Topical Bible: The Call of God by his Works

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The concept of God's call through His works is a profound theme woven throughout the Scriptures, illustrating how God reveals Himself and His purposes to humanity. This divine call is not limited to verbal communication but is often manifested through the works of creation, providence, and redemption.

Creation as a Call

The natural world is a testament to God's power and divine nature, serving as a universal call to all people. Psalm 19:1-2 declares, "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge." This passage emphasizes that creation itself is a continuous proclamation of God's majesty, inviting humanity to recognize and respond to His presence.

Romans 1:20 further underscores this idea: "For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—His eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from His workmanship, so that men are without excuse." Here, the Apostle Paul asserts that the works of creation are a clear and undeniable call to acknowledge God's existence and attributes.

Providence as a Call

God's providential care over the world and His people is another way He calls individuals to Himself. Acts 14:17 states, "Yet He has not left Himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling your hearts with food and gladness." Through His provision and sustenance, God calls people to recognize His goodness and sovereignty.

The account of Joseph in Genesis is a profound example of God's providential call. Despite the trials and injustices Joseph faced, God's hand was evident in orchestrating events for the preservation of His people. Joseph himself acknowledges this in Genesis 50:20 : "As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives."

Redemption as a Call

The ultimate expression of God's call through His works is found in the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. The life, death, and resurrection of Christ are the pinnacle of God's call to humanity, inviting all to enter into a restored relationship with Him. John 3:16 encapsulates this call: "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."

The Apostle Paul, in 2 Corinthians 5:19-20 , speaks of the ministry of reconciliation as a divine call: "God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting men’s trespasses against them. And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making His appeal through us." Here, the work of redemption is both a call to salvation and a commission to share this message with others.

Response to the Call

The call of God through His works demands a response. Hebrews 3:15 exhorts, "As it has been said: 'Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion.'" This verse highlights the urgency and importance of responding to God's call with faith and obedience.

Throughout Scripture, individuals are called to respond to God's works with worship, repentance, and a commitment to follow His will. The call of God is not merely an invitation but a summons to a transformed life, aligned with His purposes and empowered by His Spirit.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 19:2,3
Day to day utters speech, and night to night shows knowledge.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Romans 1:20
For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
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

Testimonies. 1. Of the Benefit of Good Works and Mercy.
... on the coming day." [4155] Also in the same place: "He who stoppeth his ears that
he may not hear the weak, shall himself call upon God, and there ...
/.../three books of testimonies against the jews/testimonies 1 of the benefit.htm

On the Vocation of Sinners to Communion with Christ, and to a ...
... more outward works which have been commanded by God than he ... is, it is possible for
him to rule his inducements for ... those who do not comply with the call.5. All ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 2/on the vocation of sinners.htm

The Evidence for God External to Him; but the External Creation ...
... from the character [2452] of the Creator, that God must have ... from the works of some
world peculiarly His own, both ... of the world has presumed to call gods those ...
/.../tertullian/the five books against marcion/chapter xi the evidence for god.htm

Does the Body Cause the Soul to Sin?
... that they may win glory by them, renew them when they begin to decay; but God would
so neglect His own possession ... Should we not call this labour in vain? ...
/.../chapter viii does the body cause.htm

We Will Pass on to Clear up Another of the Charges, if Only He ...
... If it stands the meaning would be, To whom you were teaching the word of God,'
or the allusion may be to Psalm 45:10, with which the Letter to ...
/.../we will pass on to.htm

God's World
... their meat from God,""God, who feedeth the young ravens who call upon Him ... He is a
God! ... No; "His mercy is over all His works." Loving and merciful, the God of ...
/.../kingsley/twenty-five village sermons/sermon i gods world.htm

Divine Election and Reprobation
... "How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? ... "For now unto God
are all his works from the beginning of the world" (Acts 15:18 AV). ...
/.../anonymous/synod of dort/divine election and reprobation.htm

"Seek First the Kingdom of God," &C.
... exalted to by Christ's redemption, which we may call a second ... he offered himself
a sacrifice without spot to God, (Hebrews 9:14) and laid down his life for us ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xix seek first the.htm

The Contents.
... 270. From Misery to Happiness. 272. God hath call'd some by immediate revelations.
271. He calls all by his Works and Providences. ibid. ...
/.../beveridge/private thoughts upon a christian life/the contents.htm

"He is the Rock, his Work is Perfect. For all his Ways are ...
... meditation of it were engraven on your spirits, the seal of God's holiness, that
ye might fear before him, and never call him to account for his matters ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon iii he is the.htm