Called, Chosen, and Faithful
We will start this article with an amazing verse in Revelation 17 that clearly shows that when Messiah returns to earth a second time to set up His 1,000-year reign on earth, with him are His true saints. That is those who are called, chosen, and faithful. From this amazing passage we will take a deep dive through many Scriptures how one is called, chosen, and faithful.
We will also investigate in this article to see if all of mankind will be called before Messiah’s Second Coming. And if not, will there be another calling after Messiah’s Second Coming. Lastly, we will investigate what happens to those that have been called, but were not chosen or were called and chosen but not faithful.
Revelation 17:14 These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Sovereign of sovereigns, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called (#2822), and chosen (#1588), and faithful (#4103).
2822 kletos {klay-tos’} • from the same as 2821; TDNT – 3:494,394; adj • AV – called 11; 11 • 1) called, invited (to a banquet) 1a) invited (by Yahweh in the proclamation of the Evangel) to obtain eternal salvation in the kingdom through Messiah 1b) called to (the discharge of) some office 1b1) divinely selected and appointed
2821 klesis {klay’-sis} • from a shorter form of 2564; TDNT – 3:491,394; n f • AV – calling 10, vocation 1; 11 • 1) a calling, calling to 2) a call, invitation 2a) to a feast 2b) of the divine invitation to embrace salvation of Yahweh
1588 eklektos {ek-lek-tos’} • from 1586; TDNT – 4:181,505; adj • AV – elect 16, chosen 7; 23 • 1) picked out, chosen 1a) chosen by Yahweh, 1a1) to obtain salvation through Messiah 1a1a) Believers are called “chosen or elect” of Yahweh 1a2) the Messiah in called “elect”, as appointed by Yahweh to the most exalted office conceivable 1a3) choice, select, i.e. the best of its kind or class, excellence preeminent:
4103 pistos {pis-tos’} • from 3982; TDNT – 6:174,849; adj • AV – faithful 53, believe 6, believing 2, true 2, faithfully 1, believer 1, sure 1; not tr 1; 67 • 1) trusty, faithful 1a) of persons who show themselves faithful in the transaction of business, the execution of commands, or the discharge of official duties 1b) one who kept his plighted faith, worthy of trust 1c) that can be relied on 2) easily persuaded 2a) believing, confiding, trusting 2b) in the NT one who trusts in Yahweh’s promises
With this in mind, let us start out by investigating how a person is called. And what we find in the following Scriptures is that a person is called by saints preaching the evangel.
2 Thessalonians 2:13 But we are bound to give thanks alway to Elohim for you, brethren beloved of the Sovereign, because Elohim hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth: 14 Whereunto he called (#2564) you by our evangel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Sovereign YahwehShua Messiah.
2564 kaleo {kal-eh’-o} • akin to the base of 2753; TDNT – 3:487,394; v • AV – call 125, bid 16, be so named 1, named + 3686 1, misc 3; 146 • 1) to call 1a) to call aloud, utter in a loud voice 1b) to invite
1 Corinthians 1:23 But we preach Messiah crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; 24 But unto them which are called (#2822) , both Jews and Greeks, Messiah the power of Yahweh, and the wisdom of Yahweh. 25 Because the foolishness of Yahweh is wiser than men; and the weakness of Yahweh is stronger than men.
2 Timothy 1:8 Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Sovereign, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the evangel according to the power of Yahweh; 9 Who hath saved us, and called (#2564) us with an holy calling (#2821), not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in YahwehShua Messiah before the world began,
Romans 10:14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the evangel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!
1 Thessalonians 2:12 That ye would walk worthy of Elohim, who hath called (#2564) you unto his kingdom and glory. 13 For this cause also thank we Elohim without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of Yahweh which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of Yahweh, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.
And Paul tells us in his letter to the Corinthians and Romans what it is meant to preach the evangel. The Greek word “euaggelion” translated “evangel” means “Good Tidings” or “Good News”. That is the Good News about Messiah and the Kingdom of Yahweh.
