The Bible teaches that God calls certain individuals to Himself, and those who are called will come to Him, as noted in Hebrews 9:15.
The concept of God's calling is significant in the Scriptures, particularly in Hebrews 9:15, which states that Christ is the mediator of the New Testament by means of His death, so that those who are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. This calling is not universal; it is a sovereign and effectual call. In Romans 8:28-30, we see that those whom God foreknows, He predestines, and those whom He predestines, He also calls. This means that God's calling is purposeful and leads to salvation for those He has chosen.
Hebrews 9:15, Romans 8:28-30
You can know you have been called by observing your response to Christ as the power and wisdom of God, and your trust in Him.
To ascertain whether one has been called by God, three evidences can be examined. First, do you see Christ as both the power and wisdom of God? Paul emphasizes this in 1 Corinthians 1:23-24, where he speaks of Christ being the power of God and the wisdom of God for those who are called. Second, if you are called, you will call upon the name of the Lord for salvation, as evidenced in Romans 10:13. Lastly, those who are called will receive the promises of God with joy, recognizing that this reception is a gift from God and not a work of man's merit. The assurance of calling and election is confirmed through the fruits of genuine faith and trust in Christ.
1 Corinthians 1:23-24, Romans 10:13
Eternal inheritance is vital because it is the ultimate promise secured by Christ's death for those He has called, ensuring their salvation.
The notion of an eternal inheritance is central to the believer's hope and assurance. Hebrews 9:15 highlights that Christ is the mediator of the New Testament so that the called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. This inheritance is not just a future promise but a current reality for those who are called. It signifies that all the blessings of salvation—justification, sanctification, and glorification—are guaranteed through Christ's sacrificial death. The eternal nature of this inheritance denotes its permanence and the security believers have in their salvation. Understanding this inheritance reassures Christians that their relationship with God is anchored in His unchanging grace rather than their ever-changing circumstances.
Hebrews 9:15, Ephesians 1:11-14
Jesus as the mediator of the New Testament signifies that He is the guarantor of the covenant of grace established through His death.
In biblical terms, a mediator is not merely a negotiator between warring parties but one who guarantees the fulfillment of an agreement. Hebrews 9:15 describes Christ as the mediator of the New Testament, emphasizing that He secures the blessings of this new covenant through His death. This mediation ensures that all who are called receive the benefits of salvation—eternal redemption, forgiveness, and righteousness. Unlike the Old Testament sacrifices, which were temporary and could not truly atone for sin, Christ's sacrifice is sufficient and complete, upholding divine justice while offering grace. His role as mediator gives believers confidence that their salvation is assured in Him.
Hebrews 9:15, Hebrews 10:10-14
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