------------------------------------------------------- **Cross Reference**: #theology, #Christian_identity, #Gods_grace # Understanding the [[Divine Calling]]: [[God’s Call to Salvation]] [[Divine Calling]] refers to [[God]]’s gracious invitation to [[Salvation]], offered through the [[Gospel]], and the means by which He draws the lost into a saving relationship with [[Jesus Christ]]. It is an essential element of [[Christian theology]], demonstrating both the universal invitation to [[Salvation]] and the personal, effectual work of [[God]] in the lives of believers. ## Two Dimensions of [[Divine Calling]] ### 1. The [[General Call]] (Universal Invitation) [[God]]’s general call is an open invitation to all people to receive [[Salvation]]. This is the "invitation" call of [[God]], often presented in the [[parables]] of [[Jesus]], where He invites everyone to come to Him and be saved. - **[Matthew 22:1–13](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+22.1-13&version=AMP)** – The [[Parable of the Wedding Feast]] > [[Jesus]] describes a king who invites many to a wedding feast, symbolizing [[God]]’s general call to [[Salvation]] for all humanity. This universal call goes out to everyone, but not all respond. [[Jesus]] affirms this by saying, “Many are called, but few are chosen” ([Matthew 22:14](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+22.14&version=AMP)), showing that while the invitation is broad, not everyone responds to it. ### 2. The [[Effectual Call]] (Specific and Irrevocable) In contrast to the [[general call]], the **effectual call** refers to [[God]]’s specific and powerful work in those who will respond to His invitation. The [[New Testament Epistles]] often use the term "calling" exclusively for those who are saved. - **[Romans 8:30](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+8.30&version=AMP)** – The [[Golden Chain of Salvation]] > *“And those whom He predestined, He also called; and those whom He called, He also justified; and those whom He justified, He also glorified.”* This call is more than an invitation; it’s the moment when [[God]] decisively intervenes, transforming hearts to respond in faith. It is a call that cannot be revoked or resisted. ## The Author of the [[Divine Call]] ### 1. [[God the Father]] The primary author of the [[divine call]] is [[God the Father]]. He initiates the call, as seen in passages like **[1 Corinthians 1:9](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+1.9&version=AMP)**: > *“[[God]] is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His [[Son]], [[Jesus Christ]] our [[Lord]].”* ### 2. Involvement of the [[Son]] and the [[Spirit]] Although the Father is the primary agent, both the [[Son]] and the [[Holy Spirit]] are actively involved. [[Jesus]] calls sinners to [[Repentance]] ([Matthew 9:13](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+9.13&version=AMP)), and the [[Holy Spirit]] empowers the proclamation of the [[Gospel]], enabling hearts to respond ([Acts 1:8](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Acts+1.8&version=AMP); [1 Thessalonians 1:5](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Thessalonians+1.5&version=AMP)). ## The Purpose of [[Divine Calling]] The ultimate purpose of [[God]]’s call is **salvation**. Through this call, [[God]] brings people into fellowship with [[Jesus Christ]] ([1 Corinthians 1:9](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+1.9&version=AMP)) and grants them eternal life ([1 Timothy 6:12](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Timothy+6.12&version=AMP)). - **[1 Thessalonians 2:12](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Thessalonians+2.12&version=AMP)** – “Walk in a manner worthy of [[God]], who calls you into His own [[kingdom]] and glory.” This call to [[Salvation]] is a call to live a life transformed by grace, in [[Holiness]] and fellowship with [[God]]. It’s not just a call to a moment of faith but to a lifetime of walking with [[God]]. ## The Means of the [[Divine Call]]: The [[Gospel]] The [[Gospel]] is the vehicle through which the [[divine call]] is issued. [[Paul]] emphasizes that faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the [[Word of Christ]] ([Romans 10:17](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+10.17&version=AMP)). The **preaching of the [[Gospel]]** is therefore essential for this call to be heard and responded to. ## The Nature of the [[Divine Call]] ### 1. Universal and General The general call is for **all people**. It is [[God]]’s invitation to everyone to come to Him and receive [[Salvation]]. - *“Go therefore to the main roads and invite to the wedding feast as many as you find.”* — [Matthew 22:9](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Matthew+22.9&version=AMP) ### 2. Individual, Effectual, and Irrevocable The effectual call is **individual**—specific to those whom [[God]] has chosen—and is **irresistible**. - *“For the gifts and the calling of [[God]] are irrevocable.”* — [Romans 11:29](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+11.29&version=AMP) ## Consequences of [[Divine Calling]] ### 1. [[Salvation]] The most immediate result of [[Divine Calling]] is [[Salvation]]. - *“Those whom He called, He also justified.”* — [Romans 8:30](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+8.30&version=AMP) ### 2. Holiness of Life Believers are called to live lives of [[Holiness]] as a response to [[God]]’s call. - *“For [[God]] has not called us for impurity, but in holiness.”* — [1 Thessalonians 4:7](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Thessalonians+4.7&version=AMP) ### 3. Assurance and Hope The certainty of [[God]]’s call brings assurance and hope to believers. - *“I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which He has called you.”* — [Ephesians 1:18](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+1.18&version=AMP) ### 4. Responsibility to Live Faithfully Those called by [[God]] are also called to a life of faithfulness. - *“Walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called.”* — [Ephesians 4:1](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ephesians+4.1&version=AMP) ## The [[Church]]: Called Out for a Purpose The word **ekklesia**, translated as "[[Church]]," comes from a Greek word meaning "called out." While this term simply means an assembly, theologically, the [[Church]] is indeed the assembly of those whom [[God]] has called into fellowship with [[Christ]]. - **[1 Corinthians 1:2](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+1.2&version=AMP)** – “To the [[Church]] of [[God]] that is in Corinth, to those sanctified in [[Christ Jesus]], called to be saints.” ## Applying the Doctrine of [[Divine Calling]] 1. **Respond to the Call** The [[gospel call]] is for all. If you have not responded to [[God]]’s invitation to [[Salvation]], today is the day to hear His call and respond with faith. 2. **Live Worthy of the Calling** For those already in [[Christ]], we are called to live holy and faithful lives that reflect our status as the called ones. This is a responsibility and a privilege. 3. **Be Assured of His Grace** [[God]]’s calling is irrevocable. Once we are called by [[God]], we can trust that He will complete the good work He has begun in us ([Philippians 1:6](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+1.6&version=AMP)).