The Called !

[jeremiah1five]

Nope.

I could refute it with scripture, but it would involve posting most of the New Testament (since you ignored it the first time, why would you listen if I retype it).

You are attempting to lift the unfaithful whore bride to a place of special honor and stomp down those washed in the blood of Christ (both the Completed Jews and Gentiles ... all grafted into the True Vine). I call "Balderdash".

"There is no Jew or Greek, slave or free, male and female; since you are all one in Christ Jesus." - Galatians 3:28 [CSB]

Yes, Paul writes to Jewish Christians who had difficulty understanding the arrival of Israel's Messiah and His effect to the Abrahamic Covenant.
Let's look at the context instead of posting a Scripture that you think supports your beliefs:

23 But before faith came, we were kept under the law (Jews. Gentiles were never under the Law) shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.
24 Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster (more Jews) to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith (and this is what happened to 3000 Jews at their Feast of Harvest - Gentiles did not attend. They were lighting candles to their dumb idols.)
25 But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.
26 For ye are all (Jews) the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus.
27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ (Jews, Jews, and more Jews.)
28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. (Since Paul is addressing Jewish Christians, the context is with regard to them and their patriarchal society.)
29 And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise. (And if you Jewish Christians are Abraham's children you are also Christ's.)
Gal. 3:23–29.

Even Jews know today the New Covenant writings of Jewish Christians such as Peter, Paul, James, are writing to Jewish Christians. But the arrogance of Gentile Christians who make every attempt to steal the inheritance and covenants and promises God made to Israel and elbow their way into Israel's New Covenant is a real shame.
But Christ will set them straight when He returns for His Bride and Church Israel. Talk about many stripes!

 

[brightfame52]

The called are the same as those being saved 1 Cor 1:18;23-24

18For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved[being saved] it is the power of God.

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 Paul says unto THEM that are called, because all are not called, but the one who are, are being saved.

In the original it reads the called with the definite article plural.

 

[brightfame52]

Romans 8:28-30

Rom 8:28-30

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

29For 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.

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


This calling is the beginning of the application of salvation that Christ accomplished for all the elect of God. This state of the application is by means of the Gospel call, this is when the Gospel is the power of God unto salvation to them believing Rom 1:16. Its a summons inwardly to the New Creation unto Faith in Christ. Some may argue that the effectual call is given together with regeneration, whereby the act of the Holy Spirit changes or gives a New Heart that will desire and cherish Christ, hence regeneration is what enables and causes the called one to believe in Christ; also granting them repentance from dead works or religion.

This is also when the called one receives conscious Justification [hence them called are Justified] of which they have with God through Jesus Christ. This is not when God legally Justifies them, but when they receive the comfort and fellowship of their Justification . For faith or believing can never be the Legal basis why God Justifies a believer, because the blood of the Lamb does that alone.3

 

[brightfame52]

1 Pet 2:9


1 Pet 2:9

9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;

The called here are a Chosen Generation or Seed or Offspring !

The word generation is the greek word genos:


kindred

a) offspring

b) family

c) stock, tribe, nation

1) i.e. nationality or descent from a particular people

d) the aggregate of many individuals of the same nature, kind, sort

The words Generation and Seed compliment one another here Ps 22:30

A seed shall serve him; it shall be accounted to the Lord for a generation.


And this Offspring, Seed, Family is called out of darkness unto Marvelous Light. They are called into fellowship with Christ, the Light .

John 8:12

Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

And this Generation is called into the Fellowship with this Light as per 1 Cor 1:9

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

1 Jn 1:3

3That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.

Christ lightens all His Offspring or generation with His Light. Lk 2:30-32

30For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,

31Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;

32A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.

So this Call of 1 Pet 2:9 is the conversion work of Christ through His word of Truth and it turns all the Seed, no matter of ethnicity, from darkness to light Acts 26:18

To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.3

 

[brightfame52]

The called are the same as those being saved 1 Cor 1:18,23-24

18For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved[being saved] it is the power of God.