1 Corinthians 15:1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the evangel (#2098) which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; 2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. 3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Messiah died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:
Romans 1:1 Paul, a servant of YahwehShua Messiah, called (#2822) to be an apostle, separated unto the evangel (#2098) of Yahweh, 2 (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,) 3 Concerning his Son YahwehShua Messiah our Sovereign, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; 4 And declared to be the Son of Yahweh with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:
Mark 1:14 Now after that John was put in prison, Yah’shua came into Galilee, preaching the evangel (#2098) of the kingdom of Yahweh, 15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of Yahweh is at hand: repent ye, and believe the evangel (#2098). (Also see Matthew 4:23)
Matthew 24:14 And this evangel (#2098) of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.
2098 euaggelion {yoo-ang-ghel’-ee-on} • from the same as 2097; TDNT – 2:721,267; n • AV – gospel 46, gospel of Christ 11, gospel of God 7, gospel of the Kingdom 3, misc 10; 77 • 1) a reward for good tidings 2) good tidings 2a) the glad tidings of the kingdom of Yahweh soon to be set up, and subsequently also of YahwehShua the Messiah, the founder of this kingdom.
In the parable of the Soils found not only in Matthew 13:1-30, but in Mark 4:1-20, and Luke 8:4-15, we find four different outcomes to someone who is called by the evangel. In this parable, the seed is the Word of Yahweh. That is the Good News of YahwehShua (glorified name of Messiah) and His kingdom. And not only is the seed the evangel, Scriptures clearly show the Messiah is the one who sows the good seed.
Luke 8:11 Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of Yahweh.
Matthew 13:37 He answered and said unto them, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man;
The four different types of soil represent four different ways people respond to Yahweh’s calling through the evangel. The shocking truth about this parable is that not everyone who hears the evangel will end up being true followers of Messiah. That is called, chosen, and faithful. In fact, only one of the four soil types bear much fruit (Galatians 5:22-23) and will be with Messiah at His second coming (Revelation 17:14). Messiah even tells us many are called by few are chosen.
Matthew 22:13 Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 14 For many are called (#2822), but few are chosen (#1588).
Matthew 20:16 So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called (#2822), but few chosen (#1588).
Let us look at the first soil in the parable of the Soils. We find in this first soil that many who are called do not respond to the calling.
Matthew 13:19 When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side.
It is interesting to note that this person who received the evangel doesn’t seem to understand what it means. And because they don’t seem to know what it means, they do not turn towards the Almighty. Notice it is the “wicked one”, that is Satan, who convinces people to reject Yahweh’s calling by taking it lightly. Because they take the calling lightly, they become easy prey to Satan and his dominion. We know that Satan walks around like a roaring lion (1 Peter 5:8) to devour those that do not have a love of the truth.
So why don’t those who are called by the evangel understand what they hear? Well as the old saying goes, it takes two to tango. First, no one can receive and understand a spiritual calling unless Father Yahweh allows it. So both the calling and the ability to understand the evangel starts with the Father.
John 3:27 John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven.
John 6:44 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.
John 6:64 But there are some of you that believe not. For Yah’shua knew from the beginning who they were that believed not, and who should betray him. 65 And he said, Therefore said I unto you, that no man can come unto me, except it were given unto him of my Father.
Matthew 16:13 When Yah’shua came into the coasts of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, saying, Whom do men say that I the Son of man am? 14 And they said, Some say that thou art John the Baptist: some, Elias; and others, Jeremias, or one of the prophets. 15 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? 16 And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Messiah, the Son of the living Elohim. 17 And Yah’shua answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven.
Deuteronomy 29:4 Yet Yahweh hath not given you an heart to perceive, and eyes to see, and ears to hear, unto this day. (Also see Romans 11:7-8)
And not only does Father Yahweh determine when a person will receive and understand the spiritual calling, but YahwehShua, the “branch” (Isaiah 4:2 & 11:1, Jeremiah 23:5 & 33:15, and Zechariah 3:8 & 6:12) or “arm” (Psalm 98:1, Isaiah 40:10-11, 52:10, 53:1, 59:16, and 63:5, and John 12:38) of the Father is a also used by the Father for this purpose. We have already seen an example of Messiah calling a person through the parable of the Soils.
Luke 24:44 And he (Yah’shua) said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. 45 Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,
Matthew 11:25 At that time Yah’shua answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Sovereign of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes. 26 Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight. 27 All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.
