Who Are The Called”

WHO ARE THE CALLED???

May 19, 2020

Updated May 24th, 2020

By Ron Smith Jr.

If you ask believers the question “Who Are The Called” referred to in God’s Word you will get many different answers.

I’m writing this so we all can gain a deeper understanding by using the Greek words that are used for “Called” and showing other examples of how the word is used and shed light on this subject.

I’m referencing Romans 8:28-30 where a lot of Bible teachers and students frequently reference with this topic.

I hope that you enjoy it and God bless you 😀

Romans 8:28-30 King James Version (KJV)

28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

In verse 28 the Greek word Kletos is used for those who are the called or invited.

I love the distinction Paul shows in this verse referring to the invited or called as people who Love God in comparison to those who do not love God.

Those who don’t love the one true God are not invited or called and that is an important distinction that needs to be made.

As 1 Corinthians 8:3 points out “The man who loves God is known by God”

Since we’re focusing on Called don’t let the words foreknow, predestinate, justified and glorified take your mind off what we’re focused on right now in this breakdown of the Called in the words of this rich text 😀

I will share some thoughts on foreknow and predestinate because of these who are called God did “Foreknow” and “Predestinate”.  

One step at a time though 😎

29 For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.

In verse 30 the Greek word Kaleo is used for called which is a verb which means to invite with a loud voice.

When we examine these verses  we see the word predestinate as a prerequisite for those who are called.  

Let’s take a look at verse 29 to see who is predestined for this calling in verse 30.

Verse 29 says these people who will be called are those who God “Did Foreknow” and “Predestinate”.

The Greek word for foreknow in verse 29 is “Proginosko” which means to know beforehand.

So by looking at the text itself and not bringing in preconceived ideas to the text....it is clear that the Predestined that are called in verse 30 are saved people being Predestined to be invited “or called” at a future point.

Not unsaved people being Predestined for salvation through some “inward or effectual” call that is taught in some theological circles today.

The word Kaleo is also used in this parable Jesus Christ gave in Matthew 22 which reminds me of the great blessing that Salvation is to The Gentiles as well 😊 Not just Israel!!!

When you see the word “Bidden” it’s the same word used for called in Romans.

2 The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son,

3 And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come.

In Verse 2 the King’s son is a reference to Israel 

Verse 3 shows a picture of the Prophets of Israel “God’s Servants” and israel 

 

4 Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage.

Verse 4 shows The King inviting or Calling Israel using other Old Testament Prophets.

5 But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise 

6 And the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them.

Verse 5 and 6 shows the response of Israel to the other Old Testament Prophets

7 But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city.

8 Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy.

9 Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage.

In verses 8 and 9 we see a transition which seems like a picture of the New Testament Apostles sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ with the Gentiles “People who are not Jewish”

I think it’s interesting to point out that it was the Apostles who shared the Gospel of Salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ with the Gentiles for the first time.

Those of us who believe will accept this invitation and not only receive forgiveness for our sins...at the time we believe....but we also will be invited or called to the wedding when we are at the Marriage with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ!!!

I also think this verse is the perfect application for the often misunderstood parable of the 10 Virgins.  The 5 virgins that didn’t have oil in their lamps didn’t lose their Salvation as a lot of people teach.

It’s a picture of Israel who believed in their Messiah compared to those Israelites who didn’t believe in their Messiah.

So to sum this up....people who believe in the Lord are known by God.

Once God knows you  Predestines you to be called or invited to be with the Lord in the future 

And finally the Lord the King Of Kings will call or invite us with a LOUD VOICE “Kaleo” to the Wedding that awaits us in Heaven!!!

And finally I have to share 1 Thessalonians 4:16-18

16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:

17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.

18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

Our King Is Coming Soon.....have you believed in the Lord so you will be invited to be with the Lord for all ETERNITY???

I hope that you have.....and if you want to know how Romans 10:9-10 explains it perfectly 😀

Here’s the passage and God Bless You and I hope you enjoyed this.

9 That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.

10 For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.