• Home
• Brochures
• Bestellen
• Nieuws
• Verspreiding
• FAQ
• Steun ons
• Contact

12. Chosen for service

When the Bible speaks of election, it is often in the context of a task or service, not in the context of being elected to be saved. It doesn't mean one is chosen to be saved forever, but chosen for a particular task. Consider the following three examples in the Bible:

1. King Solomon's task
King David wanted to build a temple for the Lord. But God told him that not he, but his son Solomon, was chosen for this task:

• Take heed now; for the LORD hath chosen thee (Solomon) to build an house for the sanctuary; be strong, and do it (1 Chronicles 28:10).

2. Paul's task
Paul was also chosen for a particular task, namely to be a missionary:

•  But the Lord said unto him (Ananias), “Go thy way, for he (Paul) is a chosen vessel unto Me, to bear My Name before the Gentiles, and kings, and the children of Israel (Acts 9:15).

3. The Christian's task
If a Christian were only destined for eternal life, only life after death would matter. But this isn't true. A Christian is destined for more. We are chosen for a glorious task on this earth; we are chosen to tell others who God is and to testify of His name:

•  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 (1 Peter 2:9).

Election for a purpose or task is never intended to be at the cost of others, but God chooses one person or a group of people to be a blessing to others.

But this never means that those not chosen for this particular task will perish forever. An example is Ananias (Acts 9:10): he was not chosen to be a missionary to the Gentiles, but he was saved for eternity.

 

A thought to ponder on your own

Read John 15:16. What is the task God has for you in His Kingdom?