Matthew 13:36 Then Yah’shua sent the multitude away, and went into the house: and his disciples came unto him, saying, Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field. 37 He answered and said unto them, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man; 38 The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one;
So, the first step in a spiritual calling is that a person must receive the preaching of the evangel AND Yahweh must open a person’s eyes, ears, and heart to the truth. If a person who hears the evangel and has been given the ability to understand the truth by Yahweh does not respond to the calling, Yahweh may quickly take that ability to understand the truth away.
Revelation 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. 21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. 22 He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the assembly.
Matthew 13:15 For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.
2 Thessalonians 2:9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, 10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this cause Yahweh shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:
Hebrews 3:7 Wherefore (as the Holy Spirit saith, Today if ye will hear his voice, 8 Harden not your hearts, as in the provocation, in the day of temptation in the wilderness: 9 When your fathers tempted me, proved me, and saw my works forty years. 10 Wherefore I was grieved with that generation, and said, They do alway err in their heart; and they have not known my ways. 11 So I sware in my wrath, They shall not enter into my rest.) (Also see Psalm 95:7-11)
It is clear, Yahweh can both open and close a person’s eyes, ears, and heart to the truth. Again if a person whom Yahweh is calling rejects the truth, Yahweh may not only blind them from the truth but may harden their hearts.
John 12:37 But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him: 38 That the saying of Esaias the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spake, Sovereign, who hath believed our report? and to whom hath the arm of Yahweh been revealed? 39 Therefore they could not believe, because that Esaias said again, 40 He hath blinded their eyes, and hardened their heart; that they should not see with their eyes, nor understand with their heart, and be converted, and I should heal them. (Also see Isaiah 6:9-10)
Let us return to the parable of The Soils and review the three remaining soils and what those three soils represent. Remember the seed that is planted in the soil is the evangel and Messiah is the one who plants the seed. The next three soils show an awaking of a person’s mind and conscience to the truth after they have been called by the evangel. They begin to understand that there is an Almighty and that they need a relationship with their Creator. They start gaining a sense of Yahweh’s way and His plan for their life. They begin to have a desire to answer that call and to be obedient to their creator. They start to turn from their sinful ways to Yahweh’s righteousness ways. There is a change in direction of their life.
With that in mind, let us look at the second soil in the parable of The Soils.
Matthew 13:20 But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon (i.e. immediately) with joy receiveth it; 21 Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.
The second soil is an example of a person that has been called by the evangel and their first response is joyful acceptance. They start to understand the Scriptures and start to follow the Almighty by following His commandments. But this joyful response does not last. Why? Scriptures are clear that saints, especially those new to the faith, will endure tribulation. For more information on this important topic, please read “Will Believer’s Suffer?”
Philippians 1:29 For unto you it is given in the behalf of Messiah, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;
2 Timothy 3:12 Yea, and all that will live righteously in Messiah YahwehShua shall suffer persecution.
John 15:19 If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. 20 Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his master. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also.
1 Peter 5:10 But the Elohim of all grace, who hath called (#2564) us unto his eternal glory by Messiah YahwehShua, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. 11 To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
On top of the tribulations, these new believers who have received the evangel joyfully will receive enormous pressure to change back to their old beliefs from people who do not understand the truth. They will also struggle with overcoming deeply entrenched sin. And because of tribulation, persecution, and fleshly desires to sin, these new believers stumble because their root in the Word is not deep. These new believers will care more about what people think than what Yahweh thinks. They will be afraid to make waves with family and friends and feel more comfortable conforming to the world’s standards. They will refuse to give up their deeply entrenched sin.
I believe we can link the second soil with those that were called and chosen at one-time, but ended up not being faithful. Chosen would have to be those that followed the salvations plan after they were called. That is believed, repented, were water baptized, and received the Holy Spirit. But because they did not endure to the end, that is were not faithful to the end, they fell away and quenched the Holy Spirit. For more information on this important topic that a saint can quench the Holy Spirit, please read “Satan’s Great Lie: Once Saved Always Saved”
2 Peter 2:22 But it is happened unto them according to the true proverb, The dog is turned to his own vomit again; and the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.
