Effectual Calling (3)

Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; - Hebrews 3:1

    God the Holy Spirit calls sinners out of darkness into his marvelous light. He has called us out of bondage unto liberty in Christ. We have been called, by immaculate mercy, into the fellowship of God’s dear Son. And God has called us…

    To Peace.

    "But if the unbelieving depart, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases: but God hath called us to peace" (1 Cor. 7:15). The call of God is a call to internal peace, peace of mind and peace of conscience; to which all men are utter strangers by nature. There is no peace to the wicked: but God has called us to peace. He has blessed us with it; with a peace which passes all understanding; with peace in the midst of the tribulations of the world; with a peace which the world can neither give nor take away. Our peace is a peace which arises from the blood and righteousness of Christ, and is part of that kingdom of God which is within us, into which we are brought by our heavenly calling. We have also been called to peace among ourselves, and with all men. "Let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body" (Col. 3:15). We have been called unto peace, and…

    Unto Holiness.

    "God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness" (1 Thess. 4:7). The call of God is a holy calling. It is a call arising from upon a holy purpose -- The Purpose Of God! It is a call based upon a holy principle -- Justice satisfied! It is a call which has brought us into a holy position - Justified and Sanctified in Christ! It is a call which makes us a holy people -- “An Holy Nation!” -- “A Peculiar People!” -- “A Royal Priesthood!”

    John Gill wrote, with regard to this call of God’s elect, “They are called out of a state of unholiness and sinfulness, into a state of holiness and righteousness; for being created anew in righteousness and true holiness, and created in Christ Jesus to good works, they are called to the exercise of them; to live holily, soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present evil world; ‘God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness’, (1 Thess. 4:7) and ‘hath called us to glory and virtue’ (2 Pet. 1:3), to glorious acts of virtue and goodness, becoming the nature of their call, and of him that has called them; ‘As he which hath called you is holy’ (1 Pet. 1:15).”

    We have been called unto holiness. Let us ever seek to walk in holiness for the glory of our holy Lord God, and the honor of the gospel, by the power and grace of his Holy Spirit.