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 Paul says unto THEM that are called, because all are not called, but the one who are, are being saved 3

 

[brightfame52]

Romans 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.


This calling is the beginning of the application of salvation that Christ accomplished for all the elect of God. This state of the application is by means of the Gospel call, this is when the Gospel is the power of God unto salvation to them believing Rom 1:16. Its a summons inwardly to the New Creation unto Faith in Christ. Some may argue that the effectual call is given together with regeneration, whereby the act of the Holy Spirit changes or gives a New Heart that will desire and cherish Christ, hence regeneration is what enables and causes the called one to believe in Christ; also granting them repentance from dead works or religion.

This is also when the called one receives conscious Justification [hence them called are Justified] of which they have with God through Jesus Christ. This is not when God legally Justifies them, but when they receive the comfort and fellowship of their Justification . For faith or believing can never be the Legal basis why God Justifies a believer, because the blood of the Lamb does that alone. 3

 

[brightfame52]

1 Pet 2:9

1 Pet 2:9

9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;

The called here are a Chosen Generation or Seed or Offspring !

The word generation is the greek word genos:


kindred

a) offspring

b) family

c) stock, tribe, nation

1) i.e. nationality or descent from a particular people

d) the aggregate of many individuals of the same nature, kind, sort

The words Generation and Seed compliment one another here Ps 22:30

A seed shall serve him; it shall be accounted to the Lord for a generation.


And this Offspring, Seed, Family is called out of darkness unto Marvelous Light. They are called into fellowship with Christ, the Light .

John 8:12

Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.

And this Generation is called into the Fellowship with this Light as per 1 Cor 1:9

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

1 Jn 1:3

3That which we have seen and heard declare we unto you, that ye also may have fellowship with us: and truly our fellowship is with the Father, and with his Son Jesus Christ.

Christ lightens all His Offspring or generation with His Light. Lk 2:30-32

30For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,

31Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;

32A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.

So this Call of 1 Pet 2:9 is the conversion work of Christ through His word of Truth and it turns all the Seed, no matter of ethnicity, from darkness to light Acts 26:18

To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me. 3

 

[brightfame52]

Called according to God's 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.

Those whom God calls according to His Eternal Purpose in Christ, shall as a result of that call Love God !

How does one come to Love God ? We do not Love God by Nature. Its by Spiritual circumcision of the Heart. Deut 30:6

And the LORD thy God will circumcise thine heart, and the heart of thy seed, to love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, that thou mayest live.

Rom 2:28-29

28For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:

29But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.

So those who are called according to God's Purpose are that promised seed of Deut 30:6 and they are given a New Heart by Covenant Promise Ezk 36:26

A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.

Those called according to God's Purpose have been given a New Birth by the Spirit.

And all without exception are called according to God's Purpose in Christ , thats why Paul writes TO THEM that are called according to His Purpose !

 

[brightfame52]

A Eternal and Holy Calling

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,

The calling in time proceeded from and issues from a Call of God before time began. Yes, those who are called in time, were called and saved before time according to God's Purpose.

Also, why is this an Holy Calling ? Well of course it has to do with it being a Call from the Holy God, but it is also because its according to a Holy Purpose, an Holy Covenant Lk 1:72

72To perform the mercy promised to our fathers, and to remember his holy covenant;.

Its also an Holy Calling because it issued to an Holy People, a set apart people ! And who are they ? Its for everyone Christ died for, or gave Himself for. Heb 10:10

10By the which will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.

And its a Holy Calling because it causes those called in time to be obedient to the Divine Purpose !

 

[brightfame52]

The Called and Effectual Calling !

Rom 1:1-6

1Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God,

2(Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,)

3Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh;

4And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead:

5By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name:

6Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ:

There are some People in the world today who the scripture designates as the Called or the Called of Jesus Christ as Paul in verse 1 and believers in Rome in vs 6.

