Is there an inward call of God?

The inward call versus the outward call. Many today distinguish these as two different types of Godly or heavenly ‘callings’. Dividing the spiritual callings found in scripture between an ‘inward call’ and an ‘outward call’ is perpetuated at least in part by teachings credited to John Calvin.

“Calvinism”, or more currently labeled Reformed or Reformed Protestantism, is a Christian theology framework that stands on five points understood by the mnemonic TULIP. The idea of an “inward call” comes into play under the doctrine of irresistible grace. Specifically, the “inward call” is distinguished as the call from God that can’t be refused. This is due, at least in part, to being infused with the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. After all, who could refuse the Holy Spirit?

Thus, the “inward call” is distinguished from the “outward call” –the “gospel call”– that goes to everyone and can be refused. All of this is further described in our T-U-L-I-P detail, but what does Scripture show us about an “inward call” of God?

T-U-L-I-P

A popularly recognized pneumatic representing the “pillars” of John Calvin’s teaching.

T - Total depravity

(aka “total inability”) Every person that is enslaved to sin as a result of the fall of man and further, is not inclined to love God. Instead, man’s nature is to reject the rule of God and serve themselves. As a result, no human has the moral capacity to choose to obey God for spiritual salvation. Their sin (“depravity”) affects every part of them (“total”). Calvin’s “total depravity” doctrine is based on his interpretation of Augustine’s definition of Original Sin.

U - Unconditional election

From the beginning, God chose individuals that he would call his own. This was not based on any foreseen virtue, merit, or faith in those people. Instead, his selection is unconditional (e.g. unilateral) and based only on his mercy. He extends mercy and salvation in Christ Jesus to those chosen (the “elect”). Those not chosen are separated from him because of their sins, receiving his wrath.

L - Limited atonement

(aka “particular redemption” or “definite atonement” or “particular atonement”) Because of God’s complete sovereignty over man, the sins of the elect – and only the elect – were atoned for by Jesus’ death.

I - Irresistible grace

(aka “efficacious grace”) God’s saving grace is effectually applied to those whom he has determined to save (that is, the elect). By his sovereignty, he overcomes any resistance to obeying the call of the gospel, bringing them to a saving faith. After all, he has purposed this from the beginning (“Unconditional election”). Here a distinction is made with the Holy Spirit’s “outward call” (preaching of the Gospel) that goes to all (elect and non-elect). It is only this “outward call” that can be rejected by sinners, whereas the “inward call” (or “effectual call”) of the Holy Spirit’s saving grace cannot be rejected (e.g “irresistible”).

P - Perseverance of the saints

(aka “perseverance of God with the saints” and “preservation of the believing”) God’s sovereignty precludes any that have received his “inward call” to be lost. These “elect” will definitively be saved.

How Scripture answers "Is there an inward call of God?"

Nowhere does Scripture speak of an explicit “inward call” (vs an “outward call”). More accurately, we see Scripture speak of one, higher¹⁴, holy¹⁸ call^{1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,15,16,17} discussed at different times by inspired writers in terms that effect the individual inwardly^{1,3,5,7,8,11,12,15,16,17,18} and/or outwardly^{2,4,5,6,9,10,12,13,14,16}.

By allowing Scripture to interpret Scripture we see that one may respond to the gospel call^{2,4,5,6,9,16,18}. Those that respond with belief and obedience^5,9,10,12,13 (and not just in one moment in time^7,8,14,15,18) are given God’s Holy Spirit as a dwelling^3,8,9,11 and are subsequently encouraged to remain true to their calling^{1,3,4,6,7,8,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18} until death. All of this together is how we see “calling on the name of the Lord” defined in Scripture.

Answer built on scripture-blocks below

1

Ephesians 1:16-18

I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints,

What does it say?

I [Paul] am constantly giving thanks for you in my prayers, asking the God our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory. I ask him to give you a spirit of wisdom and understanding in knowing him – opening the eyes of your hearts – that you may know the hope to which he has called you and the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints…

What is the context?

Paul’s opening to the church in Ephesus. His prayer continues for several more verses, including a third “what” he is praying for them to know – specifically that “what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe” (vs 19).

How does it apply here?

Paul refers to the fact of the Christian’s “calling” but nothing indicates it is “inward” (or “outward”). In fact, he will later³ emphasize the ‘oneness’ of the calling and hope that he highlights here.

3

Ephesians 4:4-6

There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call— one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

What does it say?

There is one body and one Spirit. Likewise, you were called to one hope that is your calling. There’s one Lord, one faith, one baptism. Finally, there is one God and Father of all who is over, through, and in all.

What is the context?

Paul is turning to urge the brethren to be unified and to “walk in a manner worthy of the calling” to which they were called (vs 1). He is encouraging them to do so humbly and in love (vs 2) while remembering the grace that has been given to each one (vs 7).

How does it apply here?

Paul’s whole point is unity [of the Spirit] and the single (unified) aspects of their spiritual calling.

4

1 Corinthians 7:17-19

Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him. This is my rule in all the churches. Was anyone at the time of his call already circumcised? Let him not seek to remove the marks of circumcision. Was anyone at the time of his call uncircumcised? Let him not seek circumcision. For neither circumcision counts for anything nor uncircumcision, but keeping the commandments of God.

What does it say?

