The concept of a “chosen one” is a theme that appears throughout the Bible, most notably in reference to Jesus Christ. If you’re curious about what it means to be chosen by God, scripture provides a rich understanding of God’s purpose for His people and the responsibility that comes with being set apart for His plan.
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What Does The Bible Say About The Chosen One
Isaiah 61:1
“The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners.”
This verse is a prophecy about the chosen one who would come and bring good news, healing, deliverance, and freedom to the people. It points to the anointing and special mission that this chosen one would fulfill, showing that it is not an ordinary human but someone divinely appointed.
The chosen one mentioned here has the authority and power to bring hope and restoration to those who are oppressed, brokenhearted, and in bondage. This verse highlights the compassionate nature of the chosen one and the transformative impact he would have on the lives of the people.
Psalm 89:20
“I have found David my servant; with my sacred oil I have anointed him.”
David, as the chosen one, was anointed by God with sacred oil. This act of anointing symbolizes God’s selection and ordination of David for a specific purpose. It represents the divine empowerment and favor bestowed upon David to fulfill his role as king and leader.
Through this verse, we see that the chosen one is not only chosen by God but also anointed with His Spirit and equipped with the necessary qualities and abilities to carry out the task assigned to them. It emphasizes the divine involvement in the selection process and the importance of God’s anointing for the chosen one’s success.
John 3:16
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
This verse reveals Jesus Christ as the ultimate chosen one, sent by God out of His great love for the world. It signifies that the chosen one would be God’s own Son, emphasizing his divine nature and mission.
Through his sacrifice, the chosen one provides an opportunity for humanity to be saved and receive the gift of eternal life. It highlights the redemptive purpose of the chosen one, demonstrating the extent of God’s love and His desire for a restored relationship with mankind.
Acts 3:22-23
“For Moses said, ‘The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your own people; you must listen to everything he tells you. Anyone who does not listen to him will be completely cut off from their people.’”
This verse refers to the prophecy given by Moses in Deuteronomy 18:15 about the coming of a prophet like himself. It foretells the coming of the chosen one, who would possess the same authority and speak on behalf of God.
The chosen one is depicted as a figure of great importance, and it is emphasized that obedience and attentiveness to his teachings are crucial. Those who ignore or reject the chosen one’s message will face severe consequences, indicating the significance of recognizing and accepting the divine authority invested in the chosen one.
Isaiah 42:1
“Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him, and he will bring justice to the nations.”
This verse prophesies about the chosen one who will be a servant of God and the agent of justice to the nations. It portrays the divine approval and delight that God has towards the chosen one, emphasizing their special relationship and purpose.
The presence of God’s Spirit upon the chosen one signifies the empowering and guiding role of the Holy Spirit in fulfilling the task assigned to them. It highlights the divine partnership and the chosen one’s ability to bring about God’s purposes, particularly in establishing justice and righteousness.
Romans 9:33
“As it is written: ‘See, I lay in Zion a stone that causes people to stumble and a rock that makes them fall, and the one who believes in him will never be put to shame.”
This verse alludes to the chosen one as a stumbling stone and a rock that elicits different responses from people. The chosen one becomes a focal point for belief or unbelief, causing some to stumble and fall while offering salvation and security to those who have faith.
It emphasizes that the chosen one’s identity and message may challenge and confront individuals, exposing their true beliefs and values. Those who trust in the chosen one will find their faith rewarded and their shame removed, highlighting the transformative power of faith in the chosen one.
Matthew 12:18
“Here is my servant whom I have chosen, the one I love, in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him, and he will proclaim justice to the nations.”
This verse echoes the prophecy from Isaiah 42:1 and reinforces the concept of the chosen one as a servant of God who will bring justice to the nations. It depicts God’s affection and joy in the chosen one, revealing the deep love and delight that He has for them.
Once again, the chosen one is designated as the recipient of God’s Spirit, signifying the divine enablement and authority they possess to carry out their mission of proclaiming justice. It emphasizes the chosen one’s role as an ambassador of God’s righteousness and mercy to the world.
Ephesians 1:4-5
“For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will.”
This verse speaks of the chosen ones who are believers in Jesus Christ, having been chosen by God before the foundation of the world. It highlights God’s eternal plan and purpose to set apart and sanctify those who are in Christ, desiring their holiness and blamelessness.
