Matthew 20:16 (KJV) So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.
Called and chosen are not the same:
The words of Christ give us to understand that there is a difference between the calling and choosing of God. The two words are similar in the Greek but the second (chosen) is an extension of the first (kletos, eklektos), and could be translated called and called-out. The same truth is emphasized in Matt 22:14. Our English word “elect” comes from the Greek word for chosen. The second word is sometimes translated “elect” in various passages. Both words apply only to believers and seem to be used at times as synonyms – those who are called are set out as distinct from others (1 Cor 1:23, 24). Yet, our text says that only a few of those who are called have been chosen.
What it means to be chosen:
Being chosen does not mean that the called are less than them. Both calling and chosen are acts of God, strictly according to grace and God’s purposes. Paul was said to be chosen (Acts 9:15; Ro 1:1; 11:13; Gal 2:8, 9). Paul tells us that all believers are chosen in Him before the foundation of the world (Eph 1:4). The word for chosen is not the exact word used in our text but is a derivative of it.
To better understand the idea of being chosen we need to look at the disciples. Jesus called many to be His disciples (Lu 10:1, 9, 17 ) yet there were the twelve which were closer to Him than the others (Lu 9:1 ) and among them there were three which were in the inner circle ( Matt 17:1; Mk 5:37 ). Jesus also said that the twelve were chosen (root word of eklektos and yet one of those chosen would turn on Him ( Jn 6:70).
Making sure:
Peter urges Christians to be sure not only of their calling (to salvation) but also their election (particular ministry or area of service) (2 Pet 1:10). Paul tells us that God’s calling is without repentance (Ro 11:29) and those who are truly called will love God (Ro 8:28). One who is called should walk worthy of that calling (Eph 4:1, 2) and if our lives fail these test we should do a self-examination (2 Cor 13:5).
God calls us in many occupation and social statuses and in Paul’s day some were called while in slavery. Paul tells them that they should abide in their calling (1 Cor 7:20-22, 24) if they can better their position do so, but not to fight against their particular calling.
We can use this same instruction today regarding out jobs or social standing. We should always pray about any change before making it so that we can always abide in God’s good graces. Some have violated God’s standard within a certain calling and therefore have forfeited that calling and possible position before God.
All are called according to God’s purposes – none are called to be idle (Ro 8:28) and all are called in Him and chosen and faithful (Rev. 17:14).