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LISA - Many are called few are chosen. what does that mean. isnt called and chosen the same thing?
JOEL - They are not the same thing. Being called means only that you have been either asked to do something or fore-ordained to do something. One becomes
"chosen" when they righteously fulfill the thing they were asked or fore-ordained to do.
There are many who were foreordained or called in the pre-mortal life to a greater state than they have prepared themselves for here. If they righteously fulfill that fore-ordained calling they become a "chosen" child of God. However, even though one might have been among the noble and great ones who were forordained, they may fail that calling here in mortality through their own choice. "Hence many are called, but few are chosen" (D&C 121: 40)
There are many who may be called to serve in different positions of God's kingdom in this life. When we manifest our willingness to obey the call we are then chosen by God for the work. Those who are chosen and serve righteously in their positions, will be sanctified and be able to access and control the powers of heaven to perform their callings.
"And it shall be manifest unto my servant, by the voice of the Spirit, those that are chosen; and they shall be sanctified; (D&C 105:36)
Elder Marlin K. Jensen of the Seventy said:
"Being called may refer to receiving priesthood authority, and being chosen might happen when, as priesthood bearers, we live righteously enough to actually draw on the powers of heaven." (LDS Church News, 1990)
On the other hand, those who only go through the motions of performing the calling will not be sanctified nor have access to this power; they walk in darkness and are therefore not chosen of God.
This is especially relevant in regards to the Priesthood. God said:
"But behold, verily I say unto you, that there are many who have been ordained among you, whom I have called but few of them are chosen.
They who are not chosen have sinned a very grievous sin, in that they are walking in darkness at noon-day." (D&C 95:5-6)
Or they perform the calling for the wrong reason:
"Behold, there are many called, but few are chosen. And why are they not chosen?
Because their hearts are set so much upon the things of this world, and aspire to the honors of men."(D&C 121:34-35)
The Prophet Joseph was "called and chosen" to give to the world the Book of Mormon and to engage in the ministry. God called him, through the Angel, and when he manifested his willingness to obey the call, he was chosen for the work. The call preceded the election.
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