ROMANS 1:6

“among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ;”

I have been called a lot of things in my life. I’ve been called a boy, a son, a brother, a man, a husband, father, Papa, Poppy, Uncle, Pastor and friend. Those are a lot of titles, right? I bet if you started naming all the things you have been called, you could name a few also. But those titles used by my family mean the most (husband, father, Papa, Poppy). Certain titles mean more than others.

Paul tells us today that we are “the called of Jesus Christ.” You won’t find a better thing to be called, in this life or the one to come. Of all the titles we could have, being named among the called of Christ reigns supreme. In Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible, he says this calling is “an internal special call by the grace of God;…” Without getting too deep in the doctrine of the elect, every called one of Christ is part of the elect. Christ woos us through His Holy Spirit, and when we respond in faith, He names us “the called.” Praise the Lord! 

APPLICATION

We are called other things in Christ, as well. Look in 1 Peter 2:9 where it says, “But you are A CHOSEN PEOPLE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR GOD’S OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;” Peter says there that we are called four things (chosen people, royal priesthood, holy nation, God’s possession). But I particularly like the last part of that verse. We have been “called…out of darkness into His marvelous light.” This calling brings me into His light.

In Revelation 17:14, John says Jesus will overcome the beast with “those who are with Him are the called and chosen and faithful.” You see, we continue to be part of the called throughout eternity. This title isn’t just for now. Once we are called “the called” we will be forever called “the called.” (Hey, that’s pretty catchy.) That is just one more confirmation of our security in Christ.

One more – we are also called “saints.” Now, I’m no saint, believe me. But according to God’s Word, I am. In the introduction of 1 Corinthians, Paul writes this in verse 2 of chapter 1. “…to those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, saints by calling, with all who in every place call on the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, their Lord and ours:…” Wow! “Saints by calling”! So, don’t argue with the Lord’s Word. He has called you His saints. We should do all we can to live up to that calling. Don’t you agree?

I have heard Your call, Lord, and having responded in faith, I am now a part of Your called ones.

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