3 Tests That Separate Real Chosen Ones from Fakes
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One, The Test of Results
In today’s Christian circles, the concept of being “chosen” has become a badge of honor. The result? The rising of a generation of believers that wear the label of the “called” but fail to live as the “sent.” Let’s look at the three tests that distinguish those who wear both the badge and the scars from those who just have the title.
In Acts 15 two groups of people who went into ministry are described. The First Group is those who ‘WENT OUT OF ZEAL’ through self-sending or peer pressure and comparison from fellow men. Acts 15:24: “Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment.” These individuals may have had good intentions, but they lacked spiritual authorization. Instead of building, they confused and destroyed. They did not carry the Spirit’s endorsement, and thus, their words were empty of grace and full of error. They added burdens to the people rather than lifting them.
The Second group is those who were ‘SENT OUT & COMMISSIONED’. Acts 15:22-23: “Then pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; namely, Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the brethren. And they wrote letters by them after this manner; The apostles and elders and brethren send greeting unto the brethren which are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia.” These were not random men. They were known, trusted, recognized by the leadership, and most importantly, endorsed by the Holy Spirit (Acts 13:2-4). Their mission was not fueled by self-appointment but by divine appointment and because of this the results they produced were transformative, such as:
- Healing the crippled man in Lystra (Acts 14:8–10) – Paul, seeing that the man had faith to be healed, boldly declared, “Stand upright on thy feet,” and the man leaped and walked. This miraculous healing stirred the entire city and opened the door for the gospel to be preached with power.
- Powerful conversions and miracles in Iconium (Acts 14:1–3) – As they preached in the synagogue, a great multitude of both Jews and Gentiles believed. Despite opposition, they stayed a long time, speaking boldly to the Lord, who confirmed their message with signs and wonders.
- Spiritual breakthrough and new churches planted in Pisidian Antioch (Acts 13:44–49) – Nearly the whole city gathered to hear the word of God. Even though they faced persecution, the word of the Lord spread throughout the entire region, and many Gentiles rejoiced and believed.
These mighty acts were not merely the result of zeal or gifting but the fruit of being sent—backed by spiritual authority, community recognition, and the empowering of the Holy Spirit. A true sent one produces lasting fruit, not just temporary excitement.
Two, The Test of Judgment
In Acts 5:34–39, Gamaliel, a respected doctor of the law, offered a profound warning during a heated discussion among the Sanhedrin. He referenced Theudas and his followers—about four hundred men—who were ultimately destroyed. These men rose in their own strength, but their efforts came to nothing because they were not sanctioned by God. Gamaliel concluded with a timeless truth in verse 39: “But if it be of God, ye cannot overthrow it; lest haply ye be found even to fight against God.” This counsel reveals a spiritual principle: God’s purposes are unstoppable, and anyone who stands in the way—even unintentionally—places themselves under divine judgment. Being chosen by God is not a license for self-exaltation or rebellion. If one positions themselves as a hindrance to His will, they risk becoming an object of judgment rather than a vessel of blessing. This truth is vividly demonstrated in the following biblical examples:
- Korah, Dathan, and Abiram (Numbers 16) – These men challenged Moses’ leadership under the guise of equality and collective anointing. Yet their rebellion was not rooted in God’s call but in pride and ambition. God responded decisively—the earth opened and swallowed them alive. This illustrates that spiritual rebellion, even when cloaked in the language of zeal, invites swift and severe judgment when it contradicts divine order.
- King Saul’s unlawful sacrifice (1 Samuel 13:8–14) – In a moment of fear and impatience, Saul assumed the role of priest and offered sacrifices before Samuel arrived. Though anointed as king, he was never sent to handle priestly duties. God saw this as a serious breach of protocol and removed His favor, declaring that Saul’s kingdom would not endure. This shows that even those chosen and anointed can fall out of alignment if they step outside their God-ordained boundaries.
- Uzzah’s irreverent act (2 Samuel 6:6–7) – When the Ark of the Covenant began to tilt, Uzzah reached out to steady it. Though his intentions seemed noble, he violated a clear command: no one was to touch the Ark. God struck him dead on the spot. This sobering event underscores that good intentions do not override divine instruction, and sacred things must be handled with fear and precision.
These examples confirm that being chosen is not enough—alignment with God’s will and submission to His order is essential. The divine selection comes with accountability. The same God who promotes is also the God who corrects, and He will not hesitate to bring judgment when His purposes are resisted or His authority is undermined.
