Reference: Calling
Easton
a profession, or as we usually say, a vocation (1Co 7:20). The "hope of your calling" in Eph. 4:4 is the hope resulting from your being called into the kingdom of God.
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Each person should remain in the [same] state he was in when he was called [by God].
Morish
The words ?????, ??????, ??????, have various applications in scripture. There is:
1. the usual position or occupation of a person, as slave or freeman: the Christian is exhorted to continue in his calling if he can do so with God. 1Co 7:20-24.
2. The general 'call' or invitation by the gospel, in contradistinction from those that are 'chosen.' Mt 20:16; 22:14.
3. God's call to individuals, when he also makes them willing to obey: as when Abraham was called to leave his country and kindred. Heb 11:8.
4. In an absolute sense for salvation: 'whom he did predestinate, them he also called: whom he called, them he also justified.' Ro 8:30; 11:29. The saints are saints by calling; the apostles were apostles by calling. Ro 1:1,7. The Christian is exhorted to use diligence to make his 'calling and election' sure, 2Pe 1:10, evidently not in the mind of God, but in his own mind.
5. We read of the 'high' calling, the 'holy' calling, and the 'heavenly' calling. Php 3:14; 2Ti 1:9; Heb 3:1. The 'vocation' in Eph 4:1 is the same word.
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So, the [person who seems to be] last will be first [i.e., in importance and blessings], but the [person who seems to be] first will [end up] being last."
For many people are called [by God] but [only those] few [who respond] are chosen [by Him]."
[This letter is from] Paul, a slave of Jesus Christ, [who was] called to be an apostle, [and] set apart for [preaching] the Gospel of God.
All of you there in Rome [i.e., the church there] are also among such obedient believers. You are called Jesus Christ's [people], loved by God and called to be His holy people. May you have unearned favor and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
And [that class of] persons whom God [so] predetermined, He also called [through the Gospel. See II Thess. 2:14]. And those He called, He also made right with Himself. And those He made right with Himself, He also [determined to be] honored [i.e., in the future life].
For God does not change His mind about the gifts He gives and the people He calls [to Him].
Each person should remain in the [same] state he was in when he was called [by God]. Were you a slave when you were called? It should not matter to you [i.e., if you still are]. But if, indeed, you can become a free person, then use that freedom instead [i.e., for serving God]. read more. For the person who was a slave when called by the Lord is [now] the Lord's freed person. In the same way, the person who was free when he was called [by the Lord] is [now] Christ's slave. [Since] you people were bought for a price [i.e., the blood of Christ], do not become slaves to [other] people. Brothers, each person should remain [in fellowship] with God in the [same] state he was in when he was called [by God to be a Christian].
I urge you, therefore, as a prisoner of the Lord, to live in a way that measures up to [the standard required by] God when He called you.
I am pushing onward toward the goal for the prize of the upward call [i.e., to heaven] from God in [fellowship with] Christ.
[He must] hold on firmly to the trustworthy message, which is according to [our] teaching, so that he will be able both to exhort people with sound teaching and to convince those who contradict it.
Therefore, holy brothers [and sisters], who have been called [by God] to share in heaven, think about Jesus, the Apostle and Head Priest, whom we have confessed [as Savior].
By [having] faith, when Abraham was called [by God] to leave [his homeland] and go to a place he would later receive as an inheritance [i.e., Palestine], he obeyed God and went out, not knowing where he was going.
So, brothers, be diligent to make sure of your calling and election [i.e., of your status as being selected by God], for when you do, you will never stumble [and fall away from God].
