This parable is particular to Matthew alone. It must not be confused with the Great Supper of Luke 14:15-24.<br><br>The little group of parables, of which the Marriage Feast is the last, is arranged to make a specific point ONLY. Not only will those who disobey God’s command and reject His messengers (John the Baptist) never enter the Kingdom if they continue in this state of impenitence (compare, Matt 21:28-32) and not only will the dreadful scoundrels who maltreat and murder God’s ambassadors (the prophets) and even kill His Son be brought to a dreadful end, but far more, the city of these impenitents will be destroyed by fire (AD 70) and the Gentiles will come pouring into the Church.<br><br>Now just what kind of invitation was it?<br><br>Although only few are chosen, many must be called. This condemns all hyper-Calvinistic restriction of preaching to the elect, or to the regenerated, or to the "sensible sinner." Election in no wise hampers the serious call to all. But neither may the call of the many ignore, or conflict with, or destroy the election of the few. The sole saving purpose of God with the call of the many is the salvation of the few. The preaching of the gospel has its source, basis, and reason in the election of the church.<br><br>Thus, there are two distinct calls in the Gospel. The general call of the gospel is serious because it corresponds to a twofold distinction. First of all, God seriously makes known his revealed will for all creatures, his voluntas praecepti: "seriously and most genuinely God makes known in his Word what is pleasing to him: that those who are called should come to him." The call is serious in that it truly reveals what the duty of sinful humanity is, namely, repentance and faith in God. This first part of the explanation of the serio vocantur does not imply any will or intention to save on God's part; it only reveals the obligation of sinners. Secondly, the Canons go into the voluntas decreti: "Seriously he also promises rest for their souls and eternal life to all who come to him and believe." The call is a promise of salvation for all who do repent and believe, namely, the elect.<br><br>You may desire to study this more thoroughly. Paul Helm happened to write a brief response to the common misunderstanding of the wills of God. It so happens it is here at the Highway: The Call that Brings a Response Enjoy!

Reformed and Always Reforming,