Topical Bible: The Call of God: Blessedness of Receiving

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The concept of the "Call of God" is a profound theme throughout the Scriptures, representing God's invitation to individuals to enter into a relationship with Him, to fulfill His purposes, and to partake in His divine blessings. The blessedness of receiving this call is multifaceted, encompassing spiritual, emotional, and sometimes even material dimensions.

Biblical Foundation

The call of God is first seen in the Old Testament, where God calls individuals like Abraham, Moses, and the prophets to specific tasks and roles. In Genesis 12:1-3, God calls Abram (later Abraham) to leave his country and promises to make him a great nation, blessing him and making his name great. This call is not only a directive but also a promise of blessing: "I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you; and all the families of the earth will be blessed through you" (Genesis 12:3).

In the New Testament, the call of God is extended to all believers through Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul frequently speaks of this call, emphasizing its divine origin and purpose. 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. For those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers. And those He predestined, He also called; those He called, He also justified; those He justified, He also glorified" . Here, the call of God is linked with justification and glorification, highlighting the spiritual blessings that accompany it.

Spiritual Blessings

Receiving the call of God brings profound spiritual blessings. Chief among these is the assurance of salvation and eternal life. In 2 Timothy 1:9, Paul states, "He 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" . This holy calling is a gift of grace, underscoring the unmerited favor bestowed upon believers.

Moreover, the call of God brings believers into a deeper relationship with Him. In 1 Peter 2:9, believers are described as "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 highlights the transformation and identity bestowed upon those who respond to God's call, as they are brought from darkness into light.

Emotional and Communal Blessings

The call of God also provides emotional and communal blessings. Believers are called into a community of faith, the body of Christ, where they find support, encouragement, and fellowship. In Ephesians 4:1-3, Paul urges believers to "walk in a manner worthy of the calling you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, and with diligence to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace" . This unity and love within the community of believers are direct results of responding to God's call.

Material and Temporal Blessings

While the primary focus of God's call is spiritual, there are instances where material and temporal blessings are also evident. In the Old Testament, the call of God often included promises of land, prosperity, and protection, as seen in the lives of the patriarchs and the nation of Israel. However, in the New Testament, the emphasis shifts more towards spiritual riches, though God still provides for the needs of His people. Jesus assures His followers in Matthew 6:33, "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you" , indicating that God will provide for those who prioritize His call and kingdom.

Conclusion

The blessedness of receiving the call of God is a central theme in the Christian faith, offering believers a profound sense of purpose, identity, and assurance. Through this call, individuals are invited into a transformative relationship with God, marked by spiritual, emotional, and communal blessings. The call of God is a testament to His grace and love, drawing believers into His divine plan and eternal kingdom.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Revelation 19:9
And he said to me, Write, Blessed are they which are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he said to me, These are the true sayings of God.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Bread of God
... to them as to us, is the condition of all blessedness. ... as really as in those which
we call miraculous. God is separable from the universe, but the universe is ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the bread of god.htm

Blessedness and Praise
... the blessedness of the men whom Thou hast loved and saved ... that are freely given to
you of God"the forgiveness ... Take them, and call upon the name of the Lord ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/blessedness and praise.htm

God's Offspring
... This is the blessedness of Christmas-day ... vain repetitions of prayers, to win His
favour;' or by saying, 'We dare not call ourselves God's children yet ...
/.../kingsley/sermons for the times/sermon xvi gods offspring.htm

On the Church of God and of Christ: or on the Church in General ...
... who calls, and of the church who obeys that call, according to which, God in Christ ...
also contains the chief good of the church, is blessedness perfected and ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 2/disputation l on the church.htm

Christ's Friendship: Its Intimacy
... Lord now says: "No longer do I call you servants ... And this now is the blessedness
of being Christ's friends ... inner circle, into some knowledge of God's more secret ...
/.../christs friendship its intimacy.htm

The True Christian's Blessedness
... of a true Christian, and a declaration of that Christian's blessedness. ... by the Word,
by daily providence, to love God, there is a common call always given ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/the true christians blessedness.htm

Union and Communion with God the End and Design of the Gospel
... life, and in whose favour is life," is perfect blessedness. ... rebels, are called to
be friends, "I call you not ... creature should be called a friend of God, but, O ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/lecture ii union and communion.htm

God's Love for a Sinning World
... "He is not ashamed to call them brethren ... Indeed, it is impossible to conceive of
God as being selfish ... greatly will it affect the glory and the blessedness of the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/finney/sermons on gospel themes/i gods love for a.htm

Jesus Born the Son of God.
... But would we call ourselves after the name of a ... light is clouded and broken, and
the blessedness of our ... the choicest and greatest instrument pf God; yet hew ...
/.../schleiermacher/selected sermons of schleiermacher/xvi jesus born the son.htm

Whitsunday.
... point in a man's life, which they call his justification ... have believed, and so can
remember that God's grace was ... O blessed above all blessedness, if we can say ...
//christianbookshelf.org/arnold/the christian life/lecture xxvi whitsunday.htm