Man, being a sinner from birth, requires some form of intervention to turn his attention towards God. Romans 1:6 refers to this when it tells the Roman believers, "You are among those who have been called" (GW), who are described as the "called ones."

Christ stated: "No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him" (John 6:44 - ESV). The Jews believed they were automatically chosen by God due to their physical birth, but Jesus clarified that God must draw them first.

God draws man by revealing his need for salvation. When man recognizes himself as a lost sinner and desires to avoid hell, God reveals the Savior. Through this process, God is drawing man to reconcile his broken relationship with God.

The New Testament frequently uses the verb "to call," to illustrate how God reaches out to man and draws him.

Hebrews 3:1 describes it as "a heavenly calling" (ESV), which is essentially a call from God. It is God's offer of salvation, His invitation for sinners to believe in Christ Jesus and become His disciples.

Jesus warns, "I have come to call sinners, not those who believe they are righteous in God's eyes" (Matthew 9:13; Luke 5:32 - GW). Salvation is accessible only to those who recognize that they are sinners, not to the self-righteous.

This gracious call from God is the initial step towards salvation, occurring indirectly through the Spirit and directly through the Word of God.

The term "Indirect Call" refers to the secret influence of the Holy Spirit on the conscience of a sinner (Romans 1:19-20; Romans 2:15). It is a subtle voice within a person that convicts them of wrongdoing and urges them to change their ways, often causing conflicting thoughts and an inner battle.

On the other hand, the term "Direct Call" refers to the appeal to a person through God's Word. Romans 10:11-17 speaks about the role of preaching, with verse 17 stating, "So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ" (Good News Bible).

In salvation, God always takes the initiative. As 2 Timothy 1:9-10 (English Standard Version) says, "He saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace."

God comes to man offering Himself, but man must respond to the invitation by believing in Christ. Ephesians 2:8-9 declares, "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast" (English Standard Version).

God invites many, but only a few accept the invitation (Matthew 22:2-14).

Keep in mind God's Eternal Purpose and understand that God outlines the criteria for a relationship with Him. Many people claim to have a relationship with God, but they do not because they want this relationship on their own terms. Ephesians 1:4 states: "even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him" (ESV).

Regarding God’s call, there is more to be said. Consider Ephesians 1:4 - "[God] chose us in Christ before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him" (ESV).

God has something wonderful in store after calling us to salvation!

The following article discusses how sinners are called to belong to God, in accordance with His eternal plan.

BIBLE VERSIONS

English Standard Version (ESV); God's Word (GW), Good News Bible (GNB); Modern King James Version (MKJV); Easy To Read Version (ERV).