Being called by God is a profound and life-changing experience. In the Bible, God calls certain people for special purposes and missions. When God calls someone, He summons them to fulfill a divine plan and walk in obedience to Him. Here is an in-depth look at what it means to be called by God according to the Bible.
God’s Calling Begins with Salvation
The first and most fundamental calling from God is the call to salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. Scripture says, “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day” (John 6:44). God calls people to be saved by enabling them to respond in faith to the gospel message. This calling is an act of God’s grace, not based on any human merit. When someone becomes a Christian, they have answered God’s primary call on their life.
God Calls People to Belong to Him
Another key aspect of being called by God is belonging to Him. The Bible often describes believers as “called” to emphasize their new identity in Christ. For example, Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Here, being “called” means being called by God into relationship with Him. God’s calling gives believers security in their position as His children. Elsewhere, the New Testament refers to believers as “the called” to highlight their status as people who belong to God through faith in Christ (1 Corinthians 1:24).
God Calls People to Holiness
God’s calling also involves a summons to holy living. As 1 Peter 1:15 says, “But as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct.” Part of responding to God’s call is purifying one’s life and striving to live by God’s standards. Obedience, purity, and godly character are all outworkings of answering the call to belong to a holy God. God calls Christians away from lifestyles of sin and worldliness into righteousness and dynamic relationship with Him.
God’s Call Includes a Call to Ministry
In addition to salvation and holiness, God’s call involves ministry and service. Ephesians 4:1 says, “I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called.” Here, the “calling” likely includes God’s call to salvation but also His summons to serve Christ through one’s lifestyle and Spirit-empowered good works. Part of God’s plan in calling people is leading them into avenues of ministry and using their spiritual gifts to build up the church (1 Corinthians 12:4-7).
God Calls People to Fulfill Specific Purposes
The Bible contains many examples of God calling certain people to fulfill specific purposes, roles, and missions. For example:
- God called Abraham out of Ur to be the father of the chosen nation of Israel (Genesis 12:1-3).
- God called Moses to lead Israel out of Egypt and gave him the Law at Mount Sinai (Exodus 3:1-10).
- God called Joshua to bring Israel into the Promised Land and conquer it (Joshua 1:1-9).
- God called Gideon to deliver Israel from the Midianites with just 300 men (Judges 6:11-16).
- God called David to become king of Israel as part of His plan to one day send the Messiah (1 Samuel 16:1-13).
- God called the Old Testament prophets to speak His words to Israel and call them to repentance.
- God called Paul to take the gospel to the Gentile world (Acts 9:15, Galatians 1:15-16).
In these examples, God summoned people to fulfill unique callings and purposes. Similarly today, God still calls some to vocational ministry roles like pastor, missionary, or parachurch worker. For all believers, God calls each to specific areas of service and impact for His kingdom. Discerning and walking in that calling brings great purpose and meaning.
Characteristics of God’s Calling
When God calls a person, this calling has definite characteristics:
- It aligns with Scripture – God will not call someone to something against His Word.
- It provides affirmation from wise believers – others will confirm and strengthen it.
- It results in bearing spiritual fruit – there will be ongoing Kingdom impact.
- It includes gifting and desire – God equips those He calls.
- It involves God’s clear direction – either through external circumstances or internal sense of God’s leading.
- It produces dependence on God – knowing the calling comes from God drives prayer and faith.
If someone believes they are called by God, the presence of these types of characteristics can help confirm they are truly hearing His voice.
How Do I Discern God’s Calling in My Life?
For Christians desiring to live out God’s purposes, discerning His calling is crucial. Here are some keys to doing so:
- Study Scripture – God’s principles and the examples of biblical characters give insight for today.
- Pray – Ask God persistently for direction and listen for His voice.
- Use your spiritual gifts – As you serve others, passion and effectiveness point to calling.
- Seek godly counsel – Mature believers can often see strengths and gifts that point toward calling.
- Take steps of faith – As you step out, God will open and close doors to guide you.
- Look at your passions – What moves you emotionally often indicates the passions God has given you.
- Assess your temperament – Your unique personality may suit some callings better than others.
- Consider circumstances – Look for providential indicators like open doors and divine connections.
Discerning God’s calling requires patience, wisdom, faith, and ongoing dependence on the Holy Spirit. As you walk closely with God, He will make His calling clear in His perfect timing.
Conclusion: A Life-Changing Summons
Being called by God is a life-defining and life-directing reality. It marks believers as God’s own possessions, chosen for adoption as His children. It summons Christians to holiness and purity as model ambassadors of Christ. It grants purpose and direction through specific avenues of service and ministry. And it allows people the joy and privilege of playing a role in God’s eternal purposes. A calling from God is not to be taken lightly. With humility, awe, and gratitude, those who have felt His call must respond in obedience and rely on His strength to carry it out for His glory.