Fifty Reasons Why You Are Called

“I don’t believe ‘calling’ is a biblical concept.” I have heard this type of comment over the course of more than 300 interviews of Christian leaders over the past 10 years. Sometimes interviewees suggest that the notion of a personal calling is a byproduct of our present evangelical culture, some form of modern contrivance to suit our cultural context, rather than a concept rooted in biblical truth.

 So, is there in fact much biblical basis for the concept of calling? Let’s do a quick survey of the Bible. I will focus on the New Testament which is about the “called people”, rather than the Old Testament which focuses on the “chosen people.” In the New Testament there are over 50 references to calling. The letters of Paul are replete with references and explanations of calling. The other apostles refer to calling. Christ calls people.

 All believers are called; the community is referred to as the called; there is an overriding theme and reference to believers being called. There are few references (though there are some) to people (i.e. apostles) being called to a specific task (i.e. Paul refers to being “called to be an apostle” (Rom 1:1) or called to a specific task (i.e. Paul being called to preach the gospel to those in Macedonia, Acts 16:10).

 Calling is part of being Christian (this is very distinct and separate from discussion of gifts and particular contributions of individuals, as review in a previous post).

 “While they were worshipping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” (Acts 2:38-40). All the references to calling make clear that our specific work calling fits within the much broader context of calling as a Christian and the redemptive work as a Christian.

 There are four “anchor verses” related to calling. These are instances where passages in the Bible provide some details as to the nature of calling. Other verses refer to calling in a more cursory fashion.

 One of the most forthright statements is in Eph 4:1 where Paul writes that “I….entreat you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called.” A bit later Paul notes, ‘….There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling.” (Eph. 4:3).

 1,  Another oft-quoted verse is, “I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Phil 3:14).

 2.  “With this in mind, we constantly pray for you, that our God may make you worthy of his calling, and that by his power he may bring to fruition your every desire for goodness and your every deed prompted by faith.” (2 Thes 1:11)

 3.  “Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” (1 Tim 6:12)

 4.  Calling is a fundamental part of the salvation process of a believer. Paul notes that believers “have been called according to his purpose.” (Rom 8:28).   He outlines the process: “And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.” (Rom 8:30). Paul writes separately, “He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time.” (2 Tim 1:9)

 God “has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace.” (2 Tim 1:9)

 God has “called us to peace” (1 Cor. 7:15), we have been “called to freedom” (Gal 5:13). Believers are to be enlightened so that we know “the hope of His calling” (Eph 1:18).

 When we suffer, we have been “called for this purpose”, as Christ also suffered (1 Peter 2:21). Peter tells us that God has “called you out of darkness” (1 Peter 2:9).

 Peter says, “you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing” (1 Peter 3:9)

 God has “called us to be his holy people” (1 Cor 1:2), has “called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord” (1 Cor 1:9), “God has called us to live in peace” (1 Cor 7:15), “has “called you to live in the grace of Christ” (Gal 1:6).

 We are “called to peace” (Col 3:15), God “calls you into his kingdom and glory” (1 Thes 2:12).

 In Hebrews 9:15, “that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance.” Further, God “called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” (1 Peter 2:9). He “called you to his eternal glory in Christ” (1 Peter 5:10) and “called us by his own glory and goodness” (2 Peter 1:3)

 2 Peter 1:10 – “Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble.”

 The letter to Jude is addressed in matter of fact fashion: “To those who have been called….” (Jude 1:1)

 In Revelation, when the Lamb (Christ) triumphs “with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers” (Rev 17:14)

 In short, calling is a core Christian concept with references throughout the New Testament. The notion of calling is both explained in details in key passages throughout the New Testament and supplemented by various references throughout many other New Testament writings.