The concepts of being "chosen" and "appointed" are significant themes throughout the Bible, reflecting God's sovereign will and purpose in the lives of individuals and nations. These terms are often used to describe God's selection of people for specific roles, tasks, or blessings, underscoring His divine authority and plan.

Chosen

The term "chosen" is frequently used in Scripture to denote those whom God has selected for a particular purpose or relationship with Him. This concept is evident in both the Old and New Testaments.

In the Old Testament, Israel is often referred to as God's chosen people. Deuteronomy 7:6 states, "For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for His prized possession, above all the peoples on the face of the earth." This selection was not based on Israel's merit but on God's love and faithfulness to His covenant with Abraham.

In the New Testament, the idea of being chosen extends to the followers of Christ. Jesus Himself speaks of this in John 15:16 : "You did not choose Me, but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will remain—so that whatever you ask the Father in My name, He will give you." Here, Jesus emphasizes that His disciples were chosen for a purpose, to bear lasting fruit in their lives and ministries.

The Apostle Paul also elaborates on the concept of being chosen in his epistles. In Ephesians 1:4 , he writes, "For He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless in His presence." This passage highlights the eternal nature of God's choice, rooted in His divine foreknowledge and grace.

Appointed

The term "appointed" often refers to God's designation of individuals for specific roles or tasks. This appointment is an expression of God's will and is accompanied by His empowerment and guidance.

In the Old Testament, leaders and prophets were often appointed by God to fulfill His purposes. For example, Jeremiah was appointed as a prophet to the nations. In Jeremiah 1:5 , God declares, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as a prophet to the nations." This appointment underscores God's sovereign plan and intimate knowledge of His servants.

In the New Testament, the concept of appointment is evident in the early church. Acts 13:2 records the Holy Spirit's directive: "While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, 'Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.'" This divine appointment was crucial for the spread of the Gospel and the establishment of the church.

Furthermore, the Apostle Paul frequently speaks of his own appointment by God. In 1 Timothy 2:7 , he states, "For this reason I was appointed a preacher and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lying—and a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth." Paul's appointment was central to his mission and the expansion of the early Christian movement.

Conclusion

The themes of being chosen and appointed are integral to understanding God's interaction with humanity. They reveal His sovereign will, His purpose for His people, and His active role in guiding and empowering those He selects for His divine purposes.