We learn in our study of the book of Jude that the Christian life is a calling (Jude 1). Once a person has responded to the gospel call of God unto salvation, that is, to repent and believe in Jesus Christ (Mark 1:15; Acts 2:37,38), they are regenerated by the Spirit of God (Titus 3:5). This newness of life that we have (Romans 6:4) begins a life-long process of sanctification (2 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Timothy 2:21), by which we are being separated from this world (2 Corinthians 6:17-18) and conformed by The Spirit of God to the image of The Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 8:29).
Jesus said, “Follow Me” (Matthew 4:19), and the Christian life is just that, following The Lord Jesus (1 Corinthians 11:1), walking as He walked (1 John 2:6). To name the Name of Jesus Christ bears a high responsibility (Luke 12:42-48); thus we are told to walk worthy of that calling (2 Thessalonians 1:11). This is a high calling indeed (Philippians 3:13-14), and a journey that is marked by the cross (Luke 9:23).
By the grace of God (Ephesians 2:8-9), we are delivered out of the darkness of this fallen world system and have been called into the kingdom of God’s dear Son (Colossians 1:13). Saints, we have been plucked out of this world system, which is why God tells us not to love the world or the things in the world (1 John 2:15-17). The rest of our time here on earth is not to be spent building our own little kingdoms, but the kingdom of God (Matthew 19:24). Our entire life is to be consumed with doing whatever we do for the glory of God (1 Corinthians 10:31; Colossians 3:17). Oh how we need to capture that concept once again! How we need the power of God to escape the I-centered, gain-is-godliness gospel that is so popular today (1 Timothy 6:3-10).
As we look into this subject of the call of God, my prayer is that we will come to a clearer realization that the mindset of every believer needs to be to filter every aspect of our lives through the lens of the will of God. Those called of God will not only do battle with the beast and his fallen kingdom at the Second Coming of Christ (Revelation 17:14), but in this present evil world as well (Ephesians 6:10-18). Our highest calling is to be a slave of The Lord Jesus Christ and follow the example of Our King, Who uttered these words of complete surrender to The Father: “…not my will, but Thy will be done.” (Luke 22:41-42). Amen, so be it, Lord Jesus!
