordained it to be. Most live our lives totally unaware of the Master Planner behind the scenes.
Pro 16:9 A man's heart plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps.
Pro 19:21 Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand.
I think it is good to think about these things, better than dwelling on the mess of this world.
mercy, peace and love
Kat