Three, The Test of Recognition
In Luke 10:20 when the seventy disciples returned with testimonies of joy on how demons were subject to them: “Rejoice not that the spirits are subject unto you; but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.” In this verse, Jesus assured His disciples that the reason demons were subject to them was because their names were recognized not just in church circles, but in Heaven’s archives.
In 2 Corinthians 12:2 Paul gives us an insight that there are three heavens. The third heaven is God’s dwelling place (1 Kings 8:27; Psalms 115:16). This means having your name known and mentioned in God’s presence like how God boasted with Job to Satan (Job 1:8). Moreover, the Bible speaks of meticulous record keeping in books in Heaven such as the book of life (Revelation 20:15), the book of truth (Daniel 10:21)
The second heaven represents the spiritual realm where both angelic and demonic forces operate. This is where Jesus was telling his disciples to rejoice that their names are known by demons. The sons of Sceva failed this test miserably as the demon replied, “Jesus I know, and Paul I know; but who are you?” (Acts 19:15). They were unknown in the realm that mattered most. The result? They were beaten, shamed, and exposed.
The first heaven represents the Earth’s atmosphere where among people you are renowned for something like Solomon’s wisdom made him famous, and David was honored as a warrior-king. Even Jesus’ name spread across Israel because of His miracles and teachings. This kind of recognition must stand the test of time where you are remembered for generations to come long after your death. This means living a legacy beyond your own life as seen in the example of Abraham.
This test reveals a crucial truth: the spirit world only honors legal authority. That authority does not come from bold declarations or charismatic delivery. It comes from a life that has been tried, tested, and transformed in God’s presence. When Heaven knows your name, hell respects your voice.
Conclusion
These three tests—results, judgment, and spiritual recognition—form the divine process that separates the real from the fake, the chosen from the self-appointed, and the sent ones from the stage performers. Anyone can pick up a mic, launch a ministry, or claim an anointing. But only those who have passed through these crucibles carry the unmistakable fragrance of divine sending. This brings us to the Five Myths Below About Chosen Ones That Must Die:
- Myth 1: Being Chosen Means You’re Automatically Sent – You may be called, but you’re not yet commissioned until your life has been shaped by intimacy. God does not send those who are merely gifted or enthusiastic—He sends those who have cultivated closeness with Him. Mark 3:14 clearly separates these stages: “He ordained twelve, that they should be with Him, and that He might send them forth to preach.”
- Myth 2: God Sends Everyone Available – Before His public ministry, He spent 30 years in hidden obedience. If the Son of God had to undergo a long season of testing before being released into ministry, how much more should we? Power and authority flow from knowing Him deeply, not just from willingness.
- Myth 3: Ministering For The Lord (Activity) Is More Priority Than Ministering Unto The Lord – The spiritual realm does not recognize effort; it recognizes alignment with Heaven. In Acts 19, the sons of Sceva tried to imitate Paul by casting out demons, only to be overpowered. Why? Because they were not known in the spirit realm. Without intimacy, authority is nothing more than noise.
- Myth 4: The Church Is The One That Sends: The church may facilitate your commissioning, but only God authorizes it as we see in Acts 13 when the Holy Spirit spoke and said, “Separate unto me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.” The church did not initiate this mission; it merely confirmed what the Holy Spirit declared. The endorsement came from Heaven. This reminds us that the church may facilitate the commissioning, but the Holy Spirit alone authorizes the sending. And that authorization comes from the place of intimacy, not busyness, meaning it’s reserved for those who dwell with Him.
- Myth 5: Public Recognition Equals Heaven’s Endorsement. Everything a chosen one does, they do it unto the audience of one -God- not men for ‘those that perform to be seen by men have their reward” (Matthew 6). Jesus said, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God” (Matthew 5:8). The effectiveness of a chosen one’s ministry isn’t in public recognition, but in their ability to see and reflect God through consecrated living. The more holy your life, the more potent your voice becomes in the spirit realm. Being chosen is not about being seen—it’s about being sanctified.
If you desire to walk in your divine calling, don’t chase platforms. Chase His presence. Don’t seek shortcuts. Seek His face. Authority in the Kingdom is not bought with charisma but forged in secret devotion. God is raising up sent ones—those who carry not just the message of Christ but also the fragrance of His nearness.
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