" . . . and those who are with Him [Christ] are called, chosen, and faithful."
The Bible clearly teaches that God elects some (not all) people unto salvation--and that He then places them into His church (cf. Eph. 1:3-6). But what is sometimes not emphasized enough is the fact that those who are truly chosen, and therefore really redeemed, *will be "faithful" and/or persevering* in this life.
In other words, there is no such thing as an unfaithful "chosen" person. If we *are* chosen, by grace, we *will be* faithful in Christ and His church. Some people (hypocrites) have a false assurance in this re-
gard. They believe in the doctrine--but they do not possess the goods. Let us be true Christians: acknowledging that we are chosen, and showing it by being faithful.
[Puritan quote of the day: "Going to hear a sermon in jest has proved some men's conversion in earnest." --John Flavel, in, "The Mystery of Providence"]
