Calling
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Calling in the Bible?
In Reformed theology, calling refers to the effectual work of God whereby He invites sinners to salvation through Jesus Christ. This divine summons is proclaimed externally through the preaching of the gospel and applied internally by the Holy Spirit, who regenerates the heart to enable a willing response, thereby securing the believer's union with Christ and preparation for eternal life.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing the distinction between the general call of the gospel and the effectual call of election helps readers navigate the tension between human responsibility and divine sovereignty in Scripture. It clarifies that while all hearers are commanded to repent and believe, only those effectually called by God possess the spiritual capacity to do so, providing a coherent framework for understanding passages on predestination and evangelism.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Calling in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Calling clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.