In Christian theology, "The Called" refers to individuals whom God has summoned to a specific purpose or destiny, particularly in relation to salvation and service within His kingdom. This concept is deeply rooted in Scripture and is integral to understanding the nature of divine election and vocation.

Biblical Foundation

The notion of being "called" is prevalent throughout the Bible, with the New Testament providing a rich tapestry of references. In Romans 8:28-30, the Apostle Paul writes, "And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose. For those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers. And those He predestined, He also called; those He called, He also justified; those He justified, He also glorified" . This passage highlights the sequence of divine actions, emphasizing that calling is part of God's sovereign plan for believers.

In 1 Corinthians 1:9, Paul further underscores the faithfulness of God in calling believers: "God, who has called you into fellowship with His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful" . Here, the calling is not only to salvation but also to a relationship with Christ, indicating a personal and communal aspect of the call.

The Nature of the Call

The call of God is both general and specific. The general call is the proclamation of the Gospel to all humanity, inviting everyone to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. Matthew 22:14 states, "For many are called, but few are chosen" , illustrating the distinction between the general invitation and the specific response of the elect.

The specific call, often referred to as the "effectual call," is the work of the Holy Spirit in the hearts of the elect, leading them to respond in faith. This is a transformative call that results in a new creation, as described in 2 Corinthians 5:17: "Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come" .

Purpose and Implications

The calling of God carries with it a purpose and responsibility. Ephesians 4:1-3 exhorts believers to "walk in a manner worthy of the calling you have received, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, and with diligence to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace" . This passage highlights the ethical and communal dimensions of the call, urging believers to live in a way that reflects their divine vocation.

Moreover, 2 Timothy 1:9 speaks to the holy nature of the call: "He 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 underscores that the call is rooted in God's grace and purpose, not human merit.

The Called in the Old Testament

The concept of being called is not limited to the New Testament. In the Old Testament, God called individuals and the nation of Israel for specific purposes. Abraham was called to be the father of a great nation (Genesis 12:1-3), and Moses was called to lead the Israelites out of Egypt (Exodus 3:10). The prophetic books often speak of God's call to His people to return to Him and live according to His statutes.

Conclusion

The Called, therefore, encompasses both the divine initiative in salvation and the ongoing response of believers to live out their faith in accordance with God's purposes. This calling is a profound aspect of Christian identity, shaping the believer's life and mission in the world.