Topical Encyclopedia The concept of grace as the source of the call of God is a profound theme woven throughout the biblical narrative. Grace, in its essence, is the unmerited favor and love of God bestowed upon humanity. It is through this divine grace that God initiates His call to individuals, drawing them into a relationship with Himself and commissioning them for His purposes.Biblical Foundation The New Testament provides a rich tapestry of passages that highlight the role of grace in the call of God. In Ephesians 2:8-9 , the Apostle Paul writes, "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast." This passage underscores that salvation, the ultimate call of God, is rooted in grace. It is not earned by human effort but is a divine gift. Furthermore, in 2 Timothy 1:9 , Paul emphasizes that God "has saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but by His own purpose and by the grace He granted us in Christ Jesus before time began." Here, the call to a holy life is directly linked to God's grace, which was purposed in Christ even before the creation of the world. Old Testament Foreshadowing While the New Testament explicitly articulates the relationship between grace and God's call, the Old Testament provides foreshadowing of this truth. The call of Abraham in Genesis 12 is a prime example. God calls Abraham to leave his country and promises to make him a great nation. This call is not based on Abraham's merit but on God's sovereign choice and grace. Similarly, the call of Moses in Exodus 3 is initiated by God's grace. Despite Moses' initial reluctance and feelings of inadequacy, God chooses him to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. This divine selection is an act of grace, underscoring that God's call is not contingent upon human qualifications. The Role of Grace in the Apostolic Call The apostles' call in the New Testament further illustrates the centrality of grace. In 1 Corinthians 15:10 , Paul reflects on his own calling, stating, "But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace to me was not in vain." Paul's transformation from a persecutor of the church to an apostle is a testament to the power of God's grace in calling and equipping individuals for His service. Peter, too, experiences the grace of God in his call. Despite his denial of Christ, Jesus reinstates Peter and commissions him to shepherd His flock (John 21:15-17). This act of restoration is a profound demonstration of grace, affirming that God's call is irrevocable and rooted in His loving kindness. Grace and the Call to Holiness The call of God, sourced in grace, is not only a call to service but also a call to holiness. Titus 2:11-12 declares, "For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men. It instructs us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live sensible, upright, and godly lives in the present age." Grace empowers believers to live in accordance with God's will, transforming their lives to reflect His holiness. Conclusion The biblical narrative consistently reveals that grace is the foundation of God's call. From the patriarchs to the apostles, and to believers today, God's call is an expression of His unmerited favor, drawing individuals into a transformative relationship with Him and commissioning them for His divine purposes. Torrey's Topical Textbook Galatians 1:15But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace, Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Of the Works which God Works in all in Common and of Five Kinds of ... The Fountain of Grace. Its Source Abandonment to Divine Providence Salvation: Grace: Faith Sanctified by God the Son. Prayer and Importunity My God Will Hear Me Christ, the Great Teacher Thirsting for God Resources Are baptism and communion means of grace? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to be saved by grace? | GotQuestions.org Irresistible Grace - is it biblical? | GotQuestions.org Grace: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Grace is Described as All-Abundant Grace is Described as All-Sufficient Grace is Described as Exceeding Grace is Described as Glorious Grace is Described as Manifold Grace is Described as Sovereign Grace is the Source of Consolation Grace is the Source of Election Grace is the Source of Forgiveness of Sins Grace is the Source of Justification Grace is the Source of Salvation Grace is the Source of The Call of God Grace of God: General Scriptures Concerning Grace: Beware Lest You Fail of Grace: Foretold by the Prophets Grace: Glory of, Exhibited in Our Acceptance in Christ Grace: God's Throne, the Throne of Grace: God's Work Completed in Saints By Grace: Inheritance of the Promises By Grace: Justification By, Opposed to That by Works Grace: Manifestation of, in Others, a Cause of Gladness Grace: Necessary to the Service of God Grace: Not to be Received in Vain Grace: Pray for for Yourselves Grace: Riches of, Exhibited in God's Kindness Through Christ Grace: Saints are What They are By Grace: Saints: Abound in Gifts of Grace: Saints: Receive, from Christ Grace: Saints: should be Established In Grace: Saints: should be Strong In Grace: Saints: should Speak With Grace: Special Manifestation of, at the Second Coming of Christ Grace: Specially Given: To Ministers Grace: Specially Given: To the Humble Grace: Specially Given: To Those Who Walk Uprightly Grace: The Gospel, a Declaration of Grace: The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Grace: The Success and Completion of the Work of God to Be Related Terms |
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