Proverbs 26:10 The great Elohim that formed all things both rewardeth the fool, and rewardeth transgressors. 11 As a dog returneth to his vomit, so a fool returneth to his folly.
So far there has been two soils that have not produced any substantial, long lasting fruit. Let us look at the third soil and its meaning.
Matthew 13:22 He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful.
This soil is similar to the second soil. This person also responds joyfully to the calling by turning towards their Creator by being obedient to His Word. They endure for a while but just like the second soil, they do not endure in the truth and fall away. But unlike the second soil, what makes this person stumble is personal selfishness. Maintaining status in the world and acquiring personal possessions consume all their interest, time, and energy. What the world thinks of them and material items are far more important than spiritual matters. They have no time for Yahweh because they are serving themselves. I believe we can link the third soil to those that were also called and chosen at one-time. But because they did not endure to the end, that is were not faithful to the end, they fell away.
Three soils and three types of people who ultimately reject Yahweh’s calling and the Kingdom of Yahweh. The Good News is there is fourth soil!
Matthew 13:23 But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.
This person also responds to Yahweh’s calling, understands the evangel being preached, and takes it seriously. The truth is better to him or her than what other people think and the tribulations and persecution they will endure. They put Yahweh first over material processions and status in the world and walk in the Spirit not their flesh. That is, they obey the teachings of the Scriptures not what their carnal minds wants. They start bearing fruit, that is the righteous acts of obedience. The fruit they produce are amazing, some a hundred-fold, some sixty and some thirty. They continue to bear fruit (i.e. righteousness) throughout their lives, which is the difference between this soil and the second and third soils. That is they are faithful to the end. Ultimately, they value the truth of Yahweh’s Word more than gold and silver.
Psalm 119:72 The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver.
Proverbs 16:16 How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!
One thing to note is that Yahweh’s calling and His opening of our eyes, ears, and heart to the truth has nothing to do with us. It is about the Almighty. Scriptures tell us that He chose us before the foundation of the world! Think about this. There has been billions of people throughout the ages that have never been called by Yahweh. Being called is a supreme honor! But many do not respond.
Ephesians 1:4 According as he hath chosen (#1586) us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love:
2 Corinthians 3:4 And such trust have we through Messiah toward Yahweh: 5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of Yahweh;
Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love Yahweh, to them who are the called (#2822) according to his purpose. 29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
Deuteronomy 14:2 “For you are a holy people to Yahweh your Elohim, and Yahweh has chosen you to be a people for Himself, a special treasure above all the peoples who are on the face of the earth. (NKJ)
It is also interesting to note that the awakening of a person’s mind and conscience to the truth, comes from Yahweh’s power, His Holy Spirit. This power of the universe is working externally at first to allow a person’s eyes, ears, and heart to be open to the evangel. Scriptures are clear, the Holy Spirit leads one into all truth, not man-made religions or religious leaders. Therefore, someone who is being called should not blindly follow a religious leader or religious organization and their teachings, but should pray to Yahweh to allow His Holy Spirit to lead him or her into all truth and righteousness while searching the Scriptures daily to prove doctrine.
Ephesians 1:17 That the Elohim of our Sovereign YahwehShua Messiah, the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: 18 The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling (#2821), and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints
1 Corinthians 2:10 But Yahweh hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of Yahweh. 11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of Yahweh knoweth no man, but the Spirit of Yahweh. 12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of Yahweh; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of Yahweh. 13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Spirit teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of Yahweh: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
1 John 2:27 But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him.
John 14:17 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.
John 14:25 These things have I spoken unto you, being yet present with you. 26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. (also see John 16:13-14)
So, with the knowledge that Yahweh uses His saints preaching the evangel to call a person, believers should always be ready to give a testimony to anyone who asks you a reason of the hope that is in you.
1 Peter 3:15 But sanctify the Sovereign YahwehShua in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
Colossians 4:5 Walk in wisdom toward them that are without, redeeming the time. 6 Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.
Matthew 9:37 Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; 38 Pray ye therefore the Sovereign of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.
