Topical Bible: Call: To Special Religious Duty: All Who are Called of God

◄ Call: To Special Religious Duty: All Who are Called of God ►

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The concept of being called to a special religious duty is a significant theme throughout the Bible, reflecting the divine initiative in selecting individuals for specific purposes within God's redemptive plan. This calling is not limited to a particular group but extends to all who are called of God, encompassing a wide range of roles and responsibilities within the body of Christ.

Old Testament Foundations

The Old Testament provides numerous examples of individuals called by God for special tasks. Abraham is called to leave his homeland and become the father of a great nation (Genesis 12:1-3). Moses is called from the burning bush to lead the Israelites out of Egypt (Exodus 3:4-10). The prophets, such as Isaiah and Jeremiah, receive divine calls to proclaim God's word to the people of Israel (Isaiah 6:8-9; Jeremiah 1:4-10).

New Testament Fulfillment

In the New Testament, the concept of calling is expanded and deepened. Jesus calls His disciples to follow Him, leaving their previous lives to become "fishers of men" (Matthew 4:19). The apostle Paul frequently speaks of his own calling as an apostle to the Gentiles, emphasizing that it is by God's grace and purpose (Romans 1:1; Galatians 1:15-16).

The Universal Call to Believers

The New Testament also highlights the universal call to all believers. This call is not only to salvation but also to a life of holiness and service. In Romans 8:28-30, Paul writes, "And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose." This calling is both a privilege and a responsibility, as believers are called to live in a manner worthy of their calling (Ephesians 4:1).

Spiritual Gifts and Service

The call to special religious duty often involves the use of spiritual gifts. In 1 Corinthians 12:4-7, Paul explains that there are different gifts but the same Spirit, and these gifts are given for the common good. Each believer is called to use their unique gifts in service to the body of Christ, contributing to the growth and edification of the church (Ephesians 4:11-13).

The Priesthood of All Believers

A key aspect of the call to special religious duty is the doctrine of the priesthood of all believers. 1 Peter 2:9 declares, "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." This passage underscores the idea that all believers are called to serve as priests, offering spiritual sacrifices and proclaiming the gospel.

Perseverance and Faithfulness

Those who are called to special religious duty are encouraged to persevere and remain faithful. Hebrews 3:1 urges believers to "consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession," as they fulfill their calling. The call to special duty often involves trials and challenges, but believers are assured of God's presence and strength to carry out their mission (Philippians 4:13).

Conclusion

The call to special religious duty is a profound and multifaceted theme in Scripture, encompassing both individual and corporate dimensions. It is a call to participate in God's redemptive work, empowered by the Holy Spirit, and grounded in the assurance of God's sovereign purpose and grace.

Nave's Topical Index

Romans 8:30
Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.
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1 Corinthians 1:2,9,24
To the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both their's and our's:
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1 Thessalonians 2:11,12
As you know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father does his children,
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2 Thessalonians 2:13,14
But we are bound to give thanks always to God for you, brothers beloved of the Lord, because God has from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:
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2 Timothy 1:9
Who has saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,
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Hebrews 3:1,2,7,8
Why, holy brothers, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;
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1 Peter 5:10
But the God of all grace, who has called us to his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that you have suffered a while, make you perfect, establish, strengthen, settle you.
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2 Peter 1:3,10
According as his divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that has called us to glory and virtue:
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Jude 1:1
Jude, the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called:
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Revelation 17:14
These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.
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Library

The Call of Matthew - the Saviour's Welcome to Sinners - Rabbinic ...
... the class to whom, as we are told, repentance offered special difficulties. ... of those
whom they look upon as the religious and pious ... The history of the call of St ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xvii the call of.htm

The Kingdom of God: Its Values
... Kingdom of God and his righteousness," and he obeyed his own call. ... For Special
Discussion. ... 2. Does the idea seem to offer a religious vehicle for conceptions ...
/.../rauschenbusch/the social principles of jesus/chapter iv the kingdom of.htm

God's Law Immutable.
... keep His commandments, will especially call upon them ... The special characteristic
of the beast, and therefore ... very act of enforcing a religious duty by secular ...
/.../white/the great controversy between christ and satan /25 gods law immutable.htm

All Internal Livers Obliged to Attend to God's Inspirations. ...
... Whereas, a religious person professes his only business to be ... 6. There is, moreover,
one special impediment to the ... be continued; but if God shall call her to a ...
/.../chapter v all internal livers.htm

God's Law Immutable
... keep His commandments will especially call upon them ... The special characteristic of
the beast, and therefore ... very act of enforcing a religious duty by secular ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 25 gods law immutable.htm

Manner of Covenanting.
... with the season meet for every other religious act ... distress, and the pangs of
bereavement, call for the ... urge us to those exercises of special solemn Covenanting ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter ii manner of covenanting.htm

Covenanting a Duty.
... Even as the other religious observances are not obligatory at ... an explicit engagement
to perform the special duties of ... The call addressed to the former was so ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter iii covenanting a duty.htm

The Call of Elisha
... they are not connected with some directly religious work, many ... Many long for special
talent with which to do ... For several years after the call of Elisha, Elijah ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 17 the call of.htm

Meditations for Household Piety.
... 24:15.) And God himself gives a special charge to ... had good servants because they
were religious masters, such as ... his wrath upon the families that call not upon ...
/.../bayly/the practice of piety/meditations for household piety.htm

Of the True Church. Duty of Cultivating Unity with Her, as the ...
... comprehends single individuals, who by a religious profession are ... faults, we feel
alarmed, and sighing call upon him. ... And not to dwell on special examples, all ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 1 of the true.htm