Topical Bible: The Call of God by his Spirit

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Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of the "Call of God" by His Spirit is a profound theme throughout the Bible, reflecting the divine initiative in drawing individuals to Himself for salvation, service, and sanctification. This call is an expression of God's sovereign will and grace, manifesting through the Holy Spirit's work in the hearts of believers and those yet to believe.

Biblical Foundation

The call of God is rooted in His eternal purpose and plan. In Romans 8:30, the Apostle Paul writes, "And those He predestined, He also called; those He called, He also justified; those He justified, He also glorified." This passage highlights the sequence of God's redemptive work, beginning with His call. The call is not merely an invitation but an effectual summons that leads to transformation and salvation.

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the call of God. In John 16:8, Jesus describes the Spirit's work: "And when He comes, He will convict the world in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment." The Spirit convicts individuals of their need for a Savior, illuminating the truth of the Gospel and drawing them to Christ. This convicting work is essential for the call to be effective, as it prepares the heart to respond in faith.

The Call to Salvation

The call of God is primarily a call to salvation. 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." This call is rooted in grace, not human merit, and is extended to all who will believe. The Spirit's work in regeneration enables individuals to respond to this call, leading to new life in Christ.

The Call to Service

Beyond salvation, the call of God extends to service. Believers are called to be active participants in God's mission. In Acts 13:2, the Holy Spirit directs the church at Antioch, saying, "Set apart for Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them." This demonstrates that the Spirit not only calls individuals to faith but also equips and commissions them for specific tasks and ministries within the body of Christ.

The Call to Holiness

The call of God also encompasses a call to holiness and sanctification. In 1 Thessalonians 4:7, Paul writes, "For God has not called us to impurity, but to holiness." The Spirit empowers believers to live lives that reflect God's character, transforming them into the image of Christ. This ongoing work of sanctification is a response to the call to live set apart for God's purposes.

The Universal and Personal Nature of the Call

While the call of God is universal in the sense that it is extended to all humanity, it is also deeply personal. The Spirit works individually in the hearts of people, tailoring the call to their unique circumstances and needs. In Revelation 3:20, Jesus declares, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in and dine with him, and he with Me." This imagery underscores the personal nature of the call, inviting a personal response.

The Response to the Call

The call of God requires a response. In Hebrews 3:15, believers are exhorted, "Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion." The appropriate response to God's call is one of faith and obedience, leading to a life that honors Him. The Spirit empowers and enables this response, ensuring that those whom God calls are equipped to fulfill His purposes.

Conclusion

The call of God by His Spirit is a dynamic and transformative reality in the life of a believer. It encompasses the call to salvation, service, and holiness, reflecting God's sovereign grace and purpose. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, individuals are drawn into a relationship with God, equipped for His service, and empowered to live lives that glorify Him.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Revelation 22:17
And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that hears say, Come. And let him that is thirsty come. And whoever will, let him take the water of life freely.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Greek

4102. pistis -- faith, faithfulness
... what a mistake to take our belief in God and call of faith . ... Heb 11:6). But a personal
encounter with Christ (a true connection with Him and His Word) is ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4102.htm - 18k

Library

Demonstration xvii. --Of Christ the Son of God.
... within his thought, and he became a temple for God his Maker, as it is written,
Ye are the temple of God. ... that it is nothing strange that we call Christ the ...
/.../aphrahat select demonstrations/demonstration xvii of christ the son.htm

God's World
... Wherever there is any thing useful, His Spirit has settled it. ... prey do seek their
meat from God,""God, who feedeth the young ravens who call upon Him ...
/.../kingsley/twenty-five village sermons/sermon i gods world.htm

A Call to Holy Living
... will retaliate on those who vex them, and call them hard ... his prayers, or he can offer
his gifts to his God, and yet ... He is not to stand upon his rights; he is ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 18 1872/a call to holy living.htm

God in Christ
... all spirits; Him of whom it is written, 'God is a Spirit'. ... writing of a prophet older
than Moses, because they call God Elohim, which was his name before ...
/.../kingsley/the gospel of the pentateuch/sermon i god in christ.htm

Prayer Incidents in the Life of Our Lord
... So he who follows Christ in prayer must have God's will as ... which availeth much."
It is with them who "call upon the ... His spirit is the life and power of prayer. ...
/.../bounds/the reality of prayer/viii prayer incidents in the.htm

Effectual Calling
... (iii.) It is an irresistible call. When God calls a man by His grace, he cannot
but come. You may resist the minister's call, but you cannot the Spirit's call. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a divine cordial/effectual calling.htm

Praying Saints of the Old Testaments
... So we find him swift to call upon God in prayer when he was in trouble. He was fleeing
from home fearing Esau, on his way to the home of Laban, a kinsman. ...
/.../bounds/prayer and praying men/i praying saints of the.htm

The Word of the Truth of the Gospel
... Much more is this true of God and his messages ... His word and his Spirit go together ...
He, not yourself, who creates the interval which you call "waiting;" although ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bonar/gods way of peace/chapter vii the word of.htm

God's Family.
... of their intellect, endeavouring to explain what purity is; give their imagination
the one pure man; call up their ... 'Shall not God avenge his own elect ...
//christianbookshelf.org/macdonald/hope of the gospel/gods family.htm

Jacob's Sister Susannah.
... "I go to my brother Jacob, who did so much cry and call upon God to the ... brother,
if it be the Lord's will, or I will stay with my mother, if it be his will ...
/.../stories of boys and girls who loved the saviour/jacobs sister susannah.htm