The chosen ones are also described as being predestined for adoption into God’s family, embraced as His beloved children through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. It reveals the loving and intentional nature of God’s choice, demonstrating His pleasure and will to bring His chosen ones into a deep, intimate relationship with Him.
1 Peter 2:9
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”
This verse addresses the chosen ones who are followers of Christ, highlighting their identity and purpose. They are referred to as a chosen people, indicating the deliberate selection and election by God.
The chosen ones are also described as a royal priesthood and a holy nation, symbolizing their privileged status and role in representing God’s kingdom and ministering to others. Their purpose is to proclaim the praises of God, testifying to the transformative power of being called out of darkness and into the marvelous light of His grace.
Luke 9:35
“A voice came from the cloud, saying, ‘This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to him.'”
This verse recounts the transfiguration of Jesus, where God spoke from a cloud and identified Jesus as His chosen Son. The voice from heaven confirms the divine selection and authority of Jesus, calling for attentive listening and obedience to His teachings.
It underscores the unique relationship between the chosen Son and the Father, and the significance of recognizing and following the chosen one’s words. The chosen one’s teachings are of utmost importance and should be given heed, for they contain the truth and wisdom from God Himself.
Jeremiah 1:5
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”
This verse speaks of Jeremiah as a chosen one who was set apart and appointed by God as a prophet to the nations. It reveals the divine foreknowledge and purpose behind the selection of the chosen one, even before their birth.
It highlights the intentionality and sovereignty of God in choosing and equipping individuals for specific roles and tasks, emphasizing His involvement in their lives from the very beginning. The chosen one’s calling and mission are predetermined, showcasing the divine authorship and guidance throughout their journey.
John 15:16
“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.”
This verse emphasizes Jesus’ words to His disciples about their status as chosen ones. It highlights that the disciples were not the initiators of the chosen relationship, but rather they were chosen and appointed by Jesus Himself.
The purpose of their selection was to bear lasting fruit, pointing to the impact and transformation they would bring through their lives and ministry. It also reveals the privilege and authority granted to the chosen ones in prayer, assuring them of the Father’s response when they ask in the name of Jesus.
1 Peter 1:20
“He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake.”
This verse refers to Jesus as the chosen one who was predestined before the creation of the world. It emphasizes the eternal nature of Jesus’ selection and mission, highlighting His divinely ordained role in the plan of redemption.
Jesus’ revelation in the last times signifies the fulfillment of God’s long-standing purpose and the manifestation of His chosen one for the sake of humanity. It demonstrates the meticulous timing and perfect execution of God’s plan, highlighting the significance of Jesus as the chosen one who brings salvation and hope.
1 Peter 2:4
“As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him.”
This verse describes Jesus as the living Stone who was rejected by humans but chosen and cherished by God. It emphasizes the contrast between human rejection and divine acceptance, underscoring the significance and value God places on His chosen one.
Despite being despised and rejected by people, Jesus’ chosen status remains unchanged in the eyes of God. It reveals God’s unwavering love and commitment towards the chosen one, showcasing the ultimate validation of their worth and purpose in His divine plan.
2 Timothy 2:4
“No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer.”
This verse provides a metaphorical perspective on the chosen one’s mission and commitment. It compares the chosen one to a soldier who focuses on pleasing their commanding officer rather than becoming entangled in the concerns of ordinary life.
It highlights the single-minded dedication and obedience required of the chosen one, demonstrating their willingness to prioritize the divine mission above personal interests and distractions. The verse emphasizes the importance of aligning one’s life and priorities with the purpose for which they have been chosen.
1 Samuel 16:10-13
“Jesse had seven of his sons pass before Samuel, but Samuel said to him, ‘The Lord has not chosen these.’ So, he asked Jesse, ‘Are these all the sons you have?’ ‘There is still the youngest,’ Jesse answered. ‘He is tending the sheep.’ Samuel said, ‘Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives.’ So, he sent for him and had him brought in. He was glowing with health and had a fine appearance and handsome features. Then the Lord said, ‘Rise and anoint him; this is the one.’”
This passage recounts the anointing of David as the chosen one by Samuel, under the direction of God. It illustrates the process of selection, highlighting the surprising choice of the youngest son who was initially overlooked.
