Thoughts from The Bible

Thoughts from the Bible

Wednesday, 03 February 2021 12:05

The Christian’s Calling
by Terry Broome

In the opening of Peter’s second letter to those who had obtained “like precious faith,” (2 Pet. 1:1) and were scattered over the world of that time period (1 Pet. 1:1) he defines the call that God has given to a world of lost sinners:
2 Peter 1:3, 10 (KJV) 3 “According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:” …10 “Wherefore the rather, brethren, give diligence to make your calling and election sure: for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall

This is the section where Peter discusses adding what we call the “Christian Graces. He begins by telling us that God “…hath called us to glory and virtue” (2 Pet. 1:3). After listing the “Christian Graces,” he then charges us to “give diligence to make your calling and election sure” (2 Pet. 1:10).

The Gospel call is issued to everyone who is willing to hear the Word of God: 2 Thessalonians 2:14 (KJV) 14 “Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.” The words of a well-known invitation hymn echoes this thought: “God is calling the prodigal: come without delay; Hear, O hear Him calling, calling now for THEE; Tho’ you’ve wandered so far from His presence, come today; Hear His loving voice calling still.”
There are some beautiful passages of Scripture that illustrate what it is we are called from and called to. We are:
CALLED FROM LABOR TO REST

Matthew 11:28 “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
CALLED FROM THE SLEEP OF DEATH TO LIFE:

Eph. 5:14 “Wherefore he saith, Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light.”
CALLED FROM SERVANTS OF SIN TO SERVANTS OF RIGHTEOUSNESS:

Romans 6:17-18 “But God be thanked, that ye were the servants of sin, but ye have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered you. Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness.”
CALLED OUT OF DARKNESS INTO LIGHT:

1 Peter 2:9 “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light:”

CALLED TO THE FELLOWSHIP OF HIS SON:
1 Corinthians 1:9 “God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.”
God has called us to His glory and virtue by the Gospel. Will you heed His call and accept His saving grace today??? Revelation 3:20 (KJV) “Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.”
The author can be reached for comments at 256-574-2489.