Order in the Court of the King! (The Choice)

Grace Thoughts

Order in the Court of the King! (The Choice)

I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work which You have given Me to do. And now, O Father, glorify Me together with Yourself, with the glory which I had with You before the world was. John 17:4-5

Let all things be done decently and in order. 1 Corinthians 14:40

Our objective as God’s people should be the same as our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ – to glorify God on the earth and finish the work He has given us to do. How do we do that when there are tens of thousands of denominations within the Church? How do we accomplish this magnificent desire of our Lord when Christians are divided on so many fronts?

I would recommend beginning at the beginning. What is God’s Eternal Plan? How can we cooperate with His Plan? What might we need to change in our life, in the life of our church, the life of our denomination, to cooperate with God’s will? That is the purpose of our series.

God’s Plan for Order

The first two chapters of the Bible and the last two chapters of the Bible present an orderly society of God’s people. The 1,185 chapters in the middle present a serious disorder in society, even among God’s chosen people. We saw why in Volume I.

Jesus Christ gave His followers a unique understanding of this when He taught them how to pray. He began with the ‘relationship’ they have with God as ‘Father,’ then moved on to the three stages of ‘order, disorder, and re-order.’ You’ll find the prayer in Matthew 6 and Luke 11. These words come from Matthew 6 –

Order – “Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven.”

Disorder – “Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one.”

Re-Order – “For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.”

God’s Chosen People

I’d like to explore a phrase that I used earlier in this article – ‘God’s chosen people.’ God obviously makes choices about people according to His Eternal Plan.

Adam and Eve were God’s ‘choice.’ He created them.
Noah was God’s ‘choice’ – “But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord” (Genesis 6:8).
Abraham was God’s ‘choice’ – “Now the Lord had said to Abram: ‘Get out of your country, From your family And from your father’s house, To a land that I will show you” (Genesis 12:1).
Isaac was God’s ‘choice’ – “Then God said: ‘No, Sarah your wife shall bear you a son, and you shall call his name Isaac; I will establish My covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his descendants after him” (Genesis 17:19).
Jacob was God’s ‘choice’ – “And behold, the Lord stood above it and said: ‘I am the Lord God of Abraham your father and the God of Isaac; the land on which you lie I will give to you and your descendants. Also your descendants shall be as the dust of the earth; you shall spread abroad to the west and the east, to the north and the south; and in you and in your seed all the families of the earth shall be blessed. Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have spoken to you” (Genesis 28:13-15).
Joseph was God’s ‘choice’ – “Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God? But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive” (Genesis 50:19-20).
Moses was God’s ‘choice’ – “So when the Lord saw that he turned aside to look, God called to him from the midst of the bush and said, ‘Moses, Moses!’ And he said, ‘Here I am” (Exodus 3:4).
The people of Israel were God’s ‘choice’ – “Come now, therefore, and I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring My people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt” (Exodus 3:10).
Joshua was God’s ‘choice’ – “After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, it came to pass that the Lord spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ assistant, saying: ‘Moses My servant is dead. Now therefore, arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land which I am giving to them—the children of Israel. Every place that the sole of your foot will tread upon I have given you, as I said to Moses” (Joshua 1:1-3).
Samuel was God’s ‘choice’ – “Now the Lord came and stood and called as at other times, ‘Samuel! Samuel!’ And Samuel answered, ‘Speak, for Your servant hears” (1 Samuel 3:10).
David was God’s ‘choice’ – “And the Lord said, ‘Arise, anoint him; for this is the one!’ Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and the Spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward” (1 Samuel 16:12-13).

God ‘chose’ people to do specific tasks for Him (e.g. Bezalel the son of Uri, Aholiab the son of Ahisamach). God ‘chose’ all of the prophets who would speak His Words to Israel and other nations. God ‘chooses’ people to do His will on earth.

Jesus Christ, the Eternal Son of God, continued to ‘choose’ people when He became ‘flesh’ and lived among humans. Those included His ‘apostles,’ ‘disciples’ and His ‘church’ (Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John). Jesus spoke of gathering His ‘elect’ (Matthew 24; Mark 13). Jesus spoke of the ‘elect’ again when He told His disciples – “Then the Lord said, ‘Hear what the unjust judge said. And shall God not avenge His own elect who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man comes, will He really find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:6-8)

The Apostle Paul used the terms ‘chose,’ ‘chosen,’ and ‘elect’ about 20 times in his statements and letters. The Apostle Peter used the terms ‘chose,’ ‘chosen,’ and ‘elect’ almost ten times. Here are some examples from each, beginning with the Apostle Paul speaking about how God ‘chose’ Him for special service –

The God of our fathers has chosen you that you should know His will, and see the Just One, and hear the voice of His mouth. For you will be His witness to all men of what you have seen and heard. Acts 22:14-15

