SPECIAL TOPIC: CALLED

SPECIAL TOPIC: CALLED

God always takes the initiative in calling, electing, and wooing believers to Himself (cf. John 6:44,65; 15:16; 1 Cor. 1:1-2; Eph. 1:4-5,11). The term "calling" is used in several theological senses.

In the OT "calling on the name" was always in a worship context (cf. Gen. 4:26; 12:8; 21:33; 26:25; Exod. 34:5; see Special Topic: "The Name" of YHWH).
Sinners are "called" to salvation by the grace of God through the finished work of Christ (i.e. Gal. 1:6) and the conviction of the Spirit (cf. John 6:44,65; 16:8-10). The Greek word klētos (cf. Rom. 1:6-7; 9:24) is theologically similar to 1 Cor. 1:1-2 and 2 Tim. 1:9; 2 Pet. 1:10.
Sinners "call on the name of the Lord" (see Special Topic: The Name of the Lord (NT) and Special Topic: John's Use of "Believe," A. #6) to be saved (i.e. epikaleō, cf. Acts 2:21; 22:16; Rom. 10:9-13). Also, note the powerful affirmation in Phil. 2:9-10. This statement is a Jewish worship idiom (#1).
Believers call on His Name in times of crisis and stress (i.e. Acts 7:59).
Believers are called to live Christlike lives (i.e. klēsis, cf. 1 Cor. 1:26; 7:20; Eph. 4:1; Phil. 3:14; 2 Thess. 1:11; 2 Tim. 1:9).
Believers are called to ministry tasks (cf. Acts 13:2; 1 Cor. 12:4-7; Eph. 4:11-12).

The theological question is "does God call some or all?" As an Arminian, God's call is universal, but it must be initially and continually responded to (i.e. faith, repentance, obedience, worship, service, and perseverance). For a good brief discussion on "calling," see Dale Moody, The Word of Truth, pp. 313-316.

Special Topic: Election

Special Topic: He Chose Us

Special Topic: Covenant