(A Biblical Perspective by Al Thomas)

Revelation 17:14: "These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are 'WITH HIM' are called, and chosen, and faithful." Are you one of them?
Let's take a look:

CALLED = THE WORD LITERALLY MEANS 'INVITED OR ASKED'.
This is for anyone and everyone (Isa. 55:1; Romans 3:24; 1 Tim. 2:4). Sadly, many believers stay at this level. It's easy and requires little if any sacrifice. You simply respond to the invitation. God never intended anyone to stay at this level. We need to grow in the faith (Heb. 5:12-14; 2 Peter 3:18). We must move to'chosen'. Those who settle just for 'called' miss an abundance of personal blessings (John 14:23; 1 Cor. 2:9-13), and bear little fruit for the Kingdom (Matt. 7:17; Luke 8:14, 13:3; John 15:4). If you are here, and want more, read on:
CHOSEN = THE LITERAL MEANING HERE IS 'ELECT' 'OR 'PICKED OUT' OF A CROWD.
It also means 'choice' like a choice piece of meat.the best, the most tender and delicious. This chosen position is for certain individual Christians (See Strong's GK 1588) who are always hungering for more of Jesus (Matt. 5:6). Remember the Lord said, "For there shall arise false Christs, and false prophets, and shall shew great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very
elect," (Matt. 24:24). Our Lord is saying it was going to be very difficult to deceive these people.
1. DON'T MISUNDERSTAND: Jesus was not saying these people are elite or better than anyone else. He wasn't talking about some special group, cult, or that God loves these people more. He was talking about people who give their all to God (and His cause), and because of this He is pleased with them. It's one thing to be a child of God, it's quite another to be a child of God that is walking in a way that is pleasing to God (Gen. 5:24; Heb. 11:5; Gal. 1:10). Yes, we all stumble, but you don't keep repeating the sin.
2. THERE'S A PRICE TO BE PAID TO BE CHOSEN: Not all believers qualify. Some don't want to give their all to God. Some like being luke warm. Jesus warned against staying in this condition. He said there were consequences to a mediocre walk with Him (Matt. 6:23). Paying the price allows you to be where God is NOW. For the believer, there is no greater misery than to be where God used to be. Many today
consider the commandments of God to be optional. This is a dangerous mindset.
3. DON'T MAKE JESUS SPIT! And His mouth does spit. Did you know that's where the Lord wants you to be: In His mouth? (Rev. 3:16). In His mouth is a sharp two-edged sword (Rev. 1:16), and if you are not obedient and turn dull to His Spirit (Heb. 5:11), He cannot and will not keep you in His mouth (Rev. 3:16). This is a hard saying, but one that needs to be said. There are many voices in the Church today.
Beware of hearing what you want to hear and not hearing what the Spirit says to you (2 Tim. 4:3). Before anyone says anything the words are formed in their mouth. You can't be in a better place, than in the mouth of God. When the Lord is comfortable having you in His mouth you will know what He is saying and He will use you to say His words. People ask me, "How to you hear the words of God?" I say, "I try to stay in His mouth." You stay in His mouth by being fresh in your walk with Him, promptly obeying His commands, and resisting everything that hinders your relationship with Him (1 Cor. 9:24-27).
4. THE ELECT (CHOSEN) CARE DEEPLY ABOUT HOLINESS IN THEIR WALK WITH HIM (Luke 1:74-75; 1 Peter 1:16; Eph. 1:4). They take seriously the Apostle John's admonition, "He that saith he abideth in Him ought himself also to walk, even as He walked," (1 John 2:6). The 'chosen' long for times of intimacy with Him. They are not full of their ways, but of the ways of God. The elect take great pleasure in being with the Lord Jesus and they resist anything that attempts to rob them of those precious times. This is so foreign to some. No wonder Jesus said, 'Many are called, but few are chosen' (Matt. 20:16; 22:14). Actually, it is ridiculous (and unscriptural) to think that those who do not do the will of the Father would be given the same privileges as those who do (Matt. 7:21; 12:50).
5. THE ELECT ALSO HAVE THE JOY OF A CLEAR CONSCIENCE IN THEIR LIFE. So many are tired out, stressed out and heading towards burn out and wonder why. Walking in holiness creates a clear conscience which keeps your faith strong (1 Tim. 1:6, 18, 19). Oh, the joy of laying your head down on your pillow and knowing all is right with God and you. A.W. Tozer said, "The true Christian ideal is not to be happy, but to be holy." Let me add, if you stay holy, you will stay happy. Then we must be:
FAITHFUL = THIS IS THE KEY. THIS IS THE (NO BRAINER) ESSENTIAL ELEMENT. We must not only walk in such a way that we qualify as chosen, but be faithful to stay that way (1 Cor. 4:2). Remember the following:
1. SEEK GOD'S MERCY TO HELP YOU TO BE FAITHFUL. Paul did (1 Cor. 7:25). God is not a harsh taskmaster, (Isa. 63:9).
2. REMIND YOURSELF THAT HE HAS PLACED WITHIN YOU THE CAPACITY TO
KEEP HIS COMMANDMENTS (1 John 5:3) Just knowing this will energize your faith. You can do it. By His strength you can do it (Phil. 4:13)! There may be moments, even days, (when the battle is raging) that it seems like you have failed once again. When this occurs:
3. ALSO REMIND YOURSELF GOD HAS GIVEN YOU POWER OVER THE DEVIL (Luke 10:19). It is one of the devil's tactics to get you to believe that you can't ever change. He is the accuser (Rev. 12:10) of the brethren and you must learn to tell him to shut up. Sometimes it seems the devil can talk fifty miles an hour (with gusts up to ninety), but you can shut him up with one word: Jesus!
4. ABOVE ALL, NEVER QUIT! Lean on Him and never give up (2 Tim. 4:10). I have a pastor friend who said, "Al, I've quit the ministry five days a week for twenty five years." We laughed! Yes, its one thing to feel like quitting, it quite another to actually quit. But this war torn and battle seasoned leader keeps going on. No, it's not all
misery, but it is tough sometimes. He's endured unfaithful brethren, accusations of fanaticism, demonic powers, and his own weaknesses.yet (like the Duracell battery) he keeps going. I admire him. He's one of the chosen and he's being faithful. Keep on my friend, (D.K.), your reward is great! Dear friends, I want your reward to be great, also! I am praying that one day (you and I) will stand before our Savior and hear, "Well done thy good and faithful servant, you were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things, enter into the joy of your Master." (Matt. 25:21).