"Chosen" as a reference to covenants

I believe that "chosen" is a special word in the scriptures. In this series, my hope is to outline a pattern demonstrating how this word connects to covenants through priesthood ordinances. Like many scriptural concepts, careful study of each and every occurrence of this word has helped me see a pattern that was not readily apparent prior to engaging in this study. I'll start with the same verse I intend to end the next part with:

20 ...But behold, I, Nephi, will show unto you that the tender mercies of the Lord are over all those whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty even unto the power of deliverance. (1 Nephi 1)

 This verse has always stood out to me as something special, even if I wasn't quite sure what Nephi was saying.  I think I made an important connection recently as I was studying references in the Book of Mormon about God the Father and Jesus Christ. 1 Nephi 1 is one such chapter.

In this post, I'll try to show how the first half of verse 20 gives us some important clues about a pattern of finding mercy and deliverance, both physically and spiritually, through faith. It has everything to do with obeying the invitations extended by divinely authorized messengers. When we think about divinely authorized messengers bringing us light and knowledge from heaven, coupled with commandments, we should think about our temple covenants.

1 Nephi 1 -- A Pattern in Lehi's Vision

Right after introducing himself to the reader, Nephi tells us about a vision his father had. 

1. He heard other prophets preaching.  
2. He prayed "unto the Lord, yea, even with all his heart, in behalf of his people."
3. He had a vision (but we only learn about some of what he saw, see 1 Nephi 1:16).
4. He sees God the Father sitting on His throne, followed by a vision of Christ descending from heaven, followed by "twelve others," who "went forth upon the face of the earth."
5. He is handed a book and invited to read.
6. Reading the book allowed him to prophesy of future events (including the coming of Christ and the redemption of the world, see verse 19), praise God, rejoice with his whole heart and soul. It "filled" him "with the Spirit of the Lord."
7. The people to whom he preached mocked him and "sought his life."

It is in this context that Nephi makes the statement quoted above (second half of verse 20) about the Lord's "tender mercies" being "over all them whom he hath chosen, because of their faith, to make them mighty unto the power of deliverance." Although he doesn't overtly state it, it seems rather obvious to me now that Lehi's story is outlining a pattern of how we can become "chosen, because of [our] faith."

"Chosen" as a reference to covenants

This concept has been touched on in other posts.  Specifically, this series of posts discusses how a part of the office of the ministry of angels involves "chosen vessels" bearing testimony of Christ (see Moroni 7:31-32). This post discusses Psalm 119, which includes the phrase: "I have chosen the way of faithfulness." 

In several other posts, Stisa and I have both touched on how the crossing of the deep waters (here, here, and here) and the promised land (here and here) represent covenant metaphors. Notice how Moroni describes the promised land as he begins to tell of the final destruction of the Jaredites:

2 For behold, they rejected all the words of Ether; for he truly told them of all things, from the beginning of man; and that after the waters had receded from off the face of this land it became a choice land above all other lands, a chosen land of the Lord; wherefore the Lord would have that all men should serve him who dwell upon the face thereof; (Ether 13)

It was by his faith and by covenant that Lehi obtained this land of promise for his posterity. See 2 Nephi 2:5.

What does it mean to be "chosen" by God?

On the surface, it might seem unfair that God chooses some of His children over others.  This is not so. Doctrine and Covenants 121 makes it very clear what it means to be "chosen" and the difference between being "called" and being "chosen."

34 Behold, there are many called, but few are chosen. And why are they not chosen?
35 Because their hearts are set so much upon the things of this world, and aspire to the honors of men, that they do not learn this one lesson—
36 That the rights of the priesthood are inseparably connected with the powers of heaven, and that the powers of heaven cannot be controlled nor handled only upon the principles of righteousness.
37 That they may be conferred upon us, it is true; but when we undertake to cover our sins, or to gratify our pride, our vain ambition, or to exercise control or dominion or compulsion upon the souls of the children of men, in any degree of unrighteousness, behold, the heavens withdraw themselves; the Spirit of the Lord is grieved; and when it is withdrawn, Amen to the priesthood or the authority of that man.
38 Behold, ere he is aware, he is left unto himself, to kick against the pricks, to persecute the saints, and to fight against God.
39 We have learned by sad experience that it is the nature and disposition of almost all men, as soon as they get a little authority, as they suppose, they will immediately begin to exercise unrighteous dominion.
40 Hence many are called, but few are chosen. (D&C 121)

Here's what I take away from this passage, for the purposes of defining what it means to be "chosen" by God.  Becoming "chosen" involves a process of receiving the priesthood (and its ordinances), coupled with setting our hearts upon the things of God and acting in accordance with the principles of righteousness, so that the priesthood authority can be efficacious in our lives and the powers of heaven and the Spirit of the Lord can influence us.



God "calls" everyone He can -- this is why missionary work is such a vital part of the Gospel and the church.  How we respond to the invitations of divinely authorized messengers determines whether we are "chosen."