Divine Calling

Divine calling refers to the belief that God summons individuals to fulfill specific purposes or roles within His divine plan. This concept is deeply rooted in Scripture, where numerous examples illustrate how God calls people to serve Him in various capacities. The calling can be both general, applicable to all believers, and specific, directed towards individuals for particular tasks.

1. General Calling: All believers are called to live a life that reflects the character and teachings of Jesus Christ. This includes the call to salvation, holiness, and service. In 1 Peter 2:9 , it is written, "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." This verse emphasizes the collective calling of believers to be witnesses of God's grace and truth.

2. Specific Calling: Throughout the Bible, God calls individuals to specific tasks or roles. For example, God called Moses to lead the Israelites out of Egypt (Exodus 3:10), and He called Jeremiah to be a prophet to the nations (Jeremiah 1:5). The Apostle Paul speaks of his own calling in Galatians 1:15-16 : "But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by His grace, was pleased to reveal His Son in me so that I might preach Him among the Gentiles, I did not rush to consult with flesh and blood."

3. Response to Calling: The response to God's calling requires faith and obedience. Abraham's response to God's call to leave his homeland is a prime example of faith in action (Genesis 12:1-4). Similarly, Isaiah's response, "Here am I. Send me!" (Isaiah 6:8), demonstrates a willing heart to serve God's purposes.

Divine Gifting

Divine gifting refers to the spiritual gifts bestowed by the Holy Spirit upon believers to equip them for service within the body of Christ. These gifts are diverse and are meant to edify the church and advance God's kingdom.

1. Nature of Spiritual Gifts: Spiritual gifts are given by the Holy Spirit according to His will and purpose. In 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 , Paul writes, "There are different gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different ministries, but the same Lord. There are different ways of working, but the same God works all things in all people. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good."

2. Variety of Gifts: The New Testament lists various spiritual gifts, including prophecy, teaching, healing, and administration, among others (Romans 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 12:8-10; Ephesians 4:11). Each gift serves a unique function and is vital for the health and growth of the church.

3. Purpose of Gifts: The primary purpose of spiritual gifts is to build up the body of Christ. Ephesians 4:12-13 states, "to equip the saints for works of ministry, to build up the body of Christ, until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God, as we mature to the full measure of the stature of Christ."

4. Stewardship of Gifts: Believers are called to be faithful stewards of the gifts they have received. In 1 Peter 4:10 , it is written, "As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another." This stewardship involves using gifts in love and humility, recognizing that they are given by God's grace for His glory.

In summary, divine calling and gifting are integral aspects of the Christian life, enabling believers to fulfill God's purposes both individually and collectively within the church. Through these callings and gifts, God orchestrates His redemptive work in the world.