The concept of "The Call to Decision" is a significant theme throughout the Bible, emphasizing the necessity for individuals to make a conscious choice in their relationship with God. This theme is woven into the fabric of Scripture, urging believers and non-believers alike to choose whom they will serve and how they will live their lives in accordance with divine will.

Old Testament Foundations

The call to decision is evident in the Old Testament, where God frequently presents His people with choices that have profound spiritual implications. One of the most notable instances is found in the book of Deuteronomy, where Moses, nearing the end of his life, addresses the Israelites. He sets before them a choice between life and death, blessing and curse, urging them to choose life by loving and obeying God. Deuteronomy 30:19-20 states, "I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you today that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. So choose life, so that you and your descendants may live, and that you may love the LORD your God, obey Him, and hold fast to Him."

Another significant moment occurs in the book of Joshua. As Joshua leads the Israelites into the Promised Land, he challenges them to serve the Lord wholeheartedly. In Joshua 24:15 , he declares, "But if it is unpleasing in your sight to serve the LORD, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living. As for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."

Prophetic Calls

The prophets also echo the call to decision, often confronting the people of Israel with their need to return to God and forsake idolatry. Elijah's confrontation with the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel is a vivid illustration of this. In 1 Kings 18:21 , Elijah challenges the people, saying, "How long will you waver between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him; but if Baal is God, follow him." This moment underscores the necessity of choosing allegiance to the one true God.

New Testament Emphasis

In the New Testament, the call to decision becomes even more pronounced with the advent of Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself calls individuals to follow Him, often requiring them to leave behind their former lives. In Matthew 4:19 , Jesus says to Peter and Andrew, "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men." This call to discipleship is a call to decision, demanding a response of faith and commitment.

The apostle Paul also emphasizes the urgency of decision in his letters. In 2 Corinthians 6:2 , he writes, "For He says: 'In the time of favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.' Behold, now is the time of favor; now is the day of salvation!" Paul stresses the immediacy of responding to God's call, highlighting the present moment as the opportune time for salvation.

The Role of Faith and Repentance

Central to the call to decision is the necessity of faith and repentance. The Bible consistently teaches that a decision for God involves turning away from sin and turning toward Him in faith. In Acts 2:38 , Peter addresses the crowd at Pentecost, saying, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." This call to repentance and faith is foundational to the Christian message.

Eternal Implications

The call to decision carries eternal implications, as it determines one's relationship with God and ultimate destiny. Jesus speaks of the narrow and wide gates in Matthew 7:13-14 , illustrating the choice between the path leading to life and the path leading to destruction. "Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the way that leads to life, and only a few find it."

Throughout Scripture, the call to decision is a divine invitation to choose life, to follow God, and to embrace the salvation offered through Jesus Christ. It is a call that demands a response, urging individuals to commit their lives to the service and worship of the one true God.