The Greek base for the word ‘few’ in the title means small or little in number, and the term ‘chosen’ in the Greek is synonymous with ‘elect’.
Consider the term ‘few’ in the following Scripture passage:
“Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.” Matthew 7:13-14
Generally people are more comfortable if their thoughts and ideology blends in with the majority. There is comfort in numbers. That is the basic rational for governing by polls. That rational also secures votes.
The concept of ‘few’ is closely related to the term ‘remnant’ which is defined in both Hebrew and Greek as ‘remainder’ or what is left or remaining from the whole. The term remnant is found numerous times in the Scriptures to describe the redeemed of Israel.
“And it shall come to pass in that day that the remnant of Israel…will never again depend on him who defeated them, but will depend on the LORD, the Holy One of Israel, in truth. The remnant will return, the remnant of Jacob, to the Mighty God. For though your people, O Israel, be as the sand of the sea, a remnant of them will return…” Isaiah 10:20-22
The phrase ‘in that day’ refers to the millennial kingdom when Israel will cease depending on other nations for their safety and general well being but will rather depend wholly on God. Only a small portion, or remnant, of total Israel will return to God.
Thus, a remnant of the seed of Israel will exist as a nation forever while the majority will be destroyed. The Bible also sheds light on the size of the chosen remnant of Israel who will enjoy millennial and eternal blessings.
“In that day a fountain shall be opened for the house of David…And it shall come to pass in all the land, says the LORD, ‘that two-thirds in it shall be cut off and die, but one-third shall be left in it…They will call on My name, and I will answer them.’ I will say, ‘This is My people…’” Zechariah 13:1, 8-9
Zechariah confirms Isaiah’s prophecy that a remnant of Israel will be delivered into the millennial kingdom. Zechariah, however, quantifies the remnant as being one-third of those surviving at the time of Christ’s return.
As would be expected the New Testament confirms Old Testament teachings. Paul in fact quotes a portion of Isaiah’s prophecy about the remnant of Israel.
“Isaiah also cries out concerning Israel: ‘Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, the remnant will be saved.’” Romans 9:27
Paul loved the Jews inasmuch as he was one by birth being it the lineage of Abraham through Isaac and Jacob and Benjamin. He wrote extensively about Israel’s future in his epistle to the Christians in Rome.
“I say then, has God cast away His people? Certainly Not!…God has not cast away His people whom He foreknew.” Romans 11:1-2
Paul goes on to explain that when Elijah thought he was the only one remaining who was faithful to God, God responded by revealing that there were 7,000 who remained faithful to Him. Paul continues by stating that God has always preserved a remnant of Israel.
“Even so then, at this present time there is a remnant according to the election of grace.” Romans 11:5
Consider that in America today approximately 75% of the population claim they are Christians. Many would, therefore, conclude that this same percentage of Americans would be delivered from destruction. However, is there any reason to believe that a larger percentage of Americans would be saved than the one-third of Israelites?
Recall what God said to Israel.
“For you are a holy people to the LORD your God; the LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for Himself; a special treasure above all the peoples on the face of the earth.” Deuteronomy 7:6
No other nation has been awarded such status.