Watsons
CALLING, a term in theology, which is taken in a different sense by the advocates and the impugners of the Calvinistic doctrine of grace. By the former it is thus stated: In the golden chain of spiritual blessings which the Apostle enumerates in Ro 8:30, originating in the divine predestination, and terminating in the bestowment of eternal glory on the heirs of salvation, that of calling forms an important link. "Moreover, whom he did predestinate, them he also called; and whom he called, them he also glorified." Hence we read of "the called according to his purpose," Ro 8:28. There is indeed a universal call of the Gospel to all men; for wherever it comes it is the voice of God to those who hear it, calling them to repent and believe the divine testimony unto the salvation of their souls; and it leaves them inexcusable in rejecting it, Joh 3:14-19; but this universal call is not inseparably connected with salvation; for it is in reference to it that Christ says, "Many are called, but few are chosen," Mt 22:14. But the Scripture also speaks of a calling which is effectual, and which consequently is more than the outward ministry of the world; yea, more than some of its partial and temporary effects upon many who hear it, for it is always ascribed to God's making his word effectual through the enlightening and sanctifying influences of his Holy Spirit. Thus it is said, "Paul may plant, and Apollos water, but God giveth the increase," 1Co 3:6-7. Again, he is said to have "opened the heart of Lydia, that she attended to the doctrine of Paul," Ac 16:14. "No man can come unto Christ, except the Father draw him," Joh 6:44. Hence faith is said to be the gift of God, Eph 2:8; Php 1:29. The Spirit takes of the things of Christ and shows them to men, Joh 16:14; and thus opens their eyes, turning them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, Ac 26:18. And so God saves his people, not by works of righteousness which they have done, but according to his mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, Tit 3:5. Thus they are saved, and called with a holy calling, not according to their works, but according to the divine purpose and grace which was given them in Christ Jesus before the world began, 2Ti 1:9.
2. To this it is replied, that this whole statement respecting a believer's calling is without any support from the Scriptures, and is either a misunderstanding, or a misapplication of their sense. "To call" signifies to invite to the blessings of the Gospel, to offer salvation through Christ, either by God himself, or, under his appointment, by his servants; and in the parable of the marriage of the king's son, Mt 22:1-14, which appears to have given rise, in many instances, to the use of this term in the Epistles, we have three descriptions of "called" or invited persons. First, the disobedient, who would not come in at the call, but made light of it. Second, the class of persons represented by the man who, when the king came in to see his guests, had not on the wedding garment; and with respect to whom our Lord makes the general remark. "For many are called, but few are chosen;" so that the persons thus represented by this individual culprit were not only "called," but actually came into the company. Third, the approved guests; those who were both called and chosen. As far as the simple calling or invitation is concerned, all these three classes stood upon equal ground
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Jesus again spoke in parables to them [i.e., the Jewish leaders], saying, "The kingdom of heaven is similar to a certain king who held a wedding reception for his son. read more. He sent his servants out to call those who had been invited to the wedding reception, but they refused to come. Again he sent out other servants saying, 'Tell those who were invited, look, I have already prepared the dinner; my cattle and [other] well-fattened animals have been butchered and everything is ready. [Now] come to the wedding reception dinner.' But they made fun of it, and went on about their business, one to his farm, another to his store. But the rest of them grabbed his servants, physically abused them and [finally] killed them. The king became furious and sent his army to destroy these murderers and burn their city. Then he told his servants, 'The wedding is ready, but those who were invited to it [proved they] were not worthy [to attend]. Now go to the main crossroads of the highways and invite everyone you find there to the wedding reception.' So, his servants went out to the highways and gathered in all those who could be found, both bad and good, so that the wedding [reception] was full of guests. But when the king came in [to the dining hall] to meet the guests, he noticed a man who was not wearing a [proper] wedding outfit. He said to the man, 'Friend, how did you get in here without wearing the proper wedding outfit?' And he could not say a word. Then the king said to his servants, 'Tie him up, hand and foot, and throw him into [a place of] outer darkness where there will be crying and excruciating pain.' For many people are called [by God] but [only those] few [who respond] are chosen [by Him]."
For many people are called [by God] but [only those] few [who respond] are chosen [by Him]."
And [just] like Moses lifted up the snake [on the pole] in the wilderness [Num. 21:9], so the Son of man must be lifted up [on the cross] so that whoever believes in Him would have never ending life." [Note: Some translations extend Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus through verse 21]. read more. For God loved the world [of sinners] so much that He gave His one and only Son, so that every person who believes in Him would not [have to] be destroyed, but have never ending life. For God did not send His Son into the world to be its judge [i.e., to condemn it], but [rather] so that the people of the world could be saved [from condemnation] though Him. The person who believes in Him will not be condemned, but the one who does not believe in Him has already been condemned, because he did not believe in the name of God's one and only Son. Now this is [how God's] judgment [works]: The Light [See 1:5-9] has come into the world, but people loved darkness [i.e., sin] rather than the Light, because their deeds were evil.
No one can come to me unless the Father, who sent me, attracts him to me. [See verse 65]. And I will raise him up [from the dead] on the last day.
He will honor me, for He will receive what belongs to me and will declare it to you.
For the promise [of forgiveness and the Holy Spirit] is being given to you [Jews] and to your descendants and [also] to all those who are far away [i.e., Gentiles. See Eph. 2:17]. [This promise is] to as many as [respond to] the Lord, our God's call [through the Gospel, See II Thess. 2:14]."
