An Authentic Calling: Representing Christ and His Kingdom through the Church

Ses s i on 2: A Ca l l to Sa l vat i on

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himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. [24] For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it. [25] For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses or forfeits himself? [26] For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words, of him will the Son of Man be ashamed when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.”

The call to salvation is simultaneously a call to receive God’s forgiveness through the grace of Jesus Christ, and to respond to that grace as a disciple, confessing Jesus as Lord. Rom. 10.8-13 (ESV) But what does it say? “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); [9] because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. [10] For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. [11] For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” [12] For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. [13] For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

c. Transforming, John 8.36 (ESV) – So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

C. Case studies illustrating the call to salvation

1. The Apostles John and James: the call stories of the Gospels, Matt. 4.18-22

2. Zacchaeus the tax-gatherer, Luke 19.1-10

3. Saul of Tarsus, Acts 9.15-16 (ESV) – But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. [16] For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.”

D. Unique insights for spiritual leaders: Who issues the call?

1. God issues the call, both to salvation and to service. Neither the individual nor the Church are the source of the call of God, 1 Cor. 1.24-28.

2. While the call can come in as many ways as there are ministers to receive it, an authentic call to ministry will always include the Spirit’s presence, power, and gifting.