Tuesday, January 31, 2017

Called


Romans 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”

I remember a Seeker asking me about six words taken out of context of the beloved bible verse in order to make God "all inclusive", instead of exclusive. This great promise has been an immeasurable source of strength and comfort to Christians, especially during times of trial. It is specifically directed, however, only to those who are “the called.” Recognition of those who are “the called” is best achieved through their synonymous description as “them that love God.” Studies on this Bible passive of Holy Scripture explain that there are also numerous other Scriptures that further describe them. There are two Greek words (each occurring 11 times) which specifically refer to those who are members of this select group: One of these words is kletos(“called”); the other is klesis (“calling”). Another very important term isekklesia, meaning “called out,” which occurs 115 times and is almost always translated “church.” That is, a true church is composed of people who have been specially called by God out of the world system, then joined together in a local church to fulfill the purposes of their divine calling.

1 Corinthians 1:26 “For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called.” No I.Q. test, or physical exam, or social standing is used as a criterion; neither are any human achievements. 2 Timothy 1:9-10 “Who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was given to us in Christ Jesus before time began, but has now been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.”


God’s call was strictly by grace, according to His own eternal purpose! The means by which God calls is the gospel: 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14 “But we ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits to be saved through the sanctifying work of the Spirit and through belief in the truth. He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.” No wonder, then, that we can know that all things work together for good on behalf of those whom God has called, and who therefore love God!

Blessings

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