The Called !

[brightfame52]

The Called and Saved are the same !

The Gospel call doesnt go out to them that are lost and dead in sin. This is because they that are lost are blinded by the god of this world, satan, so that they believe not, hence the result is the Gospel is being hid from them by the Judgment of God 2 Cor 4:3-4

3But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: 4 in whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

Now scripture teaches that there is a Call to the saved, so that " them that are called " and " them that are saved" are the same ones. This is seen in the context of 1 Cor 1:18-24

18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. 20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? 21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. 22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: 23 but we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; 24 but unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.

In Vs 18 the Gospel is the Power of God unto us which are saved, or being saved as the greek would have it, because saved here is a present tense participle passive/middle, because conversion is taking place.

The preaching of the cross /gospel it is the Power of God [Rom 1:16], and later in Vs 23-24, the preaching of the cross is "unto them which are called" Christ the Power of God and Wisdom of God. The saved in Vs 18 and the Called in Vs 24 are the exact same ones, and its to them of which the preaching of Gospel is the Converting Power of God !

 

[Eleanor]

The Called and Saved are the same !

The Gospel call doesnt go out to them that are lost and dead in sin. This is because they that are lost are blinded by the god of this world, satan, so that they believe not, hence the result is the Gospel is being hid from them by the Judgment of God 2 Cor 4:3-4

3But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: 4 in whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

Now scripture teaches that there is a Call to the saved, so that " them that are called " and " them that are saved" are the same ones. This is seen in the context of 1 Cor 1:18-24

18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. 20 Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? 21 For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. 22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: 23 but we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; 24 but unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.

In Vs 18 the Gospel is the Power of God unto us which are saved, or being saved as the greek would have it, because saved here is a present tense participle passive/middle, because conversion is taking place.

The preaching of the cross /gospel it is the Power of God [Rom 1:16], and later in Vs 23-24, the preaching of the cross is "unto them which are called" Christ the Power of God and Wisdom of God. The saved in Vs 18 and the Called in Vs 24 are the exact same ones, and its to them of which the preaching of Gospel is the Converting Power of God !

All well done.

 

[brightfame52]

Who receives the Call of the Gospel?

Folks, all without exception are called by the Gospel. No, only some people are. Paul indicates that in 1Cor 1 when he writes of the called 1Cor 1:24


But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.

In the original its them the called, with the definite article before Called, which denotes a definite people being called.

The Gospel call is to the quickened elect or chosen of God; or them who have been spiritually set apart by the Holy Spirit, as described in 2 Thessalonians 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14

13 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:

14 Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Who was called by the Apostles Gospel here? Why those he just said were , the chosen beloved of the Lord, and them to be sanctified by the Spirit. The Gospel call is not to the lost unregenerate soul, non elect. 12

 

[brightfame52]

Those who have been regenerated by the Spirit of God, that renewing Paul speaks of here Titus 3:5

Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;

There renewed mind are spiritually enlightened so that they become receptive to the truth of God's word.

Much like Lydia Acts 16:14

And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple, of the city of Thyatira, which worshipped God, heard us: whose heart the Lord opened, that she attended unto the things which were spoken of Paul.13

 

[brightfame52]

Saved first, then called!

I know this statement goes against the thinking of the carnal religionists, but nevertheless it is truth. Those who are called by Grace in time have been saved by the Purpose of God before the world began 2Tim1:9

9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,

Salvation by Grace in the Purpose of God is before calling in time.

The called according to Gods Purpose Rom 8:28
28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

 

[brightfame52]

The Marriage of the Kings Son

Matt 22:1-14

And Jesus answered and spake unto them again by parables, and said,

2 The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son,

3 And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come.

4 Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage.

5 But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise:

6 And the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them.

7 But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city.

8 Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy.

9 Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage.

10 So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests.

11 And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment:

12 And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless.

13 Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness, there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

14 For many are called, but few are chosen.

Now notice something here. The King asked one of the attendees this question Vs 11-12

And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment:

12 And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless.

And please notice how that guest responded, he became speechless!

