Called, Chosen, and Faithful

In trials and tests – the called and chosen are faithful.

When trials and tests come our way, it is our time to prove that we really are among those God has called, chosen, and that are faithful.

When Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, commanded that everyone bow before the image of gold he made, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah refused to bow. (Daniel 3:1-30).

They answered the king,

"If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of thine hand, O king. But if not, be it known unto thee, O king, that we will not serve thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up." - Daniel 3:17-18  

We have been called and chosen. When trials and tests come our way, are we willing to stand for Jesus, no matter what we must go through?

We were called when we heard the gospel - the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. We heard that to be saved we needed to repent of our sins and be baptized in the name of Jesus for the remission of our sins. (Acts 2:38).

We were chosen when God filled us with His Spirit. (Acts 2:4, Acts 2:39).

We are the faithful.

"And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake: but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved." - Mark 13:13 

"And they overcame him [the devil] by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death." - Revelation 12:11 

"These [ten kings] 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." - Revelation 17:14 

"Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus." - Acts 21:13 

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:" - 2 Timothy 4:7