Mission Venture Ministries

“As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received.” (Ephesians 4:1)

The Christian’s calling in Christ is a high calling. Since we are encouraged to walk in a manner worthy of this calling, it behooves us to make careful study of it, lest our lifestyle bring reproach to the One who has called us. Consider the following sampling of the uses of this important word:

First, the calling is “of God” and irrevocable (Romans 11:29). We are called “by his grace” (Galatians 1:15) and “into the grace of Christ” (Galatians 1:6). We are called “out of darkness” and “into his marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9). Furthermore, we are “called to be saints” (Romans 1:7). He has “called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace” (2 Timothy 1:9). We are “partakers of the heavenly calling” (Hebrews 3:1), and in response, we should “press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3;14).

The New Testament writers as well mention many things to which we are called. We are “called into the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:9). We are “called into liberty” (Galatians 5:13) and are now free to “serve one another,” even though it means accepting the call to suffering. “To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example that you should follow in his steps.” (1 Peter 2:21). The “eternal life to which you were called” may not come easily, for it involves the “good fight of faith” (1 Timothy 6:12). We are called “to glory and virtue” (2 Peter 1:3), even “his eternal glory by Christ Jesus” (1 Peter 5:10), for we are “called the sons of God” (1 John 3:1). “Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure.” (2 Peter 1:10).

By John D. Morris, Ph.D. – The Institute for Creation Research