March 15, 2006

Hey Mike,
I really enjoy reading everything you write. I recently have been given the eyes to see the things of the spirit, and my brother introduced me to your site. Question: Are all those who are given the ‘eyes to see’ God’s elect? Personally, I don’t think so, but from what I read, although I could be wrong, that is what you imply. Isn’t it possible to know the true meaty doctrines of Christ, but not follow through? I fear that may be me, I cannot seem to overcome any sin lately. Sometimes when I try to share the true Christ doctrines, I seem to have a prideful way of going about it instead of building up others out of love. I don’t know what to do.
Thanks
R____

Hi R____,

Thank you for your question. No, not everyone who is chosen “endures to the end.” It is not enough to be both called and chosen. There is also a third necessary ingredient. We must not only be called and chosen, but we must also be “faithful.”

Rev 17:14 These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.

Judas was “chosen,” but Judas was not “faithful… to the end.”

Joh 6:70 Jesus answered them, Have not I chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?
Mat 22:8 Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden [ the “many called”] were not worthy.
Mat 22:9 Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage.
Mat 22:10 So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests [ the “few chosen”].
Mat 22:11 And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment [ Judas and all who are chosen but do not “endure to the end”]:
Mat 22:12 And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless.
Mat 22:13 Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Mat 22:14 For many are called, but few are chosen.
Mat 10:22 And ye shall be hated of all [ men] for my name’s sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved.

You need to become familiar with the purpose for which both Joseph and the apostle Paul spent thirteen years waiting to be “separated unto the work for which I have called them.”

Act 13:2 As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.

Like Joseph before him, Paul was not given the work he was promised until 13 years after his original calling. There is a very important reason for this. Read especially Rev 16. Be patient, and be faithful to the end.
If, as you say:

I cannot seem to overcome any sin lately.

… then you certainly don’t need to be attempting to force others to do what you can’t; that is, to be faithful to Christ. Wait for God to give to you “the dominion over sin” in your life, then you will be a profitable witness for Christ.

Rom 6:14 For sin shall not have dominion over you: for ye are not under the law, but under grace.

This is a process that takes years. In the meantime, you simply “blaspheme the name of God among the heathen” when you try to be a witness based only on new- found knowledge without experiential overcoming and understanding. Be patient. Patience is very important: This is just how important it is:

Luk 21:19 In your patience possess ye your souls.

Mike >