Being called by God means receiving an effectual call to salvation, whereby He invites and enables His elect to come to faith in Christ.
The calling of God is a profound aspect of salvation that reflects His sovereign grace. In Isaiah 43, God emphasizes, 'I have called thee by thy name,' suggesting a personal and specific call to His people. This calling is not merely a general invitation but an effectual one, as seen in Romans 8:30, where those who are predestined are also called. God's call is powerful and irresistible—once He calls, those chosen will respond in faith. This understanding underlines the assurance of salvation in Reformed theology that all who are called by God will come to Christ and cannot be forsaken.
Scripture References:
Isaiah 43:1, Romans 8:30, John 10:3, John 1:43-51, 1 John 1:12, Romans 8:28-30, John 10:3-4, Ephesians 2:1-5, 2 Timothy 1:9, John 10:27, Mark 6:7-13, Ephesians 1:4-5, 1 Corinthians 1:24, Exodus 3:10, 1 Corinthians 1:26-27, Romans 1:6, John 11:43-44, Acts 2:39, 1 Peter 2:9, John 6:44, 1 Peter 5:10, 1 Corinthians 1:9, Jude 1, Isaiah 65:1, Romans 10:17
Commentary