Matthew 22:14 NASBS
For many are called, but few are chosen.”
Many are called, but few are chosen. The call spoken of here is sometimes referred to as the “general call” (or the “external” call)—a summons to repentance and faith that is inherent in the gospel message. This call extends to all who hear the gospel. “Many” hear it; “few” respond (see the many-few comparison in 7:13, 14). Those who respond are the “chosen,” the elect. In the Pauline writings, the word “call” usually refers to God’s irresistible calling extended to the elect alone (Ro 8:30)—known as the “effectual call” (or the “internal” call). The effectual call is the supernatural drawing of God which Jesus speaks of in Jn 6:44. Here a general call is in view, and this call extends to all who hear the gospel—this call is the great “whosoever will” of the gospel (cf. Rev 22:17). Here, then, is the proper balance between human responsibility and divine sovereignty: the “called” who reject the invitation do so willingly, and therefore their exclusion from the kingdom is perfectly just. The “chosen” enter the kingdom only because of the grace of God in choosing and drawing them. John MacArthur
For example, consider a person who hears the gospel message being preached at a church service. This person is part of the “many” who receive the general call to repentance and faith. However, not everyone who hears this call will respond positively. Only a “few” will choose to accept the invitation and commit their lives to following Jesus.
Among those who respond and choose to follow Jesus, they are considered the “chosen” or the elect (only on the basis of their positive/ response by God’s grace, not by birth, our merit. See Joint 1:12)) This selection is not based on their own merit or worthiness but is solely a result of God’s grace. In the Pauline writings, the term “call” often refers to God’s irresistible calling that is extended to the elect alone. This is known as the “effectual call” or the “internal” call.
The effectual call is a supernatural drawing of God, where He irresistibly works in the hearts and minds of individuals to bring them to salvation. Jesus speaks of this drawing in John 6:44, stating that no one can come to Him unless the Father draws them.
It is important to note that while the effectual call is limited to the elect, the general call of the gospel is extended to all who hear it. This call is the great “whosoever will” of the gospel, as mentioned in passages like Revelation 22:17. It is an invitation for anyone and everyone to respond and receive salvation.
In understanding the balance between human responsibility and divine sovereignty, it is crucial to recognize that those who reject the invitation to follow Jesus do so willingly. Their exclusion from the kingdom is a just consequence of their choice. On the other hand, those who are chosen and enter the kingdom do so solely because of God’s grace in choosing and drawing them. This highlights the perfect harmony of God’s sovereignty and human responsibility in the process of salvation.
In the end, it is important to understand that “God’s grace chooses, but man’s will responds.”
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