Many Are Called But Few Are Chosen
Based on D&C 121:34–46 — what it means to be called, why so few are chosen, and how to become one of the elect of God.
D&C sections 121–123 are extracted from a single letter written by Joseph Smith from Liberty Jail, where he and companions had been imprisoned for months with failed petitions for relief. In that darkest of circumstances, some of the most profound doctrine concerning the priesthood and righteous leadership was revealed.
What Does It Mean to Be Called?
According to D&C 121:34–39, all members of the Church have been called from the world. We have heard and accepted the gospel of Jesus Christ as truth. We know Christ’s voice, follow His word, and are His sheep. All Church members have been called unto salvation and exaltation.
The question is not whether we have been called — we have. The question is whether we will be chosen.
Why Are Not All Chosen?
D&C 121:35–40 identifies the behaviors that disqualify the called from becoming the chosen:
What Disqualifies the Chosen
- Covering sins
- Gratifying pride
- Gratifying vain ambition
- Exercising control, dominion, or compulsion upon souls
The result of these behaviors is clear: “the heavens withdraw themselves; the Spirit of the Lord is grieved; and when it is withdrawn, Amen to the priesthood or the authority of that man” (D&C 121:37). The authority becomes void — not by any formal action, but by the man’s own choices.
How Can We Become the Chosen and Elect of God?
D&C 121:41–45 lays out the path. Influence that flows from God comes only through the following:
Attributes of the Chosen
- Persuasion — not compulsion
- Long-suffering — patient endurance
- Gentleness and meekness
- Love unfeigned
- Kindness
- Knowledge without hypocrisy or guile
- Reproof when needed, followed by an increase of love
- Charity toward all and the household of faith
- Virtue garnishing the thoughts unceasingly
Charity is the pure love of Christ (Moroni 7:45–47). It is lost through anger and pride — pride as comparison and enmity between individuals, anger as an emotional outburst born of selfishness.
Virtue is conformity to a standard of right conduct — purity in mind, body, and spirit, and power in the priesthood. It is exemplified by the sons of Helaman (Alma 56:56) and by the woman who was healed when “virtue went out” of the Savior (Luke 8:43–48). Virtue is lost through impure thoughts and actions, unrighteous dominion, covering sins, and physical contamination through addiction.
The Promise of the Chosen
D&C 121:45–46
“Then shall thy confidence wax strong in the presence of God; and the doctrine of the priesthood shall distil upon thy soul as the dews from heaven. The Holy Ghost shall be thy constant companion, and thy scepter an unchanging scepter of righteousness and truth; and thy dominion shall be an everlasting dominion, and without compulsory means it shall flow unto thee forever and ever.”
The blessings of the chosen are remarkable: confidence before God, the Holy Ghost as a constant companion, and an everlasting dominion that flows without compulsion. President Gordon B. Hinckley taught: “What a wonderful thing … to stand with confidence — unafraid and unashamed — in God’s presence. This is the promise held out to every virtuous person.”
These doctrines distill upon the soul gradually, not all at once. Complete knowledge does not come in one day. But He desires us to come, partake of His goodness, and become like Him. The path of the chosen is the path of Zion — pure in heart, filled with light, and blessed with an everlasting dominion of righteousness.
D&C 88:67–68
“And if your eye be single to my glory, your whole bodies shall be filled with light, and there shall be no darkness in you; and that body which is filled with light comprehendeth all things. Therefore, sanctify yourselves that your minds become single to God, and the days will come that you shall see him; for he will unveil his face unto you.”