Now I wonder why the guest didn't simply reply, I'm here because I was called and invited ? 13

 

[brightfame52]

The Vessels of Mercy are also the Called !

Rom 9:23-24

23 And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory,

24 Even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles?

These are also the Called according to Gods Purpose Rom 8:28-30

28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

 

[brightfame52]

The Called according to His Purpose !

Rom 8:28

28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Now who are the called according to His purpose ? I believe they're the ones Paul writes of in 2 Tim 1:9

9 Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,

Its them who grace had been given to in Christ Jesus before the world began. I believe its also them called according to Gods purpose of election Rom 9:11

11 (For the children being not yet born, neither having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not of works, but of him that calleth) 13

 

[David1701]

Who receives the Call of the Gospel?

Folks, all without exception are called by the Gospel. No, only some people are. Paul indicates that in 1Cor 1 when he writes of the called 1Cor 1:24


But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.

In the original its them the called, with the definite article before Called, which denotes a definite people being called.

The Gospel call is to the quickened elect or chosen of God; or them who have been spiritually set apart by the Holy Spirit, as described in 2 Thessalonians 2 Thessalonians 2:13-14

13 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief of the truth:

14 Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Who was called by the Apostles Gospel here? Why those he just said were , the chosen beloved of the Lord, and them to be sanctified by the Spirit. The Gospel call is not to the lost unregenerate soul, non elect. 12

There are two kinds of gospel call: the inward, effectual call of God and the outward call of gospel preaching. Many are called but few are chosen refers to the outward call of gospel preaching, which goes out to all kinds of people; whereas, 1 Cor. 1:24 refers to the inward, effectual call of God, which is only given to the elect.

 

[brightfame52]

The Called are also the elect vessels of mercy, which are not only from among jews but also from among gentiles. We see this in Rom 9:23-24

23 And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory,

24 Even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles?

 

[brightfame52]

There are two kinds of gospel call: the inward, effectual call of God and the outward call of gospel preaching. Many are called but few are chosen refers to the outward call of gospel preaching, which goes out to all kinds of people; whereas, 1 Cor. 1:24 refers to the inward, effectual call of God, which is only given to the elect.

I agree, the outward call is merely the voice of the preacher, preaching the Gospel Truth, however when the Truth comes in the power of God the Spirit to a regenerated prepared heart, its the power of God unto Salvation, meaning its causing a conversion. 1 Thess 1:4-6

4 Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God.

5 For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.

6 And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost.

Now that word became is a creation or causative word, it is the greek word γίνομαι:

to come into being, to happen, to become
Usage: I come into being, am born, become, come about, happen.

And here its an aorist passive indicative, meaning the subjects were recipients of the action, Gods Power is causing the conversion experience, thats a call only the elect will partake of.

 

[brightfame52]

The Called according to His Purpose !2

This calling is a Salvation call Rom 8:28-30

28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.


29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.


30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

The greek word for purpose is prothesis and means:

a setting forth, the show-bread; predetermination, purpose

Now Gods Purpose is grounded in His own predetermination, and that makes it sure, for Gods word says of His purpose Isa 14:24,27

The Lord of hosts hath sworn, saying, Surely as I have thought, so shall it come to pass; and as I have purposed, so shall it stand

For the Lord of hosts hath purposed, and who shall disannul it? and his hand is stretched out, and who shall turn it back?

Isa 46:11

Calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man that executeth my counsel from a far country: yea, I have spoken it, I will also bring it to pass; I have purposed it, I will also do it.

Inclusive in this call according to Gods purpose are fore-ordination, calling, justification and glorification, they're one inseparable unit. In other words the called here will be saved spiritually, justified and glorified, Gods purpose will do it! 14

 

[EarlyActs]

There are two kinds of gospel call: the inward, effectual call of God and the outward call of gospel preaching. Many are called but few are chosen refers to the outward call of gospel preaching, which goes out to all kinds of people; whereas, 1 Cor. 1:24 refers to the inward, effectual call of God, which is only given to the elect.

