Rv17

John describes those who will be saved with two words, "chosen and faithful". Earlier in this chapter he refers to the "book if life" and says that names have been written in it from the "foundation of the world"!

To be chosen by God is an awesome privilege. Salvation is primarily a work of God and there is nothing we can do in ourselves to create a sincere desire for God. Wanting to know Him comes from Him. I believe those who have been chosen sense their need for God in a deep way. We long to know Him. We feel the guilt of our sinfulness. We know without Christ's forgiveness, we will not be saved.

I have also noticed that there are many who "claim" to know God, yet seem to have no desire to know Him. Every act of obedience is duty and not delight. Following God's word and ways is a chore and they are rarely enthusiastic about the things of God. It makes me wonder.

Faithfulness is a joy! Those who are chosen live a faithful life. Not from duty, but rather, from delight. We want to honor Jesus. We delight in His word. We hunger and thirst for God on a daily basis. We are seldom satisfied with the things of this world and are most deeply encouraged by the works of God.

What a blessing to be among the chosen and faithful.