Also reference is made to this special group as the called in Romans 9:24

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

And 1 Cor 1:24

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

Here Paul uses the definite Article " The Called" THEM that are The Called, this denotes a special group of People apart from all others. This is a specific foreknown and Chosen People, thats why Paul follows up His comment to the Called Corinthians in 1 Cor 1:24 with these comments in vs 26-28

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

27But 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;

28And 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:

He joins together whom God hath called with whom God has Chosen, this fact should not be overlooked. Simply stated, the Called and the Chosen are the same group !

Those therefore who are the Called of Jesus Christ Rom 1:6 are God's Elect Rom 8:33, them who have been Sanctified by God the Father, Preserved in Jesus Christ, and Called Jude 1:1

the servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to them that are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called:

These are called effectually unto Faith through the Gospel 2 Thess 2:14

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

And those being called have already been Justified in God's sight Rom 8:30. The calling indicates they already are right with God and before God by the Imputed Merits of Christ, that is why they are called unto the obtaining of the Glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Interesting note on the word obtaining here, it is the greek word peripoiēsis and means:

a preserving, a preservation

2) possession, one's own property

3) an obtaining

They that are called by the Gospel are called into the possession of the Glory of Jesus Christ, to partake of it. It is their property, their Inheritance as pointed out in 1 Pet 1:4-5

4To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,

5Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

The called of Rom 1:1,6 are called to the obtaining or possession of Glory that is in Christ Jesus 2 Tim 2:10

10Therefore I endure all things for the elect's sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.

Paul could have said Therefore I endure all things for the Called sakes , that they may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with Eternal Glory.3

 

[brightfame52]

The redeemed are called !


So the called are those who have been redeemed by the blood of Christ. 1 Pet 2:9

9But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;

Now if we recall, Peter said of these same people earlier in the letter 1 Pet 1:18-19

18Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers;

19But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot:

Redeemed means purchased by paying the ransom, to liberate, to cause to be released to one's self by payment of a ransom

Notice it says to cause to be release, not an offer to be released, but an actual release..

Also they are released from the penalty of their sins. Now there were chosen sinners called during the Ministries of the Apostles, and some would be called after their ministry but through their word Jn 17:20, up until the Second Coming of Christ, they will be called from death unto life, from unbelief to faith or belief in the Truth !

Up in 1 Pet 2:9 where they are said to be called out of darkness into light, that light is life as well out of darkness of death into the light of life Jn 8:12

Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.3

 

[Mr GLee]

Christ was not Promised to Gentiles. They should be grateful for the will be at the Marriage Supper of the Lamb and His Bride by invitation.
Israel is at the Marriage Supper through covenant.

Christ the invisible Holy Spirit of God Promised in Isaiah 62 to rename his bride the church. Presently call her Israel in respect to born again Israel

Not all of Israel had salvation. Using that nation to represent all the nations giving meaning to the word Abraham "the father of all the nations of the world". He promised a more befitting name to the bride of all the nations of the world named her Christian. Christian a demonym (people identified by location)

Christian literally meaning Residents of the city of Christ . . .Prepared for His bride the Chruch. Named after the founder and husband Christ.

A word today that has been batted around drug through the dirt as if it was a derogatory word. . Bible thumpers. I say keep on thumping the gospel.

 

[brightfame52]

A Covenant Blessing !


This being called is an Covenant Blessing and its solely by the Grace of God Gal 1:15

15But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by his grace,

Heb 9:15

15And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament or covenant, 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.

Many will oppose Gal 1:15 and say this refers to Paul only, to be called by God's Grace, and not every believer, however that is not True, it belongs to all the called of God, just as Paul identifies himself with the called of both jews and gentiles Rom 9:24

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

Notice even us whom He hath called, both jew and gentile. Now is this call in Rom 9:24 the same as the one in Gal 1:15 ? It most certainly is, a call by the Grace of God. It is what some would call an irresistible call, be that what it may, that is what it is. It is received by every blood bought sinner. God the Holy Spirit is author of this call Acts 13:2

2As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.

