Topical Bible: The Call of God by Christ

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Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of "The Call of God by Christ" is a central theme in Christian theology, reflecting the divine invitation extended to individuals to follow Jesus Christ and embrace the life of discipleship. This call is both personal and communal, encompassing a transformative journey that aligns believers with the purposes of God as revealed through His Son, Jesus Christ.

Biblical Foundation

The call of God by Christ is rooted in the New Testament, where Jesus extends invitations to individuals to follow Him. One of the most notable instances is found in the calling of the first disciples. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus calls Simon Peter and his brother Andrew, saying, "Come, follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men" (Matthew 4:19). This call is immediate and compelling, prompting the brothers to leave their nets and follow Him.

Similarly, in the Gospel of John, Jesus calls Philip, who in turn invites Nathanael to "come and see" (John 1:46). This pattern of calling and response highlights the relational aspect of the call, where individuals are invited into a personal encounter with Christ.

Nature of the Call

The call of God by Christ is characterized by several key elements:

1. Divine Initiative: The call originates from God, who, through Christ, reaches out to humanity. It is not based on human merit but on God's sovereign grace and purpose. Jesus affirms this in John 15:16, saying, "You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit—fruit that will remain."

2. Transformative Purpose: The call is not merely an invitation to follow but a summons to transformation. It involves a radical reorientation of life, as seen in the call to repentance and faith. Jesus declares, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near" (Matthew 4:17), emphasizing the need for a change of heart and mind.

3. Cost of Discipleship: Following Christ involves sacrifice and commitment. Jesus warns of the cost, stating, "If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow Me" (Matthew 16:24). This call to self-denial and bearing one's cross underscores the seriousness of discipleship.

4. Promise of Eternal Life: The call of Christ is accompanied by the promise of eternal life. In John 10:27-28, Jesus assures, "My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish."

Responses to the Call

The New Testament records various responses to the call of Christ. Some, like the rich young ruler, struggle with the demands of discipleship and turn away (Mark 10:21-22). Others, like the Apostle Paul, experience a dramatic conversion and wholeheartedly embrace the call, dedicating their lives to the proclamation of the Gospel (Acts 9:3-6).

The call of God by Christ is not limited to the initial moment of conversion but is an ongoing invitation to grow in faith and obedience. Believers are called to live out their faith in community, serving one another and bearing witness to the world. The Apostle Peter exhorts the church, "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" (1 Peter 2:9).

Conclusion

The call of God by Christ is a profound and life-changing invitation that demands a response. It is a call to follow, to be transformed, and to participate in the mission of God. Through this call, believers are drawn into a deeper relationship with Christ and empowered to live out their faith in a world in need of the hope and redemption found in Him.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 55:5
Behold, you shall call a nation that you know not, and nations that knew not you shall run to you because of the LORD your God, and for the Holy One of Israel; for he has glorified you.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Romans 1:6
Among whom are you also the called of Jesus Christ:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Greek

4102. pistis -- faith, faithfulness
... what a mistake to take our belief in God and call of faith . . . Christ, the living
word, is our sufficiency . . . (Charles Price, , Logos/publications). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4102.htm - 18k

Library

Argument. --In Fine, Notwithstanding the Said Heretics have ...
... In Fine, Notwithstanding the Said Heretics Have Gathered the Origin of Their Error
from Consideration of What is Written: Although We Call Christ God, and the ...
/.../chapter xxx argument in fine notwithstanding.htm

God in Christ
... They call Jesus Christ by the name by which the Jews had ... as other human beings grow,
into the man Christ Jesus, is none other than the Lord God who created ...
/.../kingsley/the gospel of the pentateuch/sermon i god in christ.htm

Demonstration xvii. --Of Christ the Son of God.
... 8. Now by these things the stubborn will be convinced, that it is nothing
strange that we call Christ the Son of God. For behold ...
/.../aphrahat select demonstrations/demonstration xvii of christ the son.htm

A Treatise of Novatian Concerning the Trinity
... In Fine, Notwithstanding the Said Heretics Have Gathered the Origin of Their Error
from Consideration of What is Written: Although We Call Christ God, and the ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/novatian/a treatise of novatian concerning the trinity/

Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners Or, a Brief Relation of ...
... I feared He would not call me. ... were sent to encourage me to wait still upon God;
and signified ... yet time might come, I might be in truth converted unto Christ. ...
/.../bunyan/grace abounding to the chief of sinners/grace abounding to the chief.htm

Schleiermacher -- Christ's Resurrection an Image of Our New Life
... has died in sin, and we now live in Christ, and with ... it died the death which leads
to life in God, there must ... we were and what we did before the call to new ...
/.../the worlds great sermons volume 3/schleiermacher christs resurrection an.htm

Imitation of Christ
... to be borne patiently after the example of Christ. ... CHAPTER XXII Of the recollection
of God's manifold benefits. ... How when tribulation cometh we must call upon and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kempis/imitation of christ/

Our Attitude Toward Destructive Criticism.
... The Church of Christ is not opposed to the application of the best methods ... of the
highest education, and has had an open ear to the call of God""Come, let ...
/.../i our attitude toward destructive.htm

The Epistles of Clement
... Chapter LXIV.--Blessings Sought for All that Call Upon God. ... The Second Epistle
of Clement. Chapter I.--We Ought to Think Highly of Christ. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/keith/the epistles of clement/

Christ's Pastoral Prayer for his People
... called, unless there be to him some special call from God ... You would not glorify God
if you did so act ... Soldiers of Christ are to fight the battle out where they ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 39 1893/christs pastoral prayer for his.htm