CALLED OF CHRIST - PART 1

FRIDAY 29 DECEMBER 2023

Paul was a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God. However, first and foremost, he was called of Christ, denoting that he belonged to the Lord Jesus Christ. What is the significance of being called of Christ? More below!

Reference: Romans 1:6 New King James Version (NKJV)

"among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ."

While addressing the saints in Rome, Paul mentioned that they were included among those Gentiles who have been called to belong to Jesus Christ. This is an assured statement that awakened the consciousness of the Spirit of Christ in them, and for us, through such an awareness, we are enlivened by the conviction that we belong to the Lord.

While speaking to someone recently, I mentioned that I could never be thankful enough that God called me to belong to Christ, and with an increasing clarity, I recalled the process of event that led to my salvation. The cardinal truth that God sent His Son to cleanse me from sin and to deliver me from the domain of darkness triggers the wonder of divine love within me, beyond my utmost power of functioning on cloud nine or overflowing with gratitude and praise.

Jesus came in human flesh to deal with the problem of sin, which had already thrown the world into disorder and drawn it out of God's order. In doing so, He made the atoning sacrifice for the sins of all and sundry. This sacrifice was perfected with the proof of His resurrection, meaning that without His resurrection, the integral part of His mission on earth would have been incomplete, and His death would not have had its saving efficacy.

Now and always, His saving grace serves as an open calling, inviting all to receive salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with His arms wide open to welcome anyone that does so. To that effect, Titus 2:11 reads, "For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to everyone" (BSB). By faith, anyone can respond to this calling, which leads to salvation of their soul.

To be called of Christ is an invitation to live the life of the Spirit. So when we speak of belonging to Christ, it is not simply chained to the notion of having a sense of belongingness because it's more of being positioned to walk intimately, habitually and harmoniously with Supreme Deity, having received the light of the glorious gospel to feed on Christ, as the inspired Word of God.

How does anyone accept their call to belong to Christ? By confessing boldly with their mouth, the name of the Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 10:9 reads, 'If you declare with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved' (NIV). That way, you'll begin to experience the proper manifestation of your calling in Christ. Stay tuned for part 2. Shalom!

Scripture Reading - John 17:10; Acts 27:23; Romans 14:8; 1 Corinthians 3:23.

Exuberant Declaration:

Through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, I received faith to belong to Him and to walk with God. Every detail of the calling and life of Christ in me is regulated by the Holy Spirit, because God approved and accepted His sacrificial work on my behalf. Hallelujah!