The Chosen of the Lord.
By James White
MANY are called, but few are chosen. We would suggest that the chosen of the Lord are the sealed and saved ones. Many are brought under the influence of the gospel call, but few stand the trials and tests of the way, so as to finally be among the chosen. Now, who are finally chosen? “Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom?” James ii, 5. Many of these chosen ones when called were wealthy; but mark this, when they are chosen they are poor; they have obeyed the plain and direct requirements of Christ and the apostles in reference to disposing of this world's goods. The words of Christ to one who came to him are also to the point. “And, behold, one came and said unto him, Good Master, what good thing shall I do, that I may have eternal life? And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments. He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Honor thy father and thy mother: and, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. The young man saith unto him, All these things have I kept from my youth up: what lack I yet? Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me. But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful: for he had great possessions. Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. When his disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, Who then can be saved?” On the above quotation we would remark as follows: 1. It is an utter impossibility for a camel to enter the eye of a needle, and it is just as impossible for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. 2. Yet it is possible for the rich to be saved. How is this? Answer, By becoming poor, the rich can find their places with the heirs of salvation. Then it will be true of them, that God has chosen, sealed and saved the poor of this world. Those who are now depriving themselves of many of the means of grace, and of proper rest of mind and body, to add to their wealth, are laboring hard to be lost; and if they are ever saved, they must undo all that they now toil to accomplish. Will they stop and reflect, and turn their course? Or will they blindly rush on to the rich man's perdition?