And it is an inward call, by His Power applying the word of God !

Again this call is an Covenant blessing, it is because of the Grace that was given to them in Christ Jesus [Their Covenant Head] before the world began 2 Tim 1:9

9Who 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, 3

 

[brightfame52]

Now there is somewhat of a general call that is received by everyone who physically hears the Gospel, these hear only externally, which does not convert a sinner out of death unto life Jn 5:24

Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

1 Pet 2:9

9But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness[which is death] into his marvellous light[which is life];

Lk 1:79

To give light to them that sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace. See Lk 2:32 also !

Now this outward call may lead to a reformation by the efforts of the flesh, I believe such a one is described by Christ as a stony ground hearer who receives the word with joy, however come to find out that they have no root in themselves Matt 13:20-21


20But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it;

21Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended.

No root in himself means not an inward call. A Call not by the Lord Jesus Christ Rom 1:6

Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ:

Also a inward call denotes that one was born of the Spirit when they heard the Gospel, the Spirit indicating ownership, and He seals the hearer Eph 1:13

13In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

 

[brightfame52]

You see the difference between the outward call which is heard with the physical ear by everyone at the physical sounding of the the Gospel preached, and the inward call which is heard with the spiritual blessed ear Matt 3:16

But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear.

The former only hears the preacher, it is words only they hear "For our gospel came not unto you in word only"

Whereas the latter hears the voice of Christ inwardly by regeneration Jn 10:16,27

16And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.

27My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:

You see, those who hear Jesus voice via the preached word, they follow Him, its automatic !

Because the words that Christ speaks to them [His Chosen] they are Spirit and they are Life Jn 6:63 and they are spoken to spiritual babes by new birth.3

 

[brightfame52]

1 Pet 2:9 The Effectual Call !

1 Pet 2:9

9But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;

This Divine Call is not just a " hey you over there" I got something for you, but it is an actual word of command, a translation from the power of darkness [death] into the Kingdom of Light or of God,s Dear Son Col 1:13

13Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:

It is when one is entering into the Kingdom of God Jn 3:3-5

3Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

4Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born?

5Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

Now the word for call in 1 Pet 2:9 is the greek word kaleō and has more of the ideal of a summon ! Our english word summon means:



to call upon to do something specified.

2.
to call for the presence of, as by command, message, or signal; call.

3.
to call or notify to appear at a specified place, especially before a court: to summon a defendant.

4.
to authorize or order a gathering of; call together by authority, as for deliberation or action: to summon parliament.

5.
to call into action; rouse; call forth (often. followed by up ): to summon all one's courage.

Its an authoritative summons resulting in action.

Lets look a little closer at the word call, as stated it is the greek word kaleo, it is derived from the root word keleuō which means:

to command, to order

This call is Illustrated by Jesus by His authoritative call of Lazarus Jn 11:43-44

43And when he thus had spoken, he cried with a loud voice, Lazarus, come forth.

44And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go.

You see the results of this call of command ? Lazarus came forth. Jesus called him by name, which is also the meaning of kaleo:


to call

a) to call aloud, utter in a loud voice

b) to invite

2) to call i.e. to name, by name

a) to give a name to

1) to receive the name of, receive as a name

2) to give some name to one, call his name

b) to be called i.e. to bear a name or title (among men)

c) to salute one by name

Same word calleth is in Jn 10:3

3To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out.

This call, leads the called one out of death, as it is Illustrated by Lazarus Jn 11:44

44And he that was dead came forth,

This is what is meant by the Call out of darkness [death] See Lk 1:79 and into His marvelous light ! See Jn 8:12

Is this call for everyone without exception ? No, it is for a Chosen Generation 1 Pet 2:9

9But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;

It is limited to God's Elect ! 3

 

[brightfame52]

Not according to works !

