So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen (Matthew 20:16).
These words of Christ make it clear that being called by God and being chosen by Him are not the same. The two items are similar in the Greek, with the second somewhat like an extension of the firstthat is, kletos and eklektos, or called and called-out. The same truth is emphasized again in Matthew 22:14: For many are called, but few are chosen. Note also that the word for chosen (eklektos) is the word from which we get the English word elect. In fact, it is often rendered elect in the Bible.
It often seems, however, that the two words are used almost as synonyms. Both apply only to true believers. For example, those who are called are set out as distinct from all others. We preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the [Gentiles] foolishness; But unto them which are called, both Jews and [Gentiles], Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God (I Corinthians 1:23,24).
Yet, as our text says, only a few of those that are called are also chosen. All Christians are the called of God, but only some of these are chosen by Him for some special ministry. For example, Paul was called a chosen vessel unto me, to bear my name before the Gentiles (Acts 9:15).
Both the calling and choosing (or election) are strictly works of God. In fact, He has chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4).
And yet, we are also exhorted to give diligence to make both (our) calling and election sure (II Peter 1:10). Though the dual nuances may be impossible to comprehend with our minds, they are a blessing to the hearts of all who are the called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). For all they that are with Him are called, and chosen, and faithful (Revelation 17:14). HMM