David’s physical attributes and inner qualities, such as his health, appearance, and features, captivated Samuel and served as indicators of his potential as the chosen one. God’s affirmation of David as the one to be anointed reinforces the divine hand in the selection process and the unique qualities that make the chosen one stand out.
Isaiah 49:6
“It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.”
This verse expands the scope of the chosen one’s mission beyond the restoration of Israel. It reveals that the chosen one would also be a light for the Gentiles, allowing God’s salvation to extend to the farthest corners of the earth.
It underscores the global impact and redemptive significance of the chosen one’s work, emphasizing the chosen one’s role in bringing salvation and hope to all nations. The chosen one’s mission encompasses more than a specific group or geographical location, demonstrating God’s inclusive and universal love for humanity.
Isaiah 43:10
“You are my witnesses,’ declares the LORD, ‘and my servant whom I have chosen, so that you may know and believe me and understand that I am he. Before me no god was formed, nor will there be one after me.”
This verse emphasizes the chosen ones’ role as witnesses of God’s existence, character, and redemptive work. They are identified as God’s chosen servant, entrusted with the task of helping others know, believe, and understand the true nature of God.
God’s declaration reinforces the uniqueness and exclusivity of His being, highlighting the chosen ones’ responsibility to make God known to the world. Their selection as witnesses underscores the credibility and authority they possess in testifying to the reality and power of God.
Acts 13:17
“The God of the people of Israel chose our ancestors; he made the people prosper during their stay in Egypt; with mighty power he led them out of that country.”
This verse recounts the chosen ones’ historical origins and God’s involvement in their journey. It acknowledges God’s selection of the Israelite ancestors and highlights His intervention to bring prosperity and deliverance to His chosen people.
The chosen ones’ connection to their ancestral legacy reinforces their identity and reaffirms the special relationship God has with them. It serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness and the chosen ones’ responsibility to continue the legacy of faith and obedience.
Deuteronomy 7:6
“For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his people, his treasured possession.”
This verse addresses the chosen ones as a distinct and treasured people set apart by God. It reveals their unique status and the divine favor extended to them as the chosen ones among all the nations.
The chosen ones’ holiness and identity as God’s treasured possession emphasize the intimate relationship they share with God. It underscores their purpose as representatives of God’s kingdom and the responsibility to reflect His character and values to the world.
John 6:70
“Then Jesus replied, ‘Have I not chosen you, the Twelve? Yet one of you is a devil!’”
This verse references Jesus’ selection of the twelve disciples, acknowledging them as the chosen ones. However, it also highlights the presence of a traitor among the chosen ones, referring to Judas Iscariot as the one who would betray Jesus.
The verse portrays the imperfect nature of the chosen ones and their susceptibility to failure and deceit. It serves as a reminder that being chosen does not guarantee flawlessness, highlighting the ongoing need for faithfulness and integrity among those who have been chosen.
Joshua 24:24
“And the people said to Joshua, ‘The LORD our God we will serve, and his voice we will obey.'”
This verse expresses the commitment of the chosen ones to serve and obey the Lord. It demonstrates their recognition of God’s authority and their willingness to follow His instructions.
The chosen ones’ response illustrates their loyalty and dedication to God, reflecting their understanding of the privileged position they hold as His chosen people. It emphasizes the chosen ones’ responsibility to live in alignment with God’s will and directives.
Matthew 22:14
“For many are invited, but few are chosen.”
This verse highlights the distinction between those who are invited and those who are chosen. It implies that although many may receive an invitation to enter into relationship with God, only a select few respond and become the chosen ones.
The verse suggests that being chosen requires a deliberate response and acceptance of God’s invitation, signifying a personal commitment to follow Him. It underscores the uniqueness and exclusivity of the chosen ones, emphasizing the importance of individual choice and response in experiencing the fullness of God’s purpose.
1 Thessalonians 1:4
“For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you.”
This verse addresses the Thessalonian believers as the chosen ones loved by God. It affirms their status as recipients of God’s choice and affection, assuring them of their unique position and significance in God’s sight.
The chosen ones’ assurance of God’s love and selection encourages them in their faith journey. It serves as a reminder of their identity as chosen children of God and empowers them to live out their purpose with confidence and gratitude.