Let us be clear. Any can be called by Yahweh. Yahweh is not a respecter of persons (Acts 10:34-35, Deuteronomy 10:17, Romans 2:11, Galatians 2:6, and Ephesians 6:9). Therefore, anyone from any race or national origin may come to Yahweh. None are prohibited and all will be accepted in the Body of Messiah who choose to obey Yahweh and His commandments. Yahweh has given humanity free will. Each one is solely responsible for his or her life and is accountable when he or she is called by Yahweh.
Now that we understand how Yahweh calls a person and the different responses to Yahweh’s calling from the parable of The Soils, let us start to investigate who Yahweh is calling in this age. It is interesting to see who Yahweh is calling in this age. And it is not whom the world would expect to receive the calling. And since not many wise, mighty, and noble are being called at this time, it is clear not everyone is this age is being called.
1 Corinthians 1:24 But unto them which are called (#2822), both Jews and Greeks, Messiah the power of Yahweh, and the wisdom of Yahweh. 25 Because the foolishness of Yahweh is wiser than men; and the weakness of Yahweh is stronger than men. 26 For ye see your calling (#2821), brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: 27 But Yahweh hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and Yahweh hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; 28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath Yahweh chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: 29 That no flesh should glory in his presence.
Matthew 11:25 At that time Yah’shua answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Sovereign of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.
Not all are being called in this age. Yahweh tells us in the following Scriptures that not all are given the knowledge of the mystery of the kingdom. Therefore, we have to be careful not to judge someone to condemnation (i.e. the Lake of Fire). Plus, judgment to the Lake of Fire has been given to Messiah, not saints. Yes, we need to reveal truth and call a lie a lie, but we need not condemn those who may not be called by Yahweh at this time. And not condemning includes those that were called by the evangel who didn’t respond to the truth at all (i.e. first soil). More on this later.
Matthew 13:10 And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speakest thou unto them in parables? 11 He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. 12 For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath. 13 Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. 14 And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive:
Mark 4:10 And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable. 11 And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of Yahweh: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables: 12 That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them. (Also see Luke 8:10)
1 Corinthians 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of Yahweh: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
Again, we really need to be careful not to condemn someone that may not have been called. What if Stephen had condemned those that stoned him? He would have condemned Saul of Taurus who later become the Apostle Paul. The problem with condemnation is that it becomes our judgement. Look what Rabbi Yah’shua said in Matthew.
Matthew 7:1 Judge not, that ye be not judged. 2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.
Luke 6:37 Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven: 38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.
So, if Yahweh is not calling everyone at this time to His kingdom, will there be another age when Yahweh will call them to His truth? The answer is yes! Let us investigate. We find in the Book of Revelation that the rest of the dead not resurrected to glory at Messiah’s Second Coming are resurrected to flesh-and-blood existence on this earth after Messiah’s 1,000-year reign on earth.
Revelation 20:4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of YahwehShua, and for the word of Yahweh, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Messiah a thousand years. 5 But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. 6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of Yahweh and of Messiah, and shall reign with him a thousand years.
Isaiah 26:19 Thy dead men shall live, together with my dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in dust: for thy dew is as the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead.
This time period after Messiah’s 1,000-year reign when the rest of the dead are resurrected is sometimes called the Last Great Day. For more information on Yahweh’s last age of the ages, please read “The Last Great Day”. This time period after Messiah’s 1,000-year reign is a time when Yahweh’s Holy Spirit is poured out on all flesh-and-blood who have never received His Spirit. This would include all that have never been called and those that were called but quickly turned from Yahweh’s calling. That is, they never went through the salvation plan to receive Yahweh’s Holy Spirit and were chosen. And to fulfill the prophecy in Joel, the “rest of the dead”, who were never given Yahweh’s Holy Spirit in a previous age, are given His Spirit.
Joel 2:28 And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions:
Acts 2:17 And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith Yahweh, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams:
Ephesians 5:8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in Yahweh: walk as children of light: 9 (For the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth;) 10 Proving what is acceptable unto Yahweh. 11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. 12 For it is a shame even to speak of those things which are done of them in secret. 13 But all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light: for whatsoever doth make manifest is light. 14 Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Messiah shall give thee light.
