If election speaks of God’s eternal purpose, calling speaks of His action in time.
At some point in a person’s life, the gospel is heard. Christ is proclaimed. The invitation is extended. Scripture calls this
the call of God. But the Bible shows us that not all calling is the same.
There is a general call that goes out to everyone. And there is what Scripture describes as a powerful, effective call — when God not only invites, but opens the heart to respond.
Let’s walk through it carefully.
1. The General Call: The Gospel for All
Jesus said, “Many are called, but few are chosen” (Matthew 22:14).
The gospel is proclaimed openly:
- All have sinned (Romans 3:23).
- The wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23).
- Christ died for sinners (Romans 5:8).
- Whoever believes in Him shall not perish (John 3:16).
This invitation is real. It is sincere. It is offered to all.
“Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden” (Matthew 11:28).
God commands all people everywhere to repent (Acts 17:30).
The general call reveals His mercy and leaves no one without witness. Yet Scripture also makes clear: not everyone who hears responds.
Why?
2. The Effective Call: When God Opens the Heart
There are moments in Scripture when the call goes deeper than sound waves and sermons.
In Acts 16:14, Lydia heard Paul preach. But the text says, “The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said.”
Jesus said, “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him” (John 6:44).
This is what many theologians call
effective calling. It is not coercion. It is not forcing the will. It is God removing blindness and granting sight.
Second Corinthians 4:6 describes it like creation itself:
“God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ has shone in our hearts.”
When God calls this way, the sinner comes willingly. The response is genuine repentance and real faith. But the power behind it is God’s grace.
3. Calling Leads to Conversion
The call of God does not end in awareness. It results in response.
When Peter preached at Pentecost, the people were “cut to the heart” (Acts 2:37). They asked what to do. Peter answered: “Repent and be baptized… for the forgiveness of your sins” (Acts 2:38).
Calling produces:
Romans 8:30 says, “Those whom He predestined He also called, and those whom He called He also justified.” The chain is deliberate. The call accomplishes what God intends.
4. Human Responsibility Remains
Some fear that if God calls effectively, human responsibility disappears.
Scripture does not allow that conclusion.
Jesus wept over Jerusalem saying, “How often would I have gathered your children together… and you were not willing” (Matthew 23:37).
The refusal of Christ is real. The blame for unbelief falls on the unbeliever (John 5:40). The gospel invitation is genuine.
The mystery is this:
God calls.
Man responds.
And when a heart truly turns, Scripture gives the glory to God.
Philippians 2:12–13 holds both truths together:
“Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you.”
5. Why Calling Matters
Calling brings assurance.
If salvation depended only on human willpower, none would endure. But Jesus says, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me” (John 10:27).
Those who truly belong to Christ are not self-made believers. They are called people.
Calling also fuels evangelism.
Paul stayed in Corinth because the Lord told him, “I have many in this city who are My people” (Acts 18:10). God’s sovereign call did not discourage preaching. It strengthened it.
We preach because God calls through preaching.
Conclusion
The call of God is not merely an invitation printed in red letters. It is the living voice of Christ reaching sinners through the gospel.
Some hear and walk away.
Some hear and are cut to the heart.
When that happens, it is not because the person was smarter or more spiritual. It is because God, in mercy, opened the heart.
If you are hearing His voice today, do not harden your heart (Hebrews 3:15).
Repent. Believe. Follow Christ.
And if you already belong to Him, remember this:
You are not self-called. You were summoned by grace.
