Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and ConceptThe concept of "being chosen" in the Bible refers to the divine selection of individuals or groups for a specific purpose or mission. This selection is an act of God's sovereign will and grace, often involving a call to service, leadership, or a particular role in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.
Old Testament ContextIn the Old Testament, the idea of being chosen is prominently associated with the nation of Israel. God chose Israel to be His special people, a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation. This is articulated in
Deuteronomy 7:6 : "For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for His prized possession, above all the peoples on the face of the earth."
The patriarchs, such as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, were chosen by God to be the forefathers of this nation. God's choice of individuals like Moses, David, and the prophets further illustrates His sovereign selection for leadership and prophetic roles. For instance, David was chosen to be king over Israel, as seen in
1 Samuel 16:12 : "So Jesse sent for him. He was ruddy, with beautiful eyes and a handsome appearance. And the LORD said, 'Rise and anoint him, for he is the one.'"
New Testament ContextIn the New Testament, the concept of being chosen extends to the followers of Christ. Believers are described as chosen by God for salvation and service.
Ephesians 1:4 states, "For He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless in His presence."
The apostles were specifically chosen by Jesus to be His witnesses and to spread the Gospel. In
John 15:16 , Jesus tells His disciples, "You did not choose Me, but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will remain—so that whatever you ask the Father in My name, He will give you."
Theological ImplicationsBeing chosen by God carries significant theological implications. It underscores God's sovereignty and grace, as His choice is not based on human merit but on His divine purpose and love.
Romans 9:15-16 highlights this: "For He says to Moses: 'I will have mercy on whom I have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I have compassion.' So then, it does not depend on man's desire or effort, but on God's mercy."
The chosen are called to live in a manner worthy of their calling, reflecting God's holiness and purpose.
1 Peter 2:9 describes believers as "a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light."
Practical ApplicationUnderstanding the biblical concept of being chosen encourages believers to embrace their identity and purpose in Christ. It calls for a response of faith, obedience, and service, recognizing that being chosen is both a privilege and a responsibility. Believers are to live out their calling with humility, gratitude, and a commitment to God's mission in the world.
Topical Bible Verses
2 Chronicles 6:6But I have chosen Jerusalem, that my name might be there; and have chosen David to be over my people Israel.
Topicalbible.orgJeremiah 1:5
Before I formed you in the belly I knew you; and before you came forth out of the womb I sanctified you, and I ordained you a prophet to the nations.
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1 Peter 2:9
But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that you should show forth the praises of him who has called you out of darkness into his marvelous light;
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Matthew 12:18
Behold my servant, whom I have chosen; my beloved, in whom my soul is well pleased: I will put my spirit on him, and he shall show judgment to the Gentiles.
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Exodus 3:14
And God said to Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shall you say to the children of Israel, I AM has sent me to you.
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Greek
4041. periousios -- of one's own possession...chosen. From the present participle feminine of a compound of peri and eimi;
being beyond usual, ie Special (one's own) -- peculiar. see GREEK eimi.
...139. hairesis -- choice, opinion
... is) Short Definition: a self-chosen opinion, a sect Definition: a self-chosen opinion,
a... The term stresses the -- and hence howbeing a Sadducee (Ac 5:17) was...
2475. Israelites -- an Israelite
... Short Definition: an Israelite Definition: an Israelite, one of thechosen people
of... 1445 ("Jew") in the NT has a negative implication ofbeing hostile to...
Library
Degrees of Glory in Heaven Corresponding with the Dignities of the...
... Not that they became apostles throughbeing chosen for some distinguished peculiarity
[3379] of nature, since also Judas waschosen along with them....
Why, when all Will to be Blessed, that is RatherChosen by which...
... Book XIII. Chapter 6."Why, When All Will to Be Blessed, that is RatherChosen
by Which One Withdraws fromBeing So. 9. Since, then...
John Chapter xv. 15, 16
... good? For they were notchosen because of their goodness, inasmuch as they
could not be good withoutbeing chosen. Otherwise grace...
That the Love of God Above all Things is Common to all Lovers.
... as the glorious S. Thomas notes: for this commandment enjoins us a lovechosen out
of thousands, the well-beloved object of this lovebeing chosen out of...
Beloved, and yet Afflicted
... thy loved one sick?" Have not you, dear sick friend, often wondered how your painful
or lingering disease could be consistent with yourbeing chosen, and called...
Of the Section Where it is Recorded, thatBeing Moved with...
... disciples, Luke, who gives their names in another place, [970] "that is to say,
in the earlier passage, where they are [represented asbeing]chosen on the...
The Call of Matthew.
... a like call. Matthew was now called to become a personal attendant of
Jesus, preparatory tobeing chosen an apostle. Nor are we...
A Pilgrimage to Rome
... of the train was named after a Saint, and the selection was made in honour of some
Priest occupying it"his own patron or that of his parishbeing chosen....
Prayer for and with Each Other.
... The mere fact ofbeing chosen by the Father and redeemed by the Son does not constrain
us to love; it is the act of the Holy Spirit, who, revealing to our...
A Continuation of the Preceding Discourse. How Every One, While...
... does not cease to be martyrdom, and an excellent act love and valour, yet do I scarcely
think it is to be termed an heroic act, notbeing chosen by any excess...
Resources
What does the Bible say about being nosey? | GotQuestions.orgIs being gay a sin? Is it a sin to be gay? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the implications of God being infinite, unlimited, and unmeasurable? | GotQuestions.orgBeing: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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