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What does the Bible say about god calling people?

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The Bible teaches that God graciously calls people to Himself through Christ, effectually drawing His chosen people while also commanding the gospel to be proclaimed to all. Jeremiah 1:5 and 2 Timothy 1:9 show that God’s saving purpose begins in His own eternal grace, not human merit. Jesus says in John 6:44 that no one comes unless the Father draws him, yet Mark 16:15 and Acts 2:38-39 call all who hear to repent and believe. Believers are urged to confirm their calling through steadfast faith and godly living (2 Peter 1:10-11), offering themselves wholly to God and serving faithfully in the circumstances where He has placed them (Romans 12:1-21; 1 Corinthians 7:17).

Top passages, ranked by readers

Rankings: OpenBible.info Topical Bible (CC BY) · Scripture: World English Bible

  • Jeremiah 1:5 4 votes

    Before I formed you in the belly I knew you, and before you came forth out of the womb I sanctified you; I have appointed you a prophet to the nations.

  • John 6:44 4 votes

    No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him, and I will raise him up in the last day.

  • 2 Peter 1:10-11 3 votes

    [10] Therefore, brothers, be more diligent to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never stumble. [11] For thus will be richly supplied to you the entrance into the eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

  • 2 Timothy 1:9 3 votes

    who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given to us in Christ Jesus before times eternal,

  • Romans 12:1-21 3 votes

    [1] Therefore I urge you, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service. [2] Don't be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what is the good, well-pleasing, and perfect will of God. [3] For I say, through the grace that was given me, to every man who is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think reasonably, as God has apportioned to each person a measure of faith. [4] For even as we have many members in one body, and all the members don't have the same function, [5] so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. [6] Having gifts differing according to the grace that was given to us, if prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of our faith; [7] or service, let us give ourselves to service; or he who teaches, to his teaching; [8] or he who exhorts, to his exhorting: he who gives, let him do it with liberality; he who rules, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. [9] Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor that which is evil. Cling to that which is good. [10] In love of the brothers be tenderly affectionate one to another; in honor preferring one another; [11] not lagging in diligence; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; [12] rejoicing in hope; enduring in troubles; continuing steadfastly in prayer; [13] contributing to the needs of the saints; given to hospitality. [14] Bless those who persecute you; bless, and don't curse. [15] Rejoice with those who rejoice. Weep with those who weep. [16] Be of the same mind one toward another. Don't set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Don't be wise in your own conceits. [17] Repay no one evil for evil. Respect what is honorable in the sight of all men. [18] If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all men. [19] Don't seek revenge yourselves, beloved, but give place to God's wrath. For it is written, "Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord." [20] Therefore "If your enemy is hungry, feed him. If he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in doing so, you will heap coals of fire on his head." [21] Don't be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

  • Matthew 22:14 2 votes

    For many are called, but few chosen."

  • Mark 16:15 2 votes

    He said to them, "Go into all the world, and preach the Gospel to the whole creation.

  • Luke 9:1-2 2 votes

    [1] He called the twelve together, and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases. [2] He sent them forth to preach the Kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.

  • Acts 2:38-39 2 votes

    [38] Peter said to them, "Repent, and be baptized, everyone of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. [39] For to you is the promise, and to your children, and to all who are far off, even as many as the Lord our God will call to himself."

  • 1 Corinthians 7:17 2 votes

    Only, as the Lord has distributed to each man, as God has called each, so let him walk. So I command in all the assemblies.

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