What does the Bible say about personal calls to salvation?
The Bible indicates that Jesus personally calls His followers, as seen in Ruth 4:1 when Boaz speaks directly to the kinsman.
The general invitation in Scripture, such as in Isaiah 55:1, 'Ho! everyone that thirsteth, come ye to the waters,' becomes personal when one recognizes their own need for redemption. This is illustrated in Romans 5:8, where it states that Christ died for us while we were yet sinners. Faith takes the general promise and makes it specific for the individual believer, affirming that Christ's love and sacrifice are indeed applicable to them personally. When the Lord calls a specific person, faith responds with assurance and joy, recognizing that salvation is extended directly to them.
Ruth 4:1, Isaiah 55:1, Romans 5:8
How do we know the doctrine of faith is true?
The doctrine of faith is affirmed through its consistent application written in Scripture and its transformative power in believers' lives.
Faith stands at the heart of salvation, as seen in John 10:27 where Jesus states, 'My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.' The personal nature of faith is crucial—it is not mere belief in abstract principles but involves a heartfelt response to God’s call. This assurance of faith transforms minds and hearts, consistently displaying evidence through a life changed by Christ. Thus, faith is verified through both Scripture and its effects in the lives of those whom God calls.
Ruth 4:1, Romans 10:17, John 10:27
Why is the idea of Christ's personal call important for Christians?
Christ's personal call assures believers of their individual relationship with Him, deepening their experience of grace.
Moreover, it is through this personal call that individuals move from general promises of grace to specific applications in their lives. The recognition that Christ has died for them individually fosters assurance of salvation and motivates believers to embrace their identity as children of God. As mentioned in Romans 5:8, God shows His love directly to each sinner, emphasizing that His grace is both broad in invitation but tailored in application. This notion not only enhances their understanding of salvation but also deepens their capacity for love, gratitude, and service within the Christian community.
Ruth 4:1, Romans 5:8
"Then went Boaz up to the gate, and sat him down there. And, behold, the kinsman of whom Boaz spake, came by; unto whom he said, Ho! such an one! turn aside; sit down here. And he turned aside, and sat down."—Ruth iv. 1.
— Ruth 4:1
It is blessed to see, when from general calls in the gospel, the call becomes personal. The general invitation is, " Ho! every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters." The personal call is, "Ho! such an one." Jesus calleth his own sheep by name; how is this done? When at any time the Lord speaketh by the ministry of his word to their particular state and circumstances: as for example, when Jesus saith, "I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance." Faith saith in answer, then it is, for me; for I am a sinner. So again when it is said, " God commendeth his love to us, in that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us!" Faith replieth, then is that love suited to my case and circumstances, for I am both by nature and by practice a sinner before God. So again, when Jesus ascended up on high, he is said to have received gifts for men: yea, for the rebellious, that the Lord God might dwell among them. Faith again ends similar encouragement to go upon, in order to make the thing personal; for the believer saith, I have been a rebel from the womb. In short, faith always discovers ground to rest for assurance, when, from general rules, there is found sufficient scope for special application; and in the suitableness of Christ to the sinner's necessity, and the suitableness of the sinner for the Redeemer's glory, the word comes with power to the heart, and with an energy not unlike the application of the apostle's sermon: "to you is the word of this salvation sent." For then, like the kinsman of Boaz, the call becomes personal, changing the appellation from every one, to such an one; and the believing soul comes at the call, turns aside, and sits down, as the very one with whom the business is to be transacted. My soul! hast thou heard the gospel invitation, and found it personal? The answer will not be far to obtain, if such evidences be discoverable in thyself. Faith is a precious grace, which never rests until it hath acquired all it stands in need of as the invitation comes from Christ, so where it is personally received and accepted, it leads to Christ. Faith is never satisfied with general views, its whole aim is at personal enjoyments. There is a selfishness to appropriate and bring home all that is offered. Salvation is proclaimed from heaven for sinners. God the Father gives it; God the Son purchaseth it; God the Spirit sends it to the heart with an "Ho! such an one, turn aside, sit down." See to it, my soul, that thou hast this personal interest in it, and that Christ is formed in thy heart the hope of glory.
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