The Church is the “Called Out”
The church, in its simplest form, is an assembly of persons. If fact, the root meaning of assembly is “called out”. That could be any group of citizens called out from their homes into a public meeting. God has issued a calling for believers. We are called to be saints in one body of believers. To the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours: (1 Corinthians 1:2 NKJV). And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful (Colossians 3:15 NKJV). Paul appealed to the Ephesians to “walk worthy of the calling with which you were called” (Ephesians 4:1 NKJV). He goes on to remind them that “There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.” (Ephesians 4:4-6 NKJV)
In addressing the church in Rome, the apostle Paul acknowledges his calling to be an apostle and their calling to be saints. Through Him we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations for His name, among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ; To all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 1:5-7 NKJV). The calling included Jews and Gentiles. (Romans 9:22-27)
God’s calling comes through the gospel. For since, in the wisdom of God, the world through wisdom did not know God, it pleased God through the foolishness of the message preached to save those who believe. For Jews request a sign, and Greeks seek after wisdom; but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Greeks foolishness, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God (1 Corinthians 1:21-24 NKJV). But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth, to which He called you by our gospel, for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ (2 Thessalonians 2:13-14 NKJV).
We are called to be holy. Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ; as obedient children, not conforming yourselves to the former lusts, as in your ignorance; but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:13-16 NKJV) God had an eternal purpose for this holy calling. It was not because we deserved it but because of grace extended by Jesus Christ. It was Jesus who abolished death and made immortality possible for man. (2 Timothy 1:9-10)
Further, God’s calling provides an eternal hope. Paul prayed on behalf of the Ephesians “that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, …” (Ephesians 1:17-18 NKJV) Paul was equally thankful for the obedience of the Thessalonian brethren. But we are bound to give thanks to God always for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God from the beginning chose you for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth, to which He called you by our gospel, for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, brethren, stand fast and hold the traditions which you were taught, whether by word or our epistle. (2 Thessalonians 2:13-15 NKJV)
Trust in God’s purpose. Answer God’s call.