SPECIAL TOPIC: CALLED

SPECIAL TOPIC: CALLED

God always takes the initiative in calling, electing, and wooing believers to Himself (cf. John 6:44,65; 15:16; 1 Cor. 1:1-2; Eph. 1:4-5,11). The term "calling" is used in several theological senses.

In the OT "calling on the name" was always in a worship context (cf. Gen. 4:26; 12:8; 21:33; 26:25; Exod. 34:5; see Special Topic: "The Name" of YHWH).
Sinners are called to salvation by the grace of God through the finished work of Christ (i.e. Gal. 1:6) and the conviction of the Spirit (cf. John 6:44,65; 16:8-10). The Greek word klētos (cf. Rom. 1:6-7; 9:24) is theologically similar to 1 Cor. 1:1-2 and 2 Tim. 1:9; 2 Pet. 1:10.
Sinners call on the name of the Lord (see Special Topic: The Name of the Lord and Special Topic: John's Use of "Believe," A. #6) to be saved (i.e. epikaleō, cf. Acts 2:21; 22:16; Rom. 10:9-13). Also, note the powerful affirmation in Phil. 2:9-10. This statement is a Jewish worship idiom (#1).
Believers call on His Name in times of crisis and stress (i.e. Acts 7:59).
Believers are called to live Christlike lives (i.e. klēsis, cf. 1 Cor. 1:26; 7:20; Eph. 4:1; Phil. 3:14; 2 Thess. 1:11; 2 Tim. 1:9).
Believers are called to ministry tasks (cf. Acts 13:2; 1 Cor. 12:4-7; Eph. 4:11-12).

Special Topic: Election

Special Topic: He Chose Us