Hope of His Calling
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The phrase "Hope of His Calling" is a profound concept found within the New Testament, particularly in the Pauline epistles. It encapsulates the Christian's anticipation and assurance of the divine purpose and future glory promised by God through Jesus Christ. This hope is not merely wishful thinking but a confident expectation rooted in the faithfulness of God and the transformative power of the Gospel.

Biblical Foundation

The primary scriptural reference for the "Hope of His Calling" is found in Ephesians 1:18, where the Apostle Paul writes: "I ask that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know the hope of His calling, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints" . Here, Paul prays for the Ephesian believers to have a deep, spiritual understanding of the hope to which God has called them. This hope is intertwined with the knowledge of God's power and the inheritance awaiting believers.

Theological Significance

1. Divine Initiative: The "calling" in this context is initiated by God. It is a divine summons to salvation and sanctification, reflecting God's sovereign grace and purpose. Romans 8:30 states, "And those He predestined, He also called; those He called, He also justified; those He justified, He also glorified" . This sequence underscores the certainty and continuity of God's redemptive plan.

2. Assurance and Security: The hope associated with God's calling provides believers with assurance and security. It is a steadfast anchor for the soul, as described in Hebrews 6:19: "We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and steadfast" . This hope assures believers of their present standing in Christ and their future glorification.

3. Transformative Power: The hope of His calling is transformative, motivating believers to live in a manner worthy of their calling. Ephesians 4:1 exhorts, "As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling you have received" . This call to holiness and service is a response to the hope and grace received.

4. Eschatological Expectation: The hope of His calling has an eschatological dimension, pointing to the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises. Titus 2:13 speaks of "the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ" . This future expectation fuels perseverance and joy amidst present trials.

Practical Implications

1. Spiritual Enlightenment: Believers are encouraged to seek spiritual enlightenment to fully grasp the hope of their calling. This involves prayer, study of Scripture, and reliance on the Holy Spirit for understanding and wisdom.

2. Community and Unity: The hope of His calling fosters unity within the body of Christ. Ephesians 4:4 emphasizes, "There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called" . This shared hope unites believers in purpose and mission.

3. Endurance and Perseverance: The hope of His calling empowers believers to endure hardships and remain steadfast in faith. Romans 5:3-5 highlights that suffering produces perseverance, character, and hope, which does not disappoint because of God's love poured into our hearts.

4. Witness and Evangelism: The hope of His calling compels believers to share the Gospel with others. 1 Peter 3:15 instructs, "But in your hearts sanctify Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you" . This hope is a testimony to the transformative power of Christ in the believer's life.

In summary, the "Hope of His Calling" is a central theme in Christian theology, offering believers a profound sense of purpose, assurance, and expectation. It is a hope that is both present and future, personal and communal, and it calls for a life of holiness, unity, and witness.
Subtopics

Hope

Hope in Christ

Hope in God

Hope in God's Promises

Hope in the Mercy of God

Hope is an Encouragement to Boldness in Preaching

Hope is the Work of the Holy Spirit

Hope of the Wicked

Hope of the Wicked is in Their Worldly Possessions

Hope of the Wicked: Shall be Extinguished in Death

Hope of the Wicked: Shall Make Them Ashamed

Hope of the Wicked: Shall Perish

Hope: A Better Hope Brought in by Christ

Hope: Abraham

Hope: Be Ready to Give an Answer Concerning

Hope: Blessed

Hope: Connected With Faith and Love

Hope: David

Hope: Encourage Others To

Hope: Encouragement To

Hope: General Scriptures Concerning

Hope: Gladdening

Hope: Good

Hope: Happiness of

Hope: Illustrated by a Helmet

Hope: Illustrated by an Anchor

Hope: Leads to Patience

Hope: Leads to Purity

Hope: Life is the Season of

Hope: Lively

Hope: Makes not Ashamed

Hope: Objects of a Resurrection

Hope: Objects of Christ's Glorious Appearing

Hope: Objects of Eternal Life

Hope: Objects of Glory

Hope: Objects of Righteousness

Hope: Objects of Salvation

Hope: Obtained Through: Faith

Hope: Obtained Through: Grace

Hope: Obtained Through: Patience and Comfort of the Scriptures

Hope: Obtained Through: The Gospel

Hope: Obtained Through: The Word

Hope: Paul

Hope: Saints are Called To

Hope: Saints: Have All, the Same

Hope: Saints: Have, in Death

Hope: Saints: Rejoice In

Hope: Saints: should Abound In

Hope: Saints: should Continue In

Hope: Saints: should Hold Fast

Hope: Saints: should Look for the Object of

Hope: Saints: should not be Ashamed of

Hope: Saints: should not be Moved From

Hope: Seek for Full Assurance of

Hope: Sure and Steadfast

Hope: The Result of Experience

Hope: The Wicked Have No Ground For

Hope: Thessalonians

Hope: Triumphs Over Difficulties

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Waited (72 Occurrences)

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Changed (177 Occurrences)

Quite (55 Occurrences)

Vow (49 Occurrences)

Nest (22 Occurrences)

Often (74 Occurrences)

Oftener (1 Occurrence)

Overpower (11 Occurrences)

Performed (110 Occurrences)

Justus (3 Occurrences)

Jason (5 Occurrences)

Gratification (2 Occurrences)

Wanted (73 Occurrences)

Withal (38 Occurrences)

Wanting (27 Occurrences)

Immortality (6 Occurrences)

Immortal (3 Occurrences)

Travelers (6 Occurrences)

Traveling (22 Occurrences)

Thirteenth (12 Occurrences)

To-day (208 Occurrences)

Travellers (8 Occurrences)

Triumph (52 Occurrences)

Takest (17 Occurrences)

Rejoiced (83 Occurrences)

Rachel (42 Occurrences)

Revised

Rejoice (259 Occurrences)

Executed (39 Occurrences)

Execution (4 Occurrences)

Expectingly (7 Occurrences)

Exceeding (101 Occurrences)

Dawning (11 Occurrences)

Divinations (10 Occurrences)

Disappoint (2 Occurrences)

Divined (6 Occurrences)

Deadly (31 Occurrences)

Desirous (31 Occurrences)

Destined (25 Occurrences)

Mastery (5 Occurrences)

Pitiable (2 Occurrences)

Passengers (6 Occurrences)

Patience (59 Occurrences)

Prospect (10 Occurrences)

Pleased (172 Occurrences)

Prevented (19 Occurrences)

Behavior (20 Occurrences)

Bribe (27 Occurrences)

Children

Child (355 Occurrences)

Communed (20 Occurrences)

Converse (5 Occurrences)

Conquer (12 Occurrences)

Complete (246 Occurrences)

Anticipated (4 Occurrences)

Adorned (20 Occurrences)

Accusing (13 Occurrences)

Aforetime (19 Occurrences)

Adorn (13 Occurrences)

Anticipate (5 Occurrences)

American

Adar (10 Occurrences)

Accuser (9 Occurrences)

Selves (14 Occurrences)

Substantiating (1 Occurrence)

Talked (79 Occurrences)

Hope (291 Occurrences)

Foes (95 Occurrences)

Conquered (20 Occurrences)

Meanwhile (38 Occurrences)

Perform (155 Occurrences)

Twelfth (20 Occurrences)

Sign (181 Occurrences)

Yea (867 Occurrences)

Heretofore (25 Occurrences)

Exceedingly (167 Occurrences)

Edict (22 Occurrences)

Hope of Glory
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