Topical Bible: Titles and Names of Saints: Chosen Ones

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Topical Encyclopedia

The term "Chosen Ones" is a significant title used in the Bible to describe those whom God has selected for a special purpose or relationship with Him. This designation underscores the divine initiative and grace in the calling and election of individuals or groups to fulfill God's sovereign plans.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, the concept of being "chosen" is closely associated with the nation of Israel. God chose Israel as His special people, set apart to be a holy nation and a kingdom of priests. This is evident in Deuteronomy 7:6 : "For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for His prized possession, above all the peoples on the face of the earth." The election of Israel was not based on their merit but on God's love and faithfulness to His covenant with the patriarchs.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, the idea of the "Chosen Ones" expands to include all believers in Christ, both Jews and Gentiles. This is articulated in passages such as 1 Peter 2:9 : "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." Here, the apostle Peter emphasizes the continuity of God's choosing, now extended to the Church, which is called to declare His praises.

The Apostle Paul also speaks of believers as chosen by God. In Ephesians 1:4 , he writes, "For He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless in His presence." This choice is rooted in God's eternal purpose and grace, highlighting the security and identity of believers as God's elect.

Theological Significance

The title "Chosen Ones" carries profound theological implications. It reflects God's sovereignty and grace in salvation, affirming that it is God who initiates and accomplishes the work of redemption. This election is not based on human effort or merit but solely on God's mercy and purpose.

Moreover, being chosen implies a call to holiness and service. The "Chosen Ones" are set apart to live in a manner worthy of their calling, reflecting God's character and advancing His kingdom on earth. This is a call to both privilege and responsibility, as believers are to be witnesses of God's grace and truth in the world.

Eschatological Hope

The concept of the "Chosen Ones" also carries an eschatological dimension. In Matthew 24:31 , Jesus speaks of the end times, saying, "And He will send out His angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather His elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other." This gathering of the elect underscores the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive plan, where the "Chosen Ones" will be brought into eternal fellowship with Him.

In summary, the title "Chosen Ones" is a profound biblical designation that highlights God's sovereign choice, the identity and mission of His people, and the ultimate hope of eternal life with Him.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Chronicles 16:13
O you seed of Israel his servant, you children of Jacob, his chosen ones.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Kingly Priesthood of the Saints
... everything you like; but know that those titles will not ... thick jungle of India shall
see the saints of God ... t expect kings to put down their names for trifles. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 1 1855/the kingly priesthood of the.htm

The Beloved Pastor's Plea for Unity
... by endearing names, by the highest titles which they ... Luke, and John, by their right
names, but must ... God, then are we rightly "called saints", sanctified, set ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 39 1893/the beloved pastors plea for.htm

Fragrant Spices from the Mountains of Myrrh. "Thou Art all Fair ...
... 1. In the matter of justification, the saints are complete ... in which respect they
get many titles, otherwise unsuitable ... Jesus doth not bear your names upon His ...
/.../spurgeon/till he come/fragrant spices from the mountains.htm

The Saints' Privilege and Profit;
... on Aaron's breast-plate was fixed the names of the ... odours, which are the prayers
of saints, and they ... Thus you see what terms, characters, titles, and privileges ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the saints privilege and profit.htm

The Letter of the Church of Rome
... him you have trained us, made us saints, and honored us ... reader will observe that,
while the titles "presbyter" and ... The names of the first two suggest that they ...
/.../richardson/early christian fathers/the letter of the church.htm

The Blood of the Covenant
... We could not say to all the saints, "after this manner pray ye," for they would
not ... Other names may have small significance, but in the titles of Jesus ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 20 1874/the blood of the covenant.htm

Extracts No. vii.
... impious, if not insane, who should intimate that these saints were superstitous ... 4.
"That they were distinguished by appropriate names and titles of respect ...
/.../ballou/a series of letters in defence of divine revelation/extracts no vii.htm

Concerning Persecution
... shall they be thought worthy, who clip the names of God's people ... The saints have
worn their sufferings as ornaments. ... It is one of the titles given to the church ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/21 concerning persecution.htm

Rom. xvi. 5
... of Heaven, as not to think that names only, but ... For those are mere titles of rank
(timhes), but these are of ... as also those that are after them he calls saints. ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xxxi rom xvi 5.htm

Motives to the Oversight of the Flock
... but the appendage of the work Is it names and honor ... and his Church, and never think
of titles and reputation ... Have we the conduct of those saints that shall live ...
//christianbookshelf.org/baxter/the reformed pastor/section 3 motives to.htm