The concept of "The Call to Faith" is a central theme throughout the Bible, representing God's invitation to humanity to trust in Him, believe in His promises, and live in accordance with His will. This call is both a personal and communal summons to enter into a relationship with God through faith, which is foundational to the Christian life.

Old Testament Foundations

The call to faith is evident from the earliest narratives in the Old Testament. In Genesis 12:1-3, God calls Abram (later Abraham) to leave his country and go to a land that He will show him. This call requires Abram to trust in God's promise of making him a great nation, despite his and his wife Sarai's old age and childlessness. Abraham's response is a model of faith, as he "believed the LORD, and it was credited to him as righteousness" (Genesis 15:6).

The call to faith is also seen in the life of Moses, who is called by God from the burning bush to lead the Israelites out of Egypt (Exodus 3:1-10). Moses' initial hesitance and questions reflect the human struggle with faith, yet God's assurance and signs bolster his trust. The Israelites themselves are repeatedly called to faith as they journey through the wilderness, learning to rely on God's provision and guidance.

Prophetic Calls

The prophets of Israel were often called to faith in challenging circumstances. Isaiah's vision in the temple (Isaiah 6:1-8) is a profound example of a call to faith and mission. Despite his unworthiness, Isaiah responds to God's call with, "Here am I. Send me!" (Isaiah 6:8). Similarly, Jeremiah is called to be a prophet to the nations, despite his youth and feelings of inadequacy (Jeremiah 1:4-10).

New Testament Fulfillment

In the New Testament, the call to faith is embodied in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jesus begins His ministry with a call to repentance and belief in the gospel: "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe in the gospel" (Mark 1:15). His call to the first disciples—Peter, Andrew, James, and John—is a call to leave their former lives and follow Him (Matthew 4:18-22).

The Apostle Paul articulates the call to faith as central to the Christian message. In Romans 1:16-17, he declares, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes... For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: 'The righteous will live by faith'" . This echoes the Old Testament prophet Habakkuk's declaration (Habakkuk 2:4), showing the continuity of the call to faith across both Testaments.

Faith and Salvation

The call to faith is intricately linked with the doctrine of salvation. Ephesians 2:8-9 emphasizes that salvation is by grace through faith, not by works: "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast" . This underscores the belief that faith is a response to God's initiative and grace.

Living by Faith

The call to faith is not merely a one-time event but a lifelong journey. Hebrews 11, often referred to as the "Faith Hall of Fame," recounts the accounts of those who lived by faith, highlighting their trust in God's promises despite not seeing their fulfillment in their lifetimes. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as "the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see" .

James 2:14-26 further elaborates on the nature of faith, emphasizing that genuine faith is demonstrated through actions. "Faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead" (James 2:17). This passage calls believers to a faith that is active and transformative, impacting every aspect of life.

Conclusion

The call to faith is a divine invitation to trust in God, embrace His promises, and live in obedience to His will. It is a call that echoes throughout Scripture, inviting individuals and communities to enter into a covenant relationship with the Creator, sustained by His grace and empowered by His Spirit.