So the LAST shall be FIRST, and the first last: for many be CALLED, but few CHOSEN. (Matthew 20:16)
So the LAST shall be FIRST, and the first last
For a better understanding let us first look at the words “first” and “last”. And when looking at this we must keep in mind that the Bible we use is an translation from the Greek and Hebrew languages.
And that many words can have different meanings. Like in English a plant can mean an oil plant but also a plant in the garden and the context in which the word is used must clarify which of them is meant. Sometimes though there are more meanings which could be used. So also here.
The word “last” is translated from εσχατος eschatos (pronounced as: es’-khat-os) which is a superlative, that can also be translated with farthest, final (of place or time) in the meaning of: ends of, last, latter end, lowest, or uttermost.
The word “first” is translated from πρωτος protos (pronounced as: pro’-tos); which is a superlative too, that can also be translated with foremost (in time, place, order or importance) in the meaning of: before, beginning, best, chief(-est), first (of all), former.
So we can safely conclude that it shows us that which now is looked down on will become the highest.
The second part of this verse “Many be CALLED, but few CHOSEN”, we also see in Matthew.
For many are CALLED, but few are CHOSEN. (Matthew 22:14)
Here counts the same as in the first part.
The word “called” is translated from κλητος kletos (pronounced as: klay-tos’) which can also be translated with: invited, i.e. appointed, or (specifically) a saint.
The word “chosen” is translated from εκλεκτος eklektos (pronounced as: ek-lek-tos’) which can also be translated with select, by implication, favorite in the meaning of: chosen, elect.
So when the question is: Am I called (invited)? The answer is: Yes, IF you have heard the CALL TO REPENTANCE, if you have heard the INVITATION TO FOLLOW JESUS.
And when the question is: Am I chosen: The answer is up to God.
But you may know for yourself.
Did God give you real REPENTANCE?
Where you CRYING over your sins?
Not because you don’t want to go to hell, but because it HURTS you so much, that YOU HURT GOD with your sins?
And how is your RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD since then?
You don’t have to answer me.
This is a private matter BETWEEN YOU AND GOD.
I can only advise you to KEEP CONTACT with the FATHER. And do not let yourself in with IDOL WORSHIP as many do who think they are Christians too.
Bible reading: Matthew 22:2-10
² “The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who gave a wedding feast for his son. ³And he sent out his slaves to call those who had been invited to the wedding feast, and they were unwilling to come.
⁴Again he sent out other slaves saying, ‘Tell those who have been invited, “Behold, I have prepared my dinner; my oxen and my fattened livestock are all butchered and everything is ready; come to the wedding feast.”‘ ⁵But they paid no attention and went their way, one to his own farm, another to his business, ⁶and the rest seized his slaves and mistreated them and killed them. ⁷But the king was enraged, and he sent his armies and destroyed those murderers and set their city on fire.
⁸Then he said to his slaves, ‘The wedding is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy. ⁹Go therefore to the main highways, and as many as you find there, invite to the wedding feast.’ ¹⁰Those slaves went out into the streets and gathered together all they found, both evil and good; and the wedding hall was filled with dinner guests.
With or without you, the feast will be held.
It’s up to you, it’s your free choice, if you accept the invitation or not.
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