Let every one lead the life that God has granted them and to which God called them. This is my [Paul] standard in all the churches. If you were circumcised at the time of your conversion, remain so. Don’t attempt to hide it. If you were uncircumcised at the time you became a child of God, don’t become circumcised. These physical states mean nothing, but only now that you keep the commandments of God.

What is the context?

Paul is emphasizing the ‘higher calling’ of Christians, over and above whatever their calling in life might be. He goes on to use an example of a slave as well. His main point is “in whatever condition each was called, there let him remain with God” (vs 24).

How does it apply here?

Based on the context, Paul is talking here about one’s vocation or circumstance in life (in physical terms). That is what “God has called him” to in life. He then compares that to one’s spiritual calling (e.g. “the time of his call”). Restated, Paul is saying that whatever one’s station in life is at the time of his conversion is secondary to their new calling as a Christian. The only thing that really matters now is that they remain obedient to God’s commandments.

!! scripture-block context extra important here !!

Paul goes on to give another example of a slave and says that if you can become a freedman then that’s great (vs 21), but ultimately given your new, higher calling, make sure to “remain with God” (vs 24).

5

Acts 16:14

One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul.

What does it say?

Lydia from Thyatira and a seller of purple goods and worshipped God. God opened the heart of Lydia in order for her to truly listen to Paul’s words.

What is the context?

Paul and his traveling companions are in Philippi and have sought out worshippers of God in order to teach them about Jesus. Lydia is one among a group of women they found at a known place of prayer (so presumably she was praying to God). She responded to their message and was baptized.

How does it apply here?

God opened Lydia’s heart to “pay attention” to Paul’s message (the gospel). Subsequently, she believed and obeyed (was baptized). Scripture only says that God opened her heart to “pay attention”.

6

Galatians 1:6-9

I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— not that there is another one, but there are some who trouble you and want to distort the gospel of Christ. But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach to you a gospel contrary to the one we preached to you, let him be accursed As we have said before, so now I say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel contrary to the one you received, let him be accursed.

What does it say?

I [Paul] am amazed that you are listening to a different gospel and so refusing the gift of Christ to which you were called by God. Not that there is a “different gospel” – there is only one – but some do you harm by distorting Christ’s call. Even if an angel were to come from heaven to preach something contrary to what we have preached and you have heard, they should be doomed to destruction. We have said this before but will say it again, if anyone contradicts the gospel of Christ that you have obeyed, let them be doomed to destruction.

What is the context?

What is the context?

Peter is writing to Christians in difficult times, reminding them to continue in their faith in Jesus. He is encouraging them to be prepared for “the revelation of Jesus Christ” (vs 13) and goes on to remind them that they will be judged according to their deeds (vs 17).

Peter quotes from Leviticus 11:44, but really echos the entire book of Leviticus and God’s call for his people to be holy as He is holy.

How does it apply here?

Peter describes someone’s “call on Him” (God) as an outward obedience.

!! scripture-block context extra important here !!

Immediately prior (vs 16), Peter mentions God’s call to them in the context of a call to be holy (quoting Leviticus).

15

1 Thessalonians 2:11-12

For you know how, like a father with his children, we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.

What does it say?

You know that just as a father would with his children, we urged, motivated, even commanded you to live according to God’s desire, who continues to invite and beckon you into His kingdom and glory.

What is the context?

In Paul’s extended introduction to the “church of the Thessalonians” (1:1), he is recalling the events around their first hearing Paul bring them the gospel (Acts 17 during his second missionary journey).

How does it apply here?

Paul exhorted, encouraged, and charged Christians to live (e.g. “walk”) in a way that was worthy of God’s call into His Kingdom and glory. God’s “calling” is ongoing, regardless of the individual Christian’s walk.

16

Romans 6:17-18

But thanks be to God, that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, and, having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness.

What does it say?

We thank God that though you were once slaves to sin, you have become obedient from your heart and remained committed to the standard of teaching you heard. You were set free from sin and have since become slaves of righteousness.

What is the context?

Paul is making the broader point of the richness and fullness of God’s grace toward sinful man (chap 5) before turning to man’s response (and responsibility) for salvation. He states the absurdity of continuing “in sin” (vs 1) because they killed off their old self through baptism (vs 3), and uses the very real master/slave (“human terms” as Paul puts it in vs 19) relationship to illustrate.

How does it apply here?

While “calling” isn’t referenced here, Paul describes two aspects of a Christian’s single call – their initial repentance coming “from the heart” (inward) and an ongoing “obedience” and commitment to the teaching (outward).

18

2 Timothy 1:8-9

Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began,

What does it say?

Therefore, don’t shrink back from God’s word, nor from me His prisoner, but likewise suffer for the gospel by God’s power. He saved us and called us to a holy calling. He didn’t save us because of anything we did, but because of His own purpose and grace, given in Christ Jesus before the world began.

What is the context?

Paul’s second letter to a younger evangelist, Timothy. In both letters, he instructs him on matters of doctrine and congregational order, but this second letter includes mostly admonition for Timothy to remain strong in the faith.

How does it apply here?

Paul and Timothy shared in a “holy calling” – not because of who they were or the special roles they played in God’s kingdom, but because they were saved by grace (like all other Christians).

end of scripture-blocks; go back to the answer

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David Norfleet

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2 years ago

2 Thessalonians 2:13-14 points to the means of calling – the gospel.

admin

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Reply to David Norfleet

2 years ago

Got it; a good one! It’s nice when a suggested passage is already in the database and resuable! We’ve got about 500 like that so far. Thanks for the add.

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