A certain woman named Lydia, from the town of Thyatira, who sold purple cloth [for a living], was there. She was a worshiper of God and when she heard us [telling about salvation through Christ], the Lord opened her heart to respond to the message being spoken by Paul.
to open their eyes [to the truth] so they will turn from darkness to light and from the power [i.e., the influence] of Satan to God. [Then] they can receive the forgiveness of sins and the inheritance [of never ending life], along with [all] those who are set apart [for God] by trusting in Me.'
It was through Jesus, and for His name's sake, that we [i.e., I] received God's favor to become an apostle, in order to bring about obedience based on faith from among people of all nations. (OMITTED TEXT)
And we know that God works out everything for the good of those who love Him and are called [to serve Him] in harmony with His purpose [for them].
And [that class of] persons whom God [so] predetermined, He also called [through the Gospel. See II Thess. 2:14]. And those He called, He also made right with Himself. And those He made right with Himself, He also [determined to be] honored [i.e., in the future life].
And [that class of] persons whom God [so] predetermined, He also called [through the Gospel. See II Thess. 2:14]. And those He called, He also made right with Himself. And those He made right with Himself, He also [determined to be] honored [i.e., in the future life].
We were these people, whom He called, not only from the Jews but also from the Gentiles.
But to those who are called [by God to be saved], both Jews and Gentiles, [the message of] Christ is the power of God [See 1:16] and the wisdom of God. [See 1:30].
I [Paul] planted [i.e., preached God's word], Apollos watered [it], but God made it grow. So then, it does not matter who plants or who waters, but [it is] God who matters, for He makes the seed grow.
Was any man already circumcised when he was called [by God to be a Christian]? Then he should not [try to] become uncircumcised. [Note: Some Jews in that day resorted to a surgical procedure in an attempt to conceal their circumcision]. Was any man uncircumcised when he was called? Then he should not become circumcised.
I am astonished that you people are so quickly abandoning God [i.e., by rejecting His truth], who called you [to Himself] through the unearned favor bestowed [on us] by Christ. [You are turning] to a different "gospel,"
For you brothers were called [by God] to enjoy your freedom; but do not use this freedom as an excuse for living a sinful life; instead, use it to render loving service to each other.
For you have been saved by God's unearned favor, through [your] faith, and that [salvation] was not the result of your own doing; it was the gift from God.
I urge you, therefore, as a prisoner of the Lord, to live in a way that measures up to [the standard required by] God when He called you.
There is [only] one body [i.e., church] and one Holy Spirit, just as God also gave you one hope when He called you [See Titus 3:7].
Because God has granted you [the privilege], on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake.
and urging you to live up to the standards of God, who calls you into His own kingdom and splendor.
and urging you to live up to the standards of God, who calls you into His own kingdom and splendor.
But we ought to thank God for you always, brothers [who are] dearly loved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning [Note: Some manuscripts use the Greek word for "firstfruits" instead of "beginning" here, but it is difficult to know in what sense the Thessalonian Christians were "first"], in order to be saved through being set apart by the Holy Spirit and through belief of the truth [of the Gospel]. He called you [to this salvation] through our Gospel message, in order that you could obtain the splendor of our Lord Jesus Christ [in heaven].
[It is] God who saved us and called us to live holy lives [or, "to be dedicated people"], not as a result of our [good] deeds, but in harmony with His own purpose and unearned favor. [This was] given to us through [the atoning work of] Christ Jesus, before the beginning of time. [Note: Salvation through Christ was planned before time began. See Titus 1:2; Rom. 16:25; Eph. 1:4].
[It is] God who saved us and called us to live holy lives [or, "to be dedicated people"], not as a result of our [good] deeds, but in harmony with His own purpose and unearned favor. [This was] given to us through [the atoning work of] Christ Jesus, before the beginning of time. [Note: Salvation through Christ was planned before time began. See Titus 1:2; Rom. 16:25; Eph. 1:4]. But, it has [only] now been made known to us by the appearance of our Savior Christ Jesus, who has put an end to death and brought [never ending] life and incorruption [i.e., immortality] to light through the Gospel [message],
He saved us, not because of any good deeds we ourselves had done, but because of His mercy. [He saved us] through the washing of new birth [Note: This refers to our immersion in water] and the renewing [work] of the Holy Spirit,