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will. Ephesians 1:3-5

But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth, to which He called you by our gospel, for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14

He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. Romans 8:32-34

And not only this, but when Rebecca also had conceived by one man, even by our father Isaac (for the children not yet being born, nor having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works but of Him who calls), it was said to her, ‘The older shall serve the younger. Romans 9:10-12

But what does the divine response say to him? ‘I have reserved for Myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.’ Even so then, at this present time there is a remnant according to the election of grace. And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. But if it is of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work. Romans 11:4-6

Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. Colossians 3:11-13

We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father, knowing, beloved brethren, your election by God. 1 Thessalonians 1:2-4

Therefore I endure all things for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. 2 Timothy 2:10

Paul, a bondservant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect and the acknowledgment of the truth which accords with godliness. Titus 1:1

The Apostle Peter also wrote about God’s choosing people for Himself and calling them the ‘elect’ –

“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy. 1 Peter 2:9-10

Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To the pilgrims of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ. Grace to you and peace be multiplied. 1 Peter 1:1-2

She who is in Babylon, elect together with you, greets you; and so does Mark my son. 1 Peter 5:13

Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 2 Peter 1:10-11

Chosen and Elect

Even though the words ‘chosen’ and ‘elect’ (including ‘election’) are biblical terms, many Christians are wary about using them. Some church leaders don’t want to even discuss or teach on the subject of God’s ‘choosing’ (‘electing’) people. Why not? Why would any Christian be afraid of Ephesians 1 or 1 Peter 2? It’s in the Bible!!

Unfortunately, the unfounded fear to hear and believe and the reluctance or refusal to teach the plain truth of Scripture concerning God’s making ‘choices’ has caused deep divisions in the Church for almost two thousand years. The reason I say ‘unfortunately’ is because God choosing people for Himself and the pleasure of His will is part of His Eternal Plan. I’ve already proven from multiple Scriptures that God chooses people, so what’s the problem? Maybe it’s a misunderstanding of terms? Maybe it’s a refusal to accept that God does what He wills? Whatever the reason, the Church needs to get past this problem if it is to glorify God and finish the work He has given us to do.

You may wonder why I believe as I do about this subject. It’s really quite simple. I’m a former atheist and journalist who became a Christian through the process of research and analysis. That means looking up stuff to determine whether a claim is true or not. I still do that. I look up stuff. I check out both text and context in its original time and location. I discover the definition of words from original languages. I’ve done my best for more than 50 years of Bible study to follow Paul’s advice to Timothy – “Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15). ‘Right division’ of God’s Word simply means handling it correctly. That takes time and effort, but it’s well worth it to get it right.

So, what are the original words for ‘choose,’ ‘chosen’ and ‘elect’? Keep in mind that in addition to definitions, we also will want to look at the grammatical aspects of each word as it’s used in the text and context –

Hebrew

choose – bachar, to choose … barar, to select … Yibchar, He chooses … qabal, to receive, take

chosen – bachir, chosen … yada, to know … qari, called … segullah, possession … chotham, seal … cheleq, portion … shear, remnant … maan, purpose, intent

elect – bachir, to select, chosen … tamak, grasp, attain

Greek

choose – eklegó, to select, elect, pick out for myself … haireó, to take, choose … hairetizó, to select, choose as one’s own … epilegó, choose for myself, call or name … katalegó, choose out, register, enroll … procheirizó, to appoint, determine, elect, take into hand … eklogé, selection, choosing out, choice (by God) … procheirotoneó, choose or appoint beforehand, extend the hand before … cheirotoneó, appoint, choose by vote

chosen – eklektos, select (by implication favorite), chosen out, elect, choice … eklegó, to select, elect, pick out for myself … suneklektos, chosen together with, fellow-elect … eklogé, selection, choosing out, choice (by God) … haireó, to take, choose … hairetizó, to select, choose as one’s own … haireó, to take, choose … procheirotoneó, choose or appoint beforehand, extend the hand before

elect – eklektos, select (by implication favorite), chosen out, elect, choice … eklogé, selection, choosing out, choice (by God) … cheirotoneó, appoint, choose by vote … suneklektos, chosen together with, fellow-elect … eklegó, to select, elect, pick out for myself

I wanted you to see the Hebrew and Greek words so you’d notice that whether you read ‘choose, chose, choice, chosen, or elect,’ they come from the same origin. Christians are, in my opinion, unnecessarily concerned about the words ‘elect’ and ‘election.’ They simply mean that God made a choice.

Why? I could say it’s because He’s God and can do anything He wants, but it’s more than that. God – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – conferred and considered the best way to create the heavens and the earth and the best way to manage creation. What we see around us is the best plan. It may not be your plan. It may not be the plan you would have made if you were God. However, it is God’s best Plan.

