To those he was speaking to, that is very true. Of course, God chooses them, not we ourselves. While I would graciously accept the calling if it was offered, I am greatly pleased that I was not chosen. I fully recognize what a great privilege it is and I truly support those who have been called, but perhaps I do not have the degree of love that they do. I am so very happy just to be a resident of that Kingdom.
Everything Jesus taught applies to all people everywhere now.
He originally came only for the lost sheep of the house of Israel, but because they rejected their own messiah, except for a remnant, salvation by faith in Jesus and entering the kingdom was opened up to the Greeks, aka the gentiles.
Now everything Jesus taught applies to everyone, including the fact that you must be born again to enter His kingdom - and if you’re not in His kingdom, you’re damned.
Proof of this is that Paul taught the kingdom everywhere he went, and he is the apostle to the gentiles, not to the Jews, as Peter was:
Rom 11:13 Now I am speaking to you Gentiles. Inasmuch then
as I am an apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my ministry
Obviously if the kingdom and entering the kingdom was only for the Jews, then an apostle to the gentiles would not be preaching the kingdom to those gentiles.
There is is only ONE gospel of the kingdom of Christ and of God, offered first to the Jew, then to the gentile:
Rom 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first
and also to the Greek.
All that Jesus taught applies to us, as proven by Paul, the apostle to the gentiles, preaching the kingdom:
Act 20:24 But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.
Act 20:25 And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the KINGDOM of God, shall see my face no more.
Act 28:30 And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him,
Act 28:31 Preaching the KINGDOM of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.
Paul preached the same exact thing to both the Jews and the Greeks/gentiles- there was no difference:
Act 20:20 And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you,but have shewed you, and have taught you publickly, and from house to house,
Act 20:21
Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.
Therefore YOU MUST BE BORN AGAIN, it’s not an option, unless you prefer damnation, that is.