Many Are Called, Few Are Chosen: A Corporate View of Election

Introduction

In Matthew 22:14, Jesus concludes the parable of the wedding banquet with the statement: “For many are called, but few are chosen.” This verse invites us to reflect on the nature of God’s invitation to salvation and the identity of the "chosen." From the corporate election perspective, the "chosen" are those who freely respond to God’s universal call through repentance and faith in Christ. This approach highlights the relationship between God’s sovereign plan and human responsibility, centering on Christ as the chosen One.

What Does "Chosen" Mean?

The Greek word for "chosen" in this passage is ἐκλεκτοί (eklektoi), derived from the root ἐκλέγω (eklegō). Understanding its meaning provides valuable insight into the nature of election:

1. Root Meaning of ἐκλέγω (eklegō):

   • To select or choose out of a group.

   • Implies deliberate and intentional selection for a specific purpose.

2. Form ἐκλεκτός (eklektos):

   • Literally means "picked out" or "chosen."

   • Used in the New Testament to refer to individuals or groups selected by God for His purposes.

3. Usage in Scripture:

   • Refers to Christ as God’s chosen One (Luke 23:35, 1 Peter 2:4).

   • Refers to believers as God’s elect or chosen people (Romans 8:33, Colossians 3:12).

4. Meaning in Matthew 22:14:

   • The term eklektoi refers to those who not only receive the invitation (the call) but also respond appropriately, aligning themselves with God’s will through repentance and faith.

   • The distinction highlights both God’s grace in extending the invitation and human responsibility in responding to it.

The Open Invitation to the Kingdom

The parable begins with a king inviting guests to a wedding banquet for his son, symbolizing the gospel’s universal call to salvation. The initial invitees, representing the religious leaders of Israel, reject the invitation with indifference and hostility. Their refusal is not merely disrespectful but an act of rebellion, leading to their exclusion from the banquet.

The king then extends the invitation to those on the streets, representing tax collectors, sinners, and Gentiles. This inclusive act demonstrates the breadth of God’s grace: everyone is welcome to the kingdom. However, one guest’s refusal to wear appropriate attire—symbolizing the righteousness of Christ—reveals that entering the kingdom requires more than showing up; it requires responding on God’s terms.

Key Distinction in Matthew 22:14

In the context of the parable of the wedding banquet:

• "Called" (Greek: κλητοί, klētoi) refers to the broad invitation extended to many.

• "Chosen" (Greek: ἐκλεκτοί, eklektoi) identifies those who accept the invitation appropriately, demonstrating repentance and faith.

Thus, "chosen" here reflects not a passive status but an active response to God’s call, aligning with the corporate election view that emphasizes the response of faith as the means of entering the chosen group.

Chosen in the Corporate Election View

From the corporate election perspective, "chosen" refers to those who are part of the elect group—those who respond in faith to God’s call. Key elements include:

1. Christ as the Chosen One:
   Jesus is the ultimate chosen One, the cornerstone of God’s redemptive plan (Isaiah 42:1; 1 Peter 2:4-6). By uniting with Christ through faith, individuals become part of the chosen group.

2. Membership Through Faith:
   God’s invitation to salvation is universal (“Many are called”), but inclusion in the elect group depends on faith. Those who respond appropriately, clothed in Christ’s righteousness, demonstrate their inclusion among the chosen.

3. God’s Sovereignty in Establishing the Plan:
   God sovereignly determined the means of salvation—through Christ and faith in Him—not through arbitrary selection. The elect are those who align with God’s redemptive plan by placing their trust in Christ.

4. The Religious Leaders’ Rejection:
   The religious leaders lost their privileged position by rejecting Jesus. Their rejection underscores that outward religiosity and heritage are insufficient for inclusion in the elect; faith in Christ is essential.

Practical Applications

1. Respond to God’s Call:
   Salvation is freely offered to all, but it requires a personal response. Reflect on your heart: have you responded to God’s invitation with faith and repentance?

2. Trust in Christ’s Righteousness:
   The wedding garment represents the righteousness of Christ. Rest in His provision, knowing that salvation is not based on works but on His grace.

3. Share the Invitation:
   Like the king’s servants, we are called to extend the gospel invitation to all. Proclaim God’s grace and trust Him to work in the hearts of those who hear.

4. Rejoice in God’s Sovereignty:
   Celebrate the inclusiveness of God’s kingdom, which welcomes all who respond to Him in faith.

Reflection Questions

1. How does the meaning of "chosen" in this passage shape your understanding of salvation?

2. Are there areas in your life where you rely on outward works rather than Christ’s righteousness?

3. How can you actively share God’s invitation with those around you, trusting in His sovereignty?

Closing Thought

Matthew 22:14 reveals the beauty of God’s redemptive plan: many are called, but the chosen are those who respond in faith, uniting themselves with Christ. The Greek term ἐκλεκτοί (eklektoi) emphasizes that being chosen is not arbitrary but relational, grounded in Christ and demonstrated through faith. Let us rejoice in God’s grace, faithfully respond to His call, and invite others to partake in the blessings of His kingdom.

This post draws insights from the Grace and Truth Study Bible, offering a Christ-centered understanding of God’s invitation to salvation.