Ezekiel 37:13 And ye shall know that I am Yahweh, when I have opened your graves, O my people, and brought you up out of your graves, 14 And shall put my spirit in you, and ye shall live, and I shall place you in your own land: then shall ye know that I Yahweh have spoken it, and performed it, saith Yahweh.
And being Holy Spirit filled, every man during the Last Great Day will know Yahweh and His Word!
Jeremiah 31:33 But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith Yahweh, I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their Elohim, and they shall be my people. 34 And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour, and every man his brother, saying, Know Yahweh: for they shall all know me, from the least of them unto the greatest of them, saith Yahweh: for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.
Ezekiel 36:25 Then will I sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you. 26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh. 27 And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.
Yah’shua explains that this resurrection of the “rest of the dead” after Messiah’s 1,000-year reign is not from an eternal hell or from a state of final judgment, like many Christians believe. In fact, why would Yahweh give His Spirit to resurrected man during the Last Great Day if He was already judged to condemnation?
John 5:28 Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, 29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.
Daniel 12:2 And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.
Read it slowly: “all that are in the graves shall hear his voice”. This has to do with the resurrection from the dead and the infilling of the Holy Spirit after Messiah’s 1,000-year reign! We know that at the Second Coming of Messiah, those who were sealed by His Spirit, will be resurrected to glory. Therefore “all that are in the graves” must be talking about the beginning of the Last Great Day, when the rest of the dead are resurrected to flesh-and-blood existence, given Yahweh Messiah’s Spirit (i.e. hear His voice), and will choose either to do good or evil. They will know the truth and will have a choice to follow Yahweh or to fall away. “They that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation” (see John 5:29 above).
Have you ever wondered what will happen to the billions of people who have died, never learning of Messiah and His evangel? Many Christian denominations claim those people, in most cases by no fault of their own, will burn in hell forever. But would a just, merciful, and loving Mighty One really do this? Does this sound like fair judgment? The Scriptural answer is no. The Almighty does not consign billions of people who died, never learning of Messiah and His evangel, to an eternal state of torture. For more information on this important topic, please read “Yahweh’s Supreme Love”.
It is clear that Yahweh is not a respecter of persons (Acts 10:34, Deuteronomy 10:17, and Romans 2:11) and will pour out His Holy Spirit on all flesh (Joel 2:28 and Acts 2:17). Yahweh wants all to come to repentance and the knowledge of the truth!
Colossians 1:23 If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the evangel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;
John 1:7 The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe. 8 He was not that Light, but was sent to bear witness of that Light. 9 That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.
2 Peter 3:9 Yahweh is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
1 Timothy 2:3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of Yahweh our Saviour; 4 Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
We conclude that not everyone is being called in this age and therefore will not be judged in this age. Judgement in this age is for those that were called, chosen, and faithful or called, chosen at one time, but not faithful to the end. Again, I believe we can link chosen with those that went through Yahweh’s salvation plan and received His Holy Spirit.
And those who never received Yahweh’s Holy Spirit before His Second Coming will not be judged in this age, but will be judged in a future age. Scriptures are clear, there is more than one time of judgement and salvation. These times of judgement and salvation are at the end of this age with the Second Coming of Messiah and the Last Great Day, the last age of the ages, with the White Throne Judgement.
1 Peter 4:17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of Yahweh: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the evangel of Yahweh?
Acts 17:30 And the times of this ignorance Yahweh winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: 31 Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.
2 Timothy 4:1 I charge thee therefore before Yahweh, and the Sovereign YahwehShua Messiah, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom;
John 12:46 I (Yah’shua) am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness. 47 And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world. 48 He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.
Revelation 20:11 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. 12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before Elohim; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
So, it is vitally important that after a saint has been called and followed Yahweh’s salvation plan to receive the Holy Spirit (i.e. chosen), that they remain faithful to the end. Being faithful involves continually obeying all of Yahweh’s commandments (i.e. teachings), including the covenant Ten Commandments shown to us in His Holy Scriptures. It involves bearing much fruit (Galatians 5:22-23 and Romans 8:14) throughout our lives. It requires remaining true to our calling as a disciple of YahwehShua Messiah, becoming more and more like Him that saved you.
