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This expression denotes —

1. That the change is wholly of the Lord, that it is the effect of His own good pleasure, and accomplished by His Almighty power. Others may attempt it, but none can do it effectually but Himself. The Word may be the instrument, but its success is of Him alone.

2. The ease with which this great work is accomplished, for what more easy than to do it with a word. In the morning of creation God said, "Let there be light, and there was light." In the morning of conversion His mandate is equally sovereign and efficacious.

3. The great difference that is made between the former and present state of the person called. It clearly implies that a separation existed between the parties, and that in virtue of this call the sinner is brought nigh to God.

I. THE NATURE OF THIS HOLY CALLING. There are various calls mentioned in the Scriptures.

1. To particular services of a civil nature. God called Cyrus to the conquest of nations, and to be the protector of Israel. A person's secular employment is said to be his calling; it is the work to which Providence invites him (Isaiah 45:4; 1 Corinthians 7:20).

2. To office, as when Paul was called to the apostleship (ver. 1). Thus every faithful minister of the gospel, in an inferior degree, is called of God (1 Corinthians 12:7-11).

3. To mankind, wherever the gospel comes, to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and be saved. But though all without exception are thus invited, few are chosen (Proverbs 8:4; Isaiah 55:7; Matthew 22:1-10; Acts 17:30). But the call mentioned in our text is peculiar to true believers.It implies —

1. A conviction of the evil of sin, of the utter insufficiency of the creature, and of the want of a Saviour.

2. A sweet and powerful inclination of the whole soul towards God. The compliance is voluntary, while the energy is efficient and almighty. "I drew them with cords of a man, with bands of love."

3. A solemn surrender of ourselves to be the Lord's.

4. Certain effects. Sinners are hereby called out of darkness into marvellous light; from the bondage of sin, Satan, and the law, to the glorious liberty of the sons of God. It is said to he a holy and a heavenly calling, whereby we are called to the attainment of glory and virtue. It is that by which we are meetened for heaven. A partial but real conformity to God in this world will be followed by a perfect conformity to Him in the next; for whom He called, them He also glorified (Romans 8:30; 2 Peter 1:3).

II. THE MEANS EMPLOYED. These are diverse, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. Some are called into the vineyard at the third hour, some at the sixth, some at the ninth, and some even at the eleventh hour of the day. Sometimes remarkable providences have become the messengers of unexpected mercy; sometimes fearful dreams, or the edifying discourse of pious friends, but more frequently the public ministry of the Word. The Lord calls some in thunder, others in the still small voice.

III. ITS DISTINGUISHING PROPERTIES. It is —

1. Personal and particular. The general call of the gospel is addressed to all who come within its sound, but this singles out the object and speaks to him as it were by name. "Zaccheus, come down." "Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou Me?" The former is drawing the bow at a venture, the latter directs the arrow to the mark. The one is the act of man, the other the sole work of God: the one is directed to the ear, the other to the heart.

2. Secret and internal. It is visible only in its effects (John 3:8). Saul's companions heard a sound of words, but knew not what was spoken.

3. Effectual. Many other calls are not so, even where God Himself is the speaker; for he speaketh once — yea, twice — to our senses, to our reason, in the works of creation and providence, and in the ministry of the Word, but man perceiveth it not, or does not regard it. But when God speaks to the conscience and the heart the sinner is made to hear and to obey, His language is, "Call Thou and I will answer — speak, Lord, for Thy servant heareth."

4. Irrevocable. Not only the gifts, but the calling of God is without repentance (Romans 11:29), God is said to repent that He gave man a being, but never that He gave him grace,Improvement:

1. How necessary and important is it that we give all diligence to make our calling and election sure (2 Peter 1:10).

2. Let us learn our obligations to Divine grace. Whatever we are enabled to do for Christ is the fruit of what He has done for us.

3. Let our gratitude for God's distinguishing grace be exemplified by a course of universal obedience.

(B. Beddome.)

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KJV: Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ:

WEB: among whom you are also called to belong to Jesus Christ;