Matthew 22:14

"For many are called, but few are chosen."

This close of the parable is the same with which Jesus closed the one of the Laborers in the Vineyard, and is very striking and solemn, but very obvious and plain upon the pure principles of the gospel. Calling, by the outward sound of the word, and the being chosen by the eternal purpose of sovereign grace, are very distinct things. In preaching the Gospel, to a mixed multitude of hearers, everyone within the sound hears the gracious invitation which the Lord gives to his Church; and, in one sense, it may be said the call to the duties of life goes forth to the whole world, and is a command from God, as a Sovereign, to hear and obey. But this outward call, differs widely from the inward work, wrought by the Holy Ghost in the hearts of the redeemed, and which comes not in word only, but in power. Paul, the Apostle, beautifully describes the difference; when speaking to the Church, he saith, We are bound to give thanks alway to God, for you brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath, from the beginning, chosen you to salvation, through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth, where unto he called you, by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. Provision is made for this effectual calling of the Lord's people in time, 2 Thessalonians 2:13 from their being chosen, in Christ, before the foundation of the world. Eph 1:3-4; 2 Timothy 1:9. So that the whole process of grace, from the first awakenings of the soul, until grace is consummated in glory, while all these prove the everlasting love of God to his redeemed, in Christ, they become no less the fruit of that love, and are the sure earnest of eternal glory. Romans 8:29.