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,

The elect, God in time calls us, not according to our works [unconditionally], that means this call was not based upon God forseeing those called performing any acts, conditions, faith or believing, repenting and so on, but solely premised upon His Own Purpose and Grace ! 3

 

[brightfame52]

It is a heavenly calling !

Heb 3:1

1Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus;

Those who partake of this Heavenly Calling, were the Holy Brethren, those set apart by the Divine Purpose and Born Again by the Holy Spirit of God ! One must be born from above [Heavenly] to hear and receive a Heavenly Calling !

Only those born from above are fit recipients of this Heavenly Calling. Jesus said Jn 3:3

3Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

born again here is the greek words gennaō and anothen

Which means To be born or to be begotten from above,
anew, over again,

of things which come from heaven or God

Born from Heaven above !

Because, Christ, whose seed they are sits above Eph 1:20

Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,

Col 3:1

If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God.

It is from this heavenly places where the Call of Heb 3:1 comes from, and it is to them that have been born again or anew from above, where Christ their Head and Progenitor sits on the Right Hand of God in heavenly places !

Sorry folks, but those of us who only have partaken of our physical birth, by nature, we cannot be fit recipients of this Heavenly Calling ! 3

 

[brightfame52]

To a specific character of people !

Isa 55:1,3

Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.

The call is to everyone that thirsteth, they are called to partake of the Blessings of Salvation, the sure mercies of David

3 Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David.

But this seems to be a call to a very specific and definite character, the Thirsty, and this is not a natural thirst of the natural man, but a thirst of a spiritual nature, one which the natural man does not have , if he did, then it would be error for it to be written that none seeks after God Rom 3:11

There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God.

This word seek has the idea of crave which is also thirsting. There is no thirst by nature for the True and Living God Ps 42:1-2

As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.

2 My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?

Oh, yes the natural man can be very religious and seek religion and reformation in the power of the flesh, but we fail to seek and desire after the True and Living God by nature. So this thirst of our text here in Isa 55 is evidence of one with spiritual life, the life of God implanted in the soul, a life that only the regenerated or new born babes , that are born of God. It is not even possible from a spiritual standpoint that any of us dead in sin to thirst after the Living God, it would be like a dead man thirsting for a drink from a cool water fountain ! It should also be noted that the Saviour gave a call to a special, particular characteristic Jn 7:37

In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink.

If the person is not thirsting spiritually, then Christ is not appealing to them ! Christ is calling those who have this disposition Matt 5:6

Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled.

those who thirst for this Righteousness, The Living God's Righteousness are fit recipients for the word of Righteousness Heb 5:13

For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.

The Call to experiential salvation is for those who are born again with spiritual desires and thirsting's from a holy Principal of life implanted .

 

[brightfame52]

Even as many as the Lord our God shall call !

Acts 2:38-39

38 Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

This scripture more than indicates that all men without exception are not included in this call, which is a call in reference to Salvation. Its says " as many as" which automatically denotes the exclusion of others for this call. Jesus uses those words here Jn 17:2

As thou hast given him power over all flesh, that he should give eternal life to as many as thou hast given him.

Again exclusion of some are indicated, for all without exception were not given Him by the Father, because all the Father gives Him, comes to Him Jn 6:37

The word call here is the greek word proskaleō and means:


to call to

2) to call to one's self

3) to bid to come to one's self

4) metaph.

a) God is said to call to himself the Gentiles, aliens as they are from him, by inviting them, through the preaching of the gospel unto fellowship with himself in the Messiah's kingdom

b) Christ and the Holy Spirit are said to call to themselves those preachers of the gospel to whom they have decided to intrust a service having reference to the extension of the gospel

It basically means to call to oneself. God in this Call Acts 2:39 is calling some to Himself .

Its a Sovereign call to the called ones into or unto Fellowship 1 Cor 1:9

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

This special call is given to both jew and gentile Rom 9:24

24 Even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles? 3