I doubt it. If any person anywhere repeats the content of the Gospel, even in doubt, or maybe to make a movie, they have furthered the Gospel's reach and it works in spite of them.

One OT prophetic passage writes: 'the Lord gave the word, and great was the multitude of those who proclaimed it'. So this also would not match your "few" doctrine.

 

[EarlyActs]

Romans 1:6

Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ:

Under the New Covenant, not all men and women are the called of Jesus Christ. This called should not be confused with the called in Matt 22:14

14 For many are called, but few are chosen.

There is a dispensational difference here, for under the Old Covenant Israel as a nation was called, and this is in reference to the nation as the context will tell, just read the passage leading up to that verse and that will be seen..

But in the NT, post cross, the called are those that are the called of Jesus Christ, like saul who became Paul was called in Acts 9:1-6

So when writing his epistles and addressing them as the called, He has his personal experience to verify the calling he has in mind..

The called of Jesus Christ is not for all men, but for those men and women whom Jesus Christ was made sin for, and those whom His righteousness has been reckoned unto their account..

It is a distinct group of people, separated from all other peoples in the world..

It is a call that though it is to a distinct people, its inclusive of both jew and gentile per Rom 9:23-24

23And that he might make known the riches of his glory on the vessels of mercy, which he had afore prepared unto glory,

24Even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles?

It is the call to whom the eternal inheritance belongeth Heb 9:15

15And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance.

Here are more scriptures pointing out this distinguished group, the called:

1 Cor 1:23-24,26-28

23But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness

24But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.

Notice " but unto them which are called" in contrast to the stumbling jews and the worldly wise greeks"

But God has chosen ones [ the called] in both groups..

26 For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:

The called are the same here as the chosen..

27 But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;

28 And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are:

The called: Rom 8:29-30

29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

Not all are of the called of Jesus Christ, but only those given to Him for His seed, and they in due time are called into fellowship with Him.. 1 Cor 1:1,2,9

1Paul called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother,

2Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both their's and our's:

9 God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord.

This calling proceeds from the Faithfulness of God unto the chosen race, that seed whom Jesus died for..

Isa 53:10

10Yet it pleased the LORD to bruise him; he hath put him to grief: when thou shalt make his soul an offering for sin, he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the LORD shall prosper in his hand.

Sorry but this kind of dispensationalism is worthless. It was actually a mistake, says the NT, that Israel thought the race-nation was called. The remnant was always distinguished from the race-nation (the whole community). This is why Nicodemus (a leader of the leaders) was told he needed to be born 'anothen' (from the beginning, the top). Back before the race-nation mattered, Israel was by faith, like Abraham, and that is what the NT wants of people, any people, no matter what race-nation. That John 3 conversation comes after Jn 1 which had already said that descent and flesh and husband's will did not make sons of God. Rom 11's olive tree affirms this by saying that 'we stand by faith,' not by being one or the other graft. (Thus it is a mistake for a nation-state of Israel to use the olive tree as a national symbol--if the meaning of Rom 11 matters).

The only kind of dispensations that matter are the child-trainer vs maturity as found in Galatians.

 

[David1701]

I doubt it. If any person anywhere repeats the content of the Gospel, even in doubt, or maybe to make a movie, they have furthered the Gospel's reach and it works in spite of them.

One OT prophetic passage writes: 'the Lord gave the word, and great was the multitude of those who proclaimed it'. So this also would not match your "few" doctrine.

Were you tired when you made this post? I ask because it makes no sense at all, as a reply to mine.

I doubt it. If any person anywhere repeats the content of the Gospel, even in doubt, or maybe to make a movie, they have furthered the Gospel's reach and it works in spite of them.

That's the external call of the gospel, which, on its own, saves no-one. Yes, God's word always accomplishes what he sends it out to achieve, but that is not always salvation.

That there is a distinction between the effectual, internal call and the outward preaching of the gospel is clear from 1 Cor..

