Called, Chosen and Faithful

Dear Brethren,

What does it mean to be "called, and chosen, and faithful"?  It is important for us to understand the complete process described in this phrase.  Soon, end-time rulers will align themselves with the coming beast power to make war with Jesus Christ at His return.

"The ten horns which thou saw are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast.  These have one mind, and shall give their power and strength unto the beast.  These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful."   (Revelation 17:12-14)

It is our hope and faith that we will be with Jesus Christ at His return.  Here we see that those who are with Christ at His return are called, and chosen, and faithful.

First, we must be called.  We understand that this is an invitation that is extended by God the Father.  Each member must be individually appointed to this very special calling.

"[Jesus] said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father." (John 6:65)  (Compare John 6:44)

Then we must also be chosen.  We are selected to be the elect only by responding to the repentance and faith freely extended to us, followed by baptism and the receiving of God's Holy Spirit.  We are chosen when we fully yield our will to the will of God.  Most of those who are called, fall short of the process God has set before us, and will not be able to take part in the marriage supper of the Lamb.  "For many are called, but few are chosen."  (Matthew 22:14)

"Put on therefore, as the elect [chosen] of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful."  (Colossians 3:12-15)

Finally, we must remain faithful until the end.  It is not enough to stand in the Truth for a while, and then let down.  "Wherefore let him that thinks he stands take heed lest he fall."  (1Corinthians 10:12)

"Let us labor therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief."  (Hebrews 4:11)

"Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified, an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?"  (Hebrews 10:29)

Brethren, let us be thankful for the tremendous and unique gift that has been set before us.  Let us remain faithful and endure until the coming of our Lord.  "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."  (Galatians 6:9)

"Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own steadfastness."  (2Peter 3:17)

"He that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved."  (Mark 13:13)

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Sermon:	"Called, Chosen and Faithful - Part 1"
Sermon:	"Called, Chosen and Faithful - Part 2"