"Blessed are those invited to the Lamb's Wedding Feast: Called vs. Chosen"
Rev. 19:9 The angel said to me, “Write: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” And he said to me, “This is the true word of God.”
Matt. 22:2 The kingdom of the heavens is like a king who prepared a wedding for his son.
Matt. 22:14 For many are called, but few are chosen.
|
Analysis Item |
Called |
Chosen |
|---|---|---|
|
Basic Definition |
Accepting salvation, called by God to become believers |
Receiving rewards, chosen to participate in the Lamb's wedding feast |
|
Spiritual Meaning |
Salvation level - saved, becoming God's children |
Reward level - overcoming, becoming Lamb's bride |
|
Scope |
All believers who accept Christ (many) |
Only overcoming believers (few) |
|
Conditions |
Believe and accept Jesus Christ as Savior |
Faithful overcoming, continuous obedience to the end |
|
Time Nature |
One-time decision, permanently established |
Requires continuous overcoming, finally determined at judgment seat |
|
Certainty |
Certain (once saved, always saved) |
Uncertain (needs to be judged at Christ's judgment seat) |
|
Judgment Result |
Not condemned (Rom 8:1) |
Determined at Christ's judgment seat - reward or loss |
|
Final Status |
God's children, citizens of heaven |
Lamb's bride, co-reigning with Christ |
|
Period of Enjoyment |
Eternal life |
Millennial Kingdom special reward + eternal life |
|
Participation Rights |
Enter heaven, receive eternal life |
Participate in Lamb's wedding feast, co-reign with Christ in Millennium |
|
Biblical Examples |
• Matt 22: All invited guests • Ten virgins all waiting for bridegroom • All called to be saints • 1 Cor 3:15: Saved but works burned |
• Matt 22: Those with wedding garments entering feast • Five wise virgins with oil • Rev 17:14: Called, chosen, and faithful • 1 Cor 3:14: Works remaining, receiving reward |
|
Related Scriptures |
Rom 1:7 "Called to be saints" 1 Cor 1:2 "Called to be saints" Eph 4:1 "Walk worthy of calling" Matt 22:14 "Many are called" |
Matt 22:14 "Few are chosen" Rev 17:14 "Called, chosen and faithful" Rev 19:9 "Blessed are those invited to Lamb's wedding feast" Matt 25:10 "Those ready went in to the feast" |
|
Present Application |
• Evangelize for salvation • Be grateful for salvation grace • Confirm one's salvation • Don't abandon the faith |
• Pursue spiritual growth • Watch and prepare for Lord's coming • Serve faithfully and bear fruits • Examine if life is overcoming |
|
Life Attitude |
Based on salvation, grateful for God's grace |
Aimed at overcoming, pursuing life maturity |
|
Ministry Focus |
Lead souls to Christ, spread Gospel |
Build up lives, faithful service |
|
Self-Examination |
Am I truly saved by faith? |
Am I faithful and overcoming to the end? |
|
Consequence of Failure |
Perishing (if not truly saved) |
Suffering loss, missing the feast (but still saved) |
|
Positive Result |
Eternal life, becoming God's children |
Receiving reward, co-reigning with Christ |
|
Special Relationship |
God's children identity |
Lamb's bride identity (invitees are also the bride) |
|
Age Significance |
Foundation of entire church age |
Special reward of Millennial age |
|
Wedding Feast Role |
May not participate in Lamb's wedding feast |
Both bride and wedding guests |
|
Kingdom Position |
Citizens of heaven |
Co-reigning with Christ |
|
Judgment Standard |
Whether believing and accepting Christ |
Whether life overcomes, whether works remain |
|
Biblical Warning |
Don't apostatize (Heb 6:4-6) |
Don't become slack or retreat (Heb 10:38-39) |
|
Hope Focus |
Eternal life in heaven |
Special enjoyment in Millennium + eternal life |
|
Practical Examples |
• Thief on cross (saved but no time to overcome) • Foolish virgins (saved but missed feast) |
• Overcoming saints throughout history • Wise virgins • Faithful servants |
Core Truth Summary
"Many are called, but few are chosen" (Matt 22:14)
- * Called: General grace, all believers are called to be saints
- * Chosen: Special reward, only overcoming believers are chosen for Lamb's wedding feast
Nature of Lamb's Wedding Feast
- * he same as Rev 19:9 Lamb's wedding feast and Matt 22:2 king's wedding feast for his son
- * It is the Millennial Kingdom, which is only one day in God's sight (2 Pet 3:8)
- * A reward for overcoming believers, not all saved people can participate
Important Distinction
- * Called = Accepting salvation (one-time, permanently established)
- * Chosen = Receiving reward (requires continuous overcoming, determined at judgment seat)
Practical Significance
- * Salvation is freely received grace, but rewards require paying the price of overcoming
- * All believers must give account at Christ's judgment seat (2 Cor 5:10)
- * Goal: Not only to be saved, but to overcome and be chosen for Lamb's wedding feast
*Please refer to the 2025 Memorial Day Blending Conference. General Topic: Preparation of the Bride. Chapter 1: The Goal of the One Lord’s Recovery of the Bride
留言列表
聖經綜覽 (1)
