“MANY
ARE CALLED”
Matthew 22:14
The
statement that heads this page refers to the general call that goes forth to
all who hear the gospel. There is an inward, personal, particular, divine call,
which is issued by God the Holy Spirit to God’s elect and to them alone (John
10:3). This call of the Holy Spirit is always effectual and irresistible. By
that saving call, the Holy Spirit effectually draws chosen, redeemed sinners to
Christ by almighty grace (Ps. 65:4). This call always produces faith in Christ.
It always results in salvation. This inward, irresistible call is given only to
God’s elect, those who were chosen, predestinated, and redeemed (Rom. 8:28-29;
I Cor. 1:21-24; II Tim. 1:9). The
examples and illustrations of this call are numerous: The Deserted Infant (Ezek. 16:6-8), The Dry Bones (Ezek. 37:1-14), The
Disciples (Matt. 4:18-22), -Zachaeus (Luke 19:5-6), Lazarus (John 11:43-44),
The Thessalonian saints (I Thess. 1:4-5). Were it not for this effectual
call of the Holy Spirit, no one would ever be saved (John 6:44-45). But this is
not the call referred to in this text. The call which our Lord speaks of here
is the earnest proclamation of the gospel by his servants.
Every time a true servant of God
preaches the gospel of God’s electing love, redeeming mercy, and saving grace,
sinners are called to faith in Christ (II Cor. 5:20). This general call is universal in
its scope. It is a sincere call (Rom. 10:1-4). It is an unconditional offer of
grace by God’s messenger (Pro. 1:23). It is a very gracious call (Isa. 1:18;
55:1-7). It is a call issued by divine
authority which all who hear it are responsible to obey (Pro. 1:22-33).
The question is often asked, “If
only God’s elect are going to be saved, why do we preach the gospel to all
men?” Without
entering into the controversies of men, let me give you four reasons why we
preach the gospel to all men.
1.
Our
Lord commands us to do so (Matt. 10:27; 28:19; Mark 16:15; Acts 1:8)
2.
The
preaching of the gospel is God’s ordained means of salvation for his elect (I
Cor. 1:21-25).
3.
We
have no way of knowing who the elect are until they believe the gospel (I
Thess. 1:4-5).
4.
When
we have faithfully preached the gospel to all men, we are free of their blood
(I Cor. 9:16; Ezek. 33:7-9).
Sinners respond to the preaching of
the gospel in many ways. Some flatly reject the gospel call (v. 3). Others lightly esteem it (v.
5; Lam. 1:12). A few are enraged by it (v. 6). Multitudes pretend to obey it,
taking up a profession of religion (vv. 10-11). And some, those to whom the
gospel comes in divine power, believe on the lord Jesus Christ. Why? Why do some believe, while others
believe not? It is because “few are
chosen.”
Grace Baptist Church of Danville - Grace For
Today Radio Message #651
2734 Old Stanford Road -
Danville, Kentucky 40422-9438
Donald S. Fortner, Pastor -Telephone 606-236-8235 - Email grace@mis.net