Chosen: Understanding God's Sovereign Selection and Divine Purpose in Salvation

The biblical concept of being "chosen" reveals God's sovereign selection of individuals for His divine purposes. This profound doctrine spans both Testaments, from Israel's national election to the Church's spiritual calling, always grounded in God's grace rather than human merit.

God's Sovereign Choice in Election

God has an eternal purpose, and He chooses individuals from the vast masses of humanity to achieve that goal. The Old Testament emphasis is on God selecting Abraham and his descendants, the Israelites (Jews), who became God's chosen people. The divine plan was for this group to live out the heavenly calling in such a contrasting way to the degradation and evil practised by the other nations that they would also embrace the God of the Israelites. However, there was seldom any marked difference in the lifestyles of those who claimed to be His chosen people and those who weren't.

In the New Testament, the invitation is much more encompassing and individualised. Salvation is freely available to all people, "whosoever will…" (Jn 3:16). Why God chooses some to be heirs of salvation and not others is a divine mystery. Predestination (election) is God in His foreknowledge determining the outcomes of people and events beforehand. As the Lord of all, this is His sovereign right to decide. The Bible declares, He wants all men to repent and be saved (1 Tim 2:4; 2 Pet 3:9).

There is a common call or invitation of salvation given as "Many are invited, but few are chosen" (Mt 22:14). To be chosen, we must respond to the call. Sovereignly God will have mercy and compassion on whoever He chooses (Rom 9:14–16). However, the Bible says, "These are the ones I look on with favour: those who are humble and contrite in spirit, and tremble at my Word" (Isa 66:2). God has chosen to use the despised things and people who do not claim to be strong in themselves so the results can be truly attributed to Him (1 Cor 1:27–28). He doesn't throw people on the scrapheap of life but rescues us from it. "In Him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will…" (Eph 1:11). Praise Him for choosing you to be part of His family.

Value being chosen in Christ

Human Responsibility and Response

It is our responsibility to walk uprightly and faithfully with Him; this backs up our claim that we belong to Him (2 Pet 1:10). Prove yourself worthy of being chosen to be His child by doing things His way as you allow the Word to change you. He shows the way; we must choose to walk it. Thus, we can put ourselves in the position where we are chosen because we make Him 'Lord'. By understanding and living the kind of lifestyle He blesses, we place ourselves where the blessing flows (Ps 1:1–6).

God will not override man's freedom and force His salvation on people. It requires an acknowledgement of being a sinner, together with genuine repentance, acceptance of the Lord's offer of salvation and continual co-operation with the Holy Spirit. Jesus speaking to the disciples said, "You did not choose me, but I chose you to go and bear fruit – fruit that will last" (Jn 15:16). He chooses us, but we must also decide to go His way. God chose us to be saved (2 Thes 2:13). As we delight ourselves in Him, He will make Himself known to us more fully (Jas 4:8).

Our decisions determine the outcome

Chosen for Divine Purpose

God's purpose for those He chooses is that their lifestyle will bring glory to Him, that He might have a holy people who worship Him and who are being transformed into the image of Jesus, and so by being witnesses bring the blessing of salvation to others (Mt 5:16; Rom 8:29; Eph 1:4–5, 5:8; 1 Pet 2:9,12).

Paul was God's chosen instrument to take the gospel to the non-Jews, with the effects still touching us today through his writings (Act 9:15). He continually gave everything for his master, letting nothing deter his dedication (2 Cor 11:25; Phil 3:12–14). Each Christian has a specific call or ministry within the Kingdom of God. Have you found yours? Are you increasingly walking into that divine assignment for you, fulfilling your potential? That is why Christ laid His hand on you.

Reflection and Application:

Reflect on what it means to be chosen by God—not because of who you are, but because of His grace. How does this truth shape your identity?
Consider how your daily choices either affirm or hinder your calling. Are you walking in alignment with the purpose God has for you?
Think about how you can live more intentionally as part of God's chosen people—set apart for holiness, service, and witness.
Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any areas where you're relying on your own strength rather than trusting in God's sovereign choice and empowerment.