Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Nature God's Sovereign Call refers to the divine initiative by which God summons individuals to Himself, effectuating His will and purpose in their lives. This call is rooted in God's supreme authority and omnipotence, underscoring His ability to bring about His plans without hindrance. It is an expression of God's grace, as He calls people not based on their merit but according to His purpose and will.
Biblical Foundation The concept of God's Sovereign Call is woven throughout Scripture, illustrating His authority and the efficacy of His will. In
Romans 8:30, the Apostle Paul writes, "And those He predestined, He also called; those He called, He also justified; those He justified, He also glorified." This verse highlights the unbreakable chain of salvation, initiated by God's call, which leads to justification and ultimately glorification.
In the Old Testament, God's call is evident in His dealings with Israel.
Deuteronomy 7:6-8 emphasizes that God's choice of Israel was not due to their greatness but because of His love and the promises made to their forefathers. This reflects the sovereign nature of His call, independent of human attributes or actions.
The Call to Salvation God's Sovereign Call is particularly significant in the context of salvation. It is through this call that individuals are drawn to faith in Jesus Christ. In
John 6:44, Jesus declares, "No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him." This drawing is an effectual call, ensuring that those whom God calls will come to faith.
The Apostle Paul further elaborates on this in
Ephesians 1:4-5, stating, "For He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless in His presence. In love He predestined us for adoption as His sons through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of His will." Here, the call is linked to God's eternal purpose and predestination, underscoring its sovereign nature.
The Call to Service Beyond salvation, God's Sovereign Call extends to service and ministry. The calling of the Apostle Paul serves as a prime example. In
Galatians 1:15-16, Paul recounts, "But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by His grace, was pleased to reveal His Son in me so that I might preach Him among the Gentiles..." This illustrates that God's call includes specific purposes and tasks, equipping and empowering individuals for His work.
Similarly, in the calling of the prophet Jeremiah, God declares, "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I set you apart and appointed you as a prophet to the nations" (
Jeremiah 1:5). This demonstrates that God's call is not only sovereign but also personal and purposeful.
Response to the Call While God's Sovereign Call is effectual, it also invites a response. Believers are called to live in a manner worthy of their calling.
Ephesians 4:1 exhorts, "As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling you have received." This response involves obedience, holiness, and a commitment to God's purposes.
The call to service requires a willing heart, as seen in Isaiah's response to God's call: "Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send? Who will go for Us?' And I said, 'Here am I. Send me!'" (
Isaiah 6:8). This willingness to serve reflects a recognition of God's sovereignty and a desire to align with His will.
Conclusion God's Sovereign Call is a profound biblical truth that underscores His authority and grace. It encompasses the call to salvation, service, and a life of obedience, demonstrating God's initiative in drawing individuals to Himself and equipping them for His purposes. Through His sovereign call, God accomplishes His divine will, ensuring that His plans are fulfilled in the lives of those He calls.