Matthew 22:14 Commentary and Bible Study

Here is the ultimate explanation for why some are present at the wedding feast and others are shut out. Christ does not hide this. Behind all their decisions to accept or refuse the invitation, to put on a wedding garment or decline to wear it, lies something else – the predestinating choice of God. It is his will that determines who will be in the wedding feast. Without taking any responsibility away from us for the choices we make, Christ makes crystal clear that it is God who determines who the wedding guests will be. Some are called who are not chosen, and only those who are chosen are inside. The call to all is sincere, but God allows some to reject that call, just as the parable describes. The general call of the gospel goes out and many hear it, but initially all reject it because there is enmity in their hearts towards God and his message. But in the case of the elect there is a second effectual call which works in conjunction with the general call and which cannot be resisted. These alone are the ones who are chosen and who respond to God’s gracious invitation and gladly put on the wedding garment to cover their unrighteousness.