Grace, a central theme in Christian theology, is understood as the unmerited favor of God towards humanity. It is through grace that believers are called into a relationship with God, and it serves as the foundation of their calling. This divine grace is not earned by human effort or merit but is a gift from God, underscoring His sovereignty and love.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of grace as the foundation of calling is deeply rooted in Scripture. In Ephesians 2:8-9 , the Apostle Paul writes, "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast." This passage highlights that salvation and calling are acts of divine grace, not human achievement.

Furthermore, 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 verse illustrates that the calling of believers is rooted in God's eternal purpose and grace, established before the creation of the world.

The Role of Grace in Calling

Grace initiates the calling of individuals to faith and service. It is through grace that God draws people to Himself, enabling them to respond to His call. In John 6:44 , Jesus states, "No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him." This drawing is an act of grace, whereby God opens the hearts of individuals to receive His call.

Moreover, grace empowers believers to fulfill their calling. In 1 Corinthians 15:10 , Paul acknowledges, "But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace to me was not in vain. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me." Here, Paul attributes his ability to labor for the Gospel to the grace of God, which enabled him to carry out his calling effectively.

Grace and the Diversity of Callings

The grace of God manifests in diverse callings within the body of Christ. Romans 12:6 states, "We have different gifts according to the grace given us." This diversity of gifts and callings is a testament to the manifold grace of God, which equips believers for various roles and functions within the Church.

Each believer's calling is unique, yet all are rooted in the same grace. Ephesians 4:7 affirms, "But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it." This distribution of grace ensures that every member of the body of Christ is equipped for their specific calling, contributing to the unity and growth of the Church.

Grace in the Life of the Called

The life of a believer is marked by continual reliance on grace. In 2 Corinthians 12:9 , the Lord assures Paul, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness." This promise of sufficient grace is a source of strength and encouragement for believers as they navigate the challenges of their calling.

Grace also sustains believers in their spiritual journey. Hebrews 4:16 invites believers to "approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." This access to grace ensures that believers can continually draw upon God's resources to fulfill their calling.

In summary, grace is the foundation of the believer's calling, initiating, empowering, and sustaining them in their journey of faith and service. Through grace, God calls individuals to Himself, equips them for their unique roles, and provides the strength needed to persevere in their calling.