Life-changing faith is more than a simple belief in Yahweh’s existence, though many think that is all we need. And if we abide in His truth by bearing spiritual fruit, Yahweh promises to help us continue to grow and bear more fruit. What a promise!
John 15:1 I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. 2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.
Let us review the Parable of the Wedding Feast and its connection to being called, chosen, and faithful. In this parable, we find those at the wedding feast without their wedding garment at the end of the parable. The wedding garment in Scriptures represents the undefiled white robes of the saints (see Revelation 3:1-6). The meaning of this parable is that not only do you have to be invited (i.e. called) to the wedding feast of Messiah, you must have on your wedding garment at the time of the wedding. That is called, chosen, and faithful up until the wedding feast!
Matthew 22:1 And Yah’shua answered and spake unto them again by parables, and said, 2 The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son, 3 And sent forth his servants to call (#2564) them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come. 4 Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage. 5 But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise: 6 And the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them. 7 But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city. 8 Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy.
It is clear that those initially invited to the wedding feast of Messiah where the Israelites. But they took their invitation (i.e. calling) lightly and did not obey Yahweh. We find this disobedience over and over in the Old Testament. Therefore, Yahweh opened up the wedding invitation to others (i.e. Gentiles).
9 Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage. 10 So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests. 11 And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment: 12 And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless. 13 Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 14 For many are called (#2822), but few are chosen (#1588).
It is a sad fact that many are called and few are chosen at the time of the wedding feast. That is remained faithful all the way to the end (i.e. wedding feast). And those not chosen at the time of the wedding feast, those that did not have on their righteous wedding garments, will suffer punishment by the Almighty, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
So, what are the ways a saint can be faithful and become inheritors of the kingdom? Let us look Apostle Peter and Paul to see what they had to say on this matter.
2 Peter 1:1 Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of YahwehShua Messiah, to them that have obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of Yahweh and our Saviour YahwehShua Messiah: 2 Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of Yahweh, and of YahwehShua our Sovereign, 3 According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and holiness, through the knowledge of him that hath called (#2564) us to glory and virtue: 4 Whereby are given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. 5 And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue (i.e. moral excellence/character); and to virtue knowledge (i.e. continue seeking Yahweh’s truth); 6 And to knowledge temperance (i.e. self-control, master of sensual appetite); and to temperance patience (i.e. perseverance); and to patience holiness (i.e. piety, conduct pleasing to Yahweh); 7 And to holiness brotherly kindness (i.e. treat others as you would want to be treated); and to brotherly kindness charity (i.e. love Yahweh and others). 8 For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Sovereign YahwehShua Messiah. 9 But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins. 10 Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling (#2821) and election (#1589) sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall: 11 For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Sovereign and Saviour YahwehShua Messiah.
Colossians 3:12 Put on therefore, as the elect (#1589) of Yahweh, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; 13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Messiah forgave you, so also do ye. 14 And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. 15 And let the peace of Yahweh rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. 16 Let the word of Messiah dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to Yahweh. 17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Sovereign YahwehShua, giving thanks to Yahweh and the Father by him.
Ephesians 4:1 I therefore, the prisoner of Yahweh, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called (#2564), 2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; 3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
Galatians 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, 23 Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law. 24 And they that are Messiah’s have crucified the flesh with the affections and lusts.
The amazing truth about those who are called, chosen, and faithful is they have the promise of glorification at Messiah’s Second Coming. That is to put on a body that is incorruptible and immortal. Saints will become like YahwehShua and become a royal priesthood, a special people to Yahweh and His Lamb!
1 John 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of Yahweh, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
Colossians 3:1 If ye then be risen with Messiah, seek those things which are above, where Messiah sitteth on the right hand of Yahweh. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Messiah in Yahweh. 4 When Messiah, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.
Philippians 3:20 For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Sovereign YahwehShua Messiah: 21 Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working
whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.
Romans 8:29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called (#2564): and whom he called (#2564), them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.
1 Peter 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: 10 Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of Yahweh: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.
Revelation 20:6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of Yahweh and of Messiah, and shall reign with him a thousand years.
What amazing rewards for those who are Called, Chosen and Faithful!
HalleluYah
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