bits from bob....
Your Sure Calling and Confident Election
by Robert J. Young
©, 2001, Robert J. Young
[permission is given to reprint with credit noted]
Peter wrote to Christians urging that all "make your calling and election sure." What comes to your mind? Each Christian needs reminding of our calling. God has, in his mercy, called you to be his. That statement has deep meaning and far-reaching repercussions in your life and my life.
Notice three aspects of that calling from the first chapter of 1 Corinthians.
1. Christians are called to be saints (v. 2). That simply means we are set apart and dedicated to Jesus. Our lives are characterized by Christ-like qualities. We treat others as Jesus treated others. We are like him. This is no reference to being declared a "saint" by man; this is the very calling of God and his claim upon your life.
2. Christians are called to fellowship (v. 9). We have been called into relationship with one another, and we deny the certainty of our calling when we refuse the experience of sharing with those of like precious faith. Assembly, worship together, shared Bible studies, daily associations are natural and normal for Christians in God's family, because we have been called to fellowship.
3. Christians are called unconditionally (v. 26). The conclusion of the chapter is devoted to reminding that we have not been called nor chosen because of any inherent value or good within us. God called us when we were yet enemies, while we were afar off, while we were dead in sin, and of no value to Him at all. We must never forget that God's call in our lives was unconditional.
Finally, verse 24 reminds us that a proper understanding of our calling declares Jesus to be both the power and wisdom of God. Therefore, according to verse 23, we preach Christ crucified. When we make our calling and election sure, it not only reminds us of who we are and whose we are, but it demands that we be diligent in sharing the message of God's calling to the whole world. It changes the way we live in relationship to everyone about us, because it is the calling of God that makes it possible for us to live in relationship to Him. Apart from that relationship to God, nothing else matters!
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Last updated November 23, 2001.