The concept of the "Call of God" is a central theme throughout the Bible, reflecting God's desire for a relationship with humanity and His invitation to individuals to participate in His divine purposes. This call is not limited to a select few but is extended to all people, regardless of their background, status, or past actions. The universality of God's call is a testament to His grace, mercy, and love for all creation.

Old Testament Foundations

The Old Testament lays the groundwork for understanding the call of God as inclusive and far-reaching. In Genesis 12:1-3, God calls Abram (later Abraham) to leave his country and promises to make him a great nation through which "all the families of the earth will be blessed." This covenantal promise underscores the global scope of God's call, indicating that His blessings and purposes are intended for all nations.

The prophetic literature further emphasizes this theme. Isaiah 45:22 declares, "Turn to Me and be saved, all the ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other." Here, the call to salvation is extended to the entire world, highlighting God's sovereignty and desire for all people to acknowledge Him.

New Testament Fulfillment

The New Testament reveals the fulfillment of God's call through the person and work of Jesus Christ. In the Gospels, Jesus extends His invitation to all, regardless of social or religious standing. In Matthew 11:28, He invites, "Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." This open invitation reflects the heart of God, who desires to provide rest and salvation to all who seek Him.

The apostolic writings further articulate the universal nature of God's call. In Acts 2:21, Peter, quoting the prophet Joel, proclaims, "And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved." This declaration, made during the outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, signifies the breaking down of barriers and the extension of God's call to all humanity.

Paul's epistles reinforce this message. In Romans 10:12-13, he writes, "For there is no difference between Jew and Greek: The same Lord is Lord of all, and gives richly to all who call on Him, for, 'Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.'" This passage emphasizes the inclusivity of God's call, transcending ethnic and cultural divisions.

The Nature of the Call

The call of God is multifaceted, encompassing a call to salvation, a call to holiness, and a call to service. The call to salvation is foundational, inviting individuals to repent and believe in the Gospel. In 2 Peter 3:9, it is stated, "The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." This reflects God's desire for all to experience His saving grace.

The call to holiness is a call to live a life set apart for God. In 1 Peter 1:15-16, believers are exhorted, "But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'" This call challenges individuals to reflect God's character in their daily lives.

Finally, the call to service invites believers to participate in God's mission in the world. Ephesians 2:10 states, "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." This call to service is an invitation to engage in acts of love, justice, and mercy, reflecting God's kingdom on earth.

Response to the Call

The call of God requires a response. Throughout Scripture, individuals are urged to listen, obey, and follow God's leading. In Hebrews 3:15, believers are reminded, "Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts." This exhortation underscores the urgency and importance of responding to God's call with faith and obedience.

The call of God, addressed to all, is a profound expression of His love and desire for relationship with humanity. It invites individuals to experience His grace, participate in His purposes, and reflect His character in the world.Isaiah 45:22
Look to me, and be you saved, all the ends of the earth: for I am God, and there is none else.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 20:16
So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

A Loving Call to Reunion
... THE SECOND BOOK OF CHRONICLES A LOVING CALL TO REUNION. ... And the summons to return
unto God is addressed to us all even more urgently than to Israel. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/a loving call to reunion.htm

Of God, and that the one God, and by Whose Providence the World is ...
Addressed to Donatus. ... from the testimony of the poet, that there is one God who inhabits ...
both the most ancient writers of Greece, whom they call theologi; [1705 ...
/.../a treatise on the anger of god addressed to donatus/chap xi of god and that.htm

Prayer and Labor for the Gathering of the Great Harvest.
... Consequently, it is addressed to all human beings, for all who are human bear ... and
longing to go, and only held back by an obvious call of God, through His ...
/.../finney/sermons on gospel themes/xix prayer and labor for.htm

The Call of the Gentiles under the Influence of the Gospel ...
... For look at the entire course of His call up to ... time from its beginning, how it is
addressed to the ... who are in these last days approaching to God the Creator ...
/.../tertullian/the five books against marcion/chapter xxi the call of the.htm

Treatise xi. Exhortation to Martyrdom, Addressed to Fortunatus.
... Exhortation to Martyrdom, Addressed to Fortunatus ... little to arouse God's people by
the trumpet call of our ... and their valour dedicated and devoted to God, by the ...
/.../cyprian/the treatises of cyprian/treatise xi exhortation to martyrdom.htm

Of God, his Care and Anger.
Addressed to Donatus. ... [1758] But that anger which we may call either fury or ... ought
not to be taken away from man; nor can it be taken away from God, because it ...
/.../chap xvii of god his care.htm

Great Voices from Heaven
... as is the person to whom it is addressed, authoritatively commands ... is to be the burden
of the call, answers ... frailty and the immortal vigour of God's word, which ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/great voices from heaven.htm

Some More Particular Directions for Maintaining Continual ...
... capacities and circumstances in life, considering it as if addressed to himself ...
imaginations," (Rom.1:21,22) Let us therefore always call upon God, and say ...
/.../chapter xix some more particular.htm

Different Accounts of the Call of Peter, and of the Imprisonment ...
... 6. Different Accounts of the Call of Peter, and of the ... Word who was in the beginning
with God, should not ... on a later occasion that he was addressed, "Thou art ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/6 different accounts of the.htm

Consecration and Preservation.
... life may be maintained, and preserved in readiness for every call that God may ... point
of direct connection between the way in which God is addressed and the ...
/.../thomas/the prayers of st paul/ii consecration and preservation.htm

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