1 Cor. 1:23 (EMTV) but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block, and to the Greeks foolishness,

This is the effect that the mere preaching of the gospel has (the external call), on its own: it is treated as a stumbling block or foolishness, depending on whether the audience is Jewish or Gentile.

1 Cor. 1:24 (EMTV) but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.

Now, the effectual call of God going along with the gospel preaching, instead of being a stumbling block and foolishness, it becomes the power of God and the wisdom of God, whether the recipient is Jewish or Gentile.

One OT prophetic passage writes: 'the Lord gave the word, and great was the multitude of those who proclaimed it'. So this also would not match your "few" doctrine.

What are you talking about? No-one doubts that there are many who proclaim the gospel; however, compared with the total of humanity, there are few who enter the strait gate and walk in the narrow way.

 

[EarlyActs]

Were you tired when you made this post? I ask because it makes no sense at all, as a reply to mine.


That's the external call of the gospel, which, on its own, saves no-one. Yes, God's word always accomplishes what he sends it out to achieve, but that is not always salvation.

That there is a distinction between the effectual, internal call and the outward preaching of the gospel is clear from 1 Cor..

1 Cor. 1:23 (EMTV) but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block, and to the Greeks foolishness,

This is the effect that the mere preaching of the gospel has (the external call), on its own: it is treated as a stumbling block or foolishness, depending on whether the audience is Jewish or Gentile.

1 Cor. 1:24 (EMTV) but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.

Now, the effectual call of God going along with the gospel preaching, instead of being a stumbling block and foolishness, it becomes the power of God and the wisdom of God, whether the recipient is Jewish or Gentile.


What are you talking about? No-one doubts that there are many who proclaim the gospel; however, compared with the total of humanity, there are few who enter the strait gate and walk in the narrow way.

I doubt that there are two calls; I think you confuse us by using that term twice instead of what the passage says: Called vs chosen.

 

[David1701]

I doubt that there are two calls; I think you confuse us by using that term twice instead of what the passage says: Called vs chosen.

It's not "called vs chosen"! It's gospel preaching (on its own - the external call, as in "many are called but few are chosen") vs being called, in the verses I quoted. Here they are again.

1 Cor. 1:23 (EMTV) but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block, and to the Greeks foolishness,

1 Cor. 1:24 (EMTV) but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.

Below is the same concept (that there is a difference between mere gospel preaching and that preaching accompanied by the effectual power of the Holy Spirit).

1 Thess. 1:4,5 (Webster)
4 Knowing, brethren beloved by God, your election.
5 For our gospel came not to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.

This was how Paul knew that they had previously been elected to salvation: the gospel did not come to them only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit. That is the effectual, inward call of God.

 

[EarlyActs]

It's not "called vs chosen"! It's gospel preaching (on its own - the external call, as in "many are called but few are chosen") vs being called, in the verses I quoted. Here they are again.

1 Cor. 1:23 (EMTV) but we preach Christ crucified, to the Jews a stumbling block, and to the Greeks foolishness,

1 Cor. 1:24 (EMTV) but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.

Below is the same concept (that there is a difference between mere gospel preaching and that preaching accompanied by the effectual power of the Holy Spirit).

1 Thess. 1:4,5 (Webster)
4 Knowing, brethren beloved by God, your election.
5 For our gospel came not to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.

This was how Paul knew that they had previously been elected to salvation: the gospel did not come to them only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit. That is the effectual, inward call of God.

But that is not how the verse puts it. He calls them the chosen , as does 1P 2, and so will I.

 

[David1701]

But that is not how the verse puts it. He calls them the chosen , as does 1P 2, and so will I.

Which verse; and what point are you hinting at?

Yes, 1 Pet. 2 says that we are chosen (elect): so what? What is your point? This does not contradict anything that I posted.

 

[EarlyActs]

Which verse; and what point are you hinting at?

Yes, 1 Pet. 2 says that we are chosen (elect): so what? What is your point? This does not contradict anything that I posted.

Your original theme verse does. If there is no point or benefit in being called, then the only outcome we are interested in is being chosen, “many are called, but few are chosen.”