God’s Plan is also good for Christians. Think about these words that the Lord spoke to the Apostle Paul about preaching the Gospel in Corinth –

Now the Lord spoke to Paul in the night by a vision, “Do not be afraid, but speak, and do not keep silent;for I am with you, and no one will attack you to hurt you; for I have many people in this city.” And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them. Acts 18:9-11

I find this and many other Scriptures encouraging. When God said He had ‘many people in this city,’ He was not talking about people who were saved and members of a church. He was talking about people He had chosen to hear the Word of God, believe in Christ, and become members of a church that Jesus was going to build in Corinth. Notice that God did not say to Paul, ‘for there are many people in this city.’ God said, “for I have many people in this city.” God used the ‘possessive pronoun, first person singular’ egó. The people were His people and there were many in Corinth. Paul preached and taught the Gospel and planted a new church in one of the largest cities of Ancient Greece.

God had (possessive) many people in many cities of the ancient world. Jesus Christ said of Paul (Saul of Tarsus) – “he is a chosen vessel of Mine to bear My name before Gentiles, kings, and the children of Israel” (Acts 9:15) Paul was a ‘chosen vessel’ (skeuos eklogé) of Christ’s to ‘bear’ His name to people across the world.

That’s why the Holy Spirit told leaders of the church in Antioch to ‘separate’ Paul and Barnabas for the ‘work’ which He had called them. That work was to preach the Gospel of Christ –

Now in the church that was at Antioch there were certain prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon who was called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Now separate to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” Then, having fasted and prayed, and laid hands on them, they sent them away. Acts 13:1-3

When a Christian senses God’s leading to preach the Gospel in a rural area, a town, a city, or another country, follow God’s lead. He has ‘many people’ across the nation and the world and will lead you to them. Preach the Word with confidence, relying on the Plan of God. Our responsibility is to glorify God and finish the work He has given us to do.

God’s Ways

I think the problem many Christians have with God’s Plan, that includes His making particular choices about people and events, is that we either don’t understand God’s ‘ways’ or don’t like God’s ‘ways.’ If you don’t like God’s ‘ways,’ and you’re a Christian, I recommend you spend time alone with God and ask Him what he thinks about your attitude towards Him. That’s pretty much between you and God. If you are a member of God’s chosen family, but you don’t understand why God would make the choices He’s made – we can discuss that.

Isaiah 55 is one of the great chapters of the Bible. It contains awesome verses like, “Ho! Everyone who thirsts, Come to the waters; And you who have no money, Come, buy and eat. Yes, come, buy wine and milk Without money and without price,” “Seek the Lord while He may be found, Call upon Him while He is near,” and “So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.”

Right in the middle of this amazing work of the Holy Spirit are these important words –

For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9

Key in on the word ‘ways.’ God’s ‘way’s are not our ways. His ‘ways’ are higher than our ways. His ‘thoughts’ than our thoughts. Those ‘thoughts’ include the thoughts God had as He designed His Eternal Plan for the angels, the earth, and the human race. God’s ‘thoughts’ are intrinsically linked to His ‘ways.’ The Hebrew word for ‘ways’ is derek (דֶּרֶךְ). It means ‘journey, road, manner.’ It comes from the word darak, which means ‘to tread, to march.’

[I’ve been writing another series on GraceLife titled, The Great Reveal: Our Epic Journey Through Time, Space and Eternity. It’s about God taking along with Him on a great journey through time, space, and eternity. You can read the first part here and follow the series through the first 3 parts (I’m still adding parts to the series, so watch for new ones) or the first five eBooks located here.]

When God speaks about His ‘ways,’ He’s referring to the journey He is on with us based on His infallible ‘thoughts.’ God’s ‘ways’ are ‘perfect.’ He ‘chose’ us to go on. his journey with Him, so how do His ‘ways’ and ‘thoughts’ affect us? I’m reminded of something King David wrote –

For by You I can run against a troop, By my God I can leap over a wall. As for God, His way is perfect; The word of the Lord is proven; He is a shield to all who trust in Him. For who is God, except the Lord?
And who is a rock, except our God? Psalm 18:29-31

There is so much we can do during our time on earth, but we must trust His choices –

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

The Need for Unity

We must also be unified as God’s people. It is the desire of our Lord and Savior and His apostles –

Holy Father, keep through Your name those whom You have given Me, that they may be one as We are. John 17:11b

I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all. Ephesians 4:1-6

The Church’s obvious lack of unity is a serious problem for bringing glory to God and finishing the work He has given us to do. We must trust and obey God. We must.

Next Time

Now that we understand the ‘problem’ and the ‘choice, we need to learn next about the ‘struggle.’ Remember the objective – to glorify God and finish the work He gave us to do.

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Order in the Court of the King! (The Choice)