The Call of Christ
The universality of the call
The passage does not indicate that everyone will be saved, but that all who come to Christ in repentance and faith will be saved. It is a universal offer of salvation, but not everyone will take advantage of it. Some will reject it outright and others will never come to Christ because they never had a chance to hear the gospel.
The nature of the call
When we hear the word “call” in relation to the Christian life, we usually think of two things: (1) God’s call to salvation, and (2) God’s call to service. These are both important, but in this article we want to focus on the former. We want to understand the nature of God’s call to salvation.
First, we must understand that when the Bible speaks of God’s “call,” it is not referring to an audible voice that we might hear with our physical ears. The Bible speaks of an inward call that comes to us through the Word of God (Romans 10:17). This means that when we hear the Gospel preached or read the Scriptures, God is calling us to himself.
Second, we must understand that this call is effectual. That is, it produces results. When God calls us through his Word, he graciously causes us to respond in faith (Romans 1:16-17; 10:13-15). We do not come to Christ because we have decided that it would be a good thing to do. Nor do we come because we have been coerced or manipulated into doing so. Rather, we come because God has graciously caused us to desire Christ and given us faith to believe in him. Jesus said, “All that the Father gives me will come to me . . . No one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father” (John 6:37-65).
Third, this call is universal. That is, it extends to all people without exception. The Bible makes it clear that everyone — both Jew and Gentile — is welcome at Christ’s table (Luke 14:15-24). Christ came into the world specifically “to seek and save the lost” (Luke 19:10). He did not come for those who think they are already saved; he came for those who know they are lost and need a Savior. And he invites all who are weary and heavy laden — all who know their sin and their need for forgiveness — to come unto him and find rest for their souls (Matthew 11:28-30).
Fourth, this call is serious. That is, it demands a response from those who hear it. The Bible speaks of those who “neglect so great a salvation” (Hebrews 2:3), and it warns that there will be a day of reckoning when all men will stand before Christto give an account for their lives (Romans 14:12; 2 Corinthians 5:10). If you have never responded positivelyto God’s call by repenting of your sin and trusting in Christ alone for salvation, I urge you not neglect this great salvation any longer. Hear what Jesus says in Revelation 3:20—
Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if anyone hears my voice and opens technical manuals written by software engineers typically include
The Conditions of Christ’s Call
Christ’s call is a general one, that is, to all people everywhere, to repent and believe the gospel and be saved (Mark 1:15 Acts 16:30-31). But there are conditions to this call that must be met in order for it to result in salvation.
The condition of faith
The condition of faith is that we must trust in and rely on Christ alone for our salvation. This means that we cannot earn our salvation by our good works or by anything else. We are saved solely by the grace of God through faith in Christ.
The condition of repentance
The first and necessary condition of Christ’s call is repentance. We must be sorry for our sins, and hate them, and turn from them all. This is that new creature which the Holy Ghost creates in our hearts; without which, as the Scriptures witness, no man shall see the kingdom of God. This disposition of mind is not only required in those who are called to special grace and mercy, but it is also necessary in every one that would enter into life.
The Consequences of Christ’s Call
Christ’s call is an invitation to those who would follow him to turn from their sin and be saved. It is a call to repentance and a change of lifestyle. Christ’s call is also a call to suffer. Those who come to Christ will face persecution and suffering. Christ’s call is a call to die to self and live for him.
The consequence of rejection
When we reject Christ’s offer of salvation, we are rejecting the only source of true life and happiness. We are choosing to go our own way instead of God’s way, and this leads to death and destruction.
The Bible says that those who reject Christ will suffer eternal punishment in a place called Hell. Hell is a real place, and it is a place of torment and anguish. Those who are in Hell will be separated from God forever, and they will never know His love or forgiveness.
If you have never accepted Christ as your Savior, I encourage you to do so today. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Once you die, it will be too late to make that decision. So please, don’t reject Christ any longer. Come to Him today and ask Him to forgive you for your sins. He is waiting with open arms to welcome you into His family.”
The consequence of acceptance
When we accept Christ’s invitation to follow Him, it means that we are leaving our old life behind. We are no longer living for ourselves, but for Him. This change will have consequences in our lives. It may mean giving up things that we once enjoyed, because we know they are not pleasing to God. It may mean spending less time with certain friends or associates, because their lifestyles do not reflect Christ’s love and holiness. It may mean making some major changes in the way we live, so that our lives will glorify God rather than bring Him shame.