Chosen or Frozen?
- Jeff Kent
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
Throughout the New Testament, Christians are referred to as God’s chosen (or elect) people. Paul writes that “He chose us in Him” (i.e. in Christ) to be holy and blameless. Peter writes that Christians are a “chosen race (generation), a royal priesthood, a holy nation” (1:2:9). Paul writes to the Thessalonian church (2:2:13) that they had been chosen “for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth.” This choosing by God was His plan “before the foundation of the world” and comes through the life, death and resurrection of our Savior Christ Jesus.
But the question naturally follows: Chosen for what? Certainly for salvation, but is that all there is to it? Does God just want to be able to point to some group of people and say they are His saved? The idea that the saved are sanctified and holy gives us a good indication of God’s intentions. Christians are set apart for His purposes. Saved? Yes. But is that the extent of it? Certainly not. In the previous scripture reference, Peter continues to say that these are chosen “so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.”
Some have quipped in recent years that instead of being the chosen that God’s people are the “frozen.” Frozen in their church buildings and unable to get out and serve their communities. Frozen in their traditions and unable to make necessary changes to accomplish the whole will of God. Frozen in their ways and unable to think differently about better ways to spread the gospel and make disciples. Frozen in their lifestyles and unwilling to make any sacrifices to further the kingdom of heaven.
For what are the chosen chosen?? To proclaim the gospel to the lost. To make disciples. To equip the saints for ministry. To do good and show the love of God to all people. To bear burdens. To encourage the faint-hearted and support the weak. To bring back the wandering. To be the salt of the earth and the light of the world. To live lives worthy of the gospel.
So. Are you chosen, or are you “frozen”?
><> Jeff
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