As I am studying my way through “who I am in Christ”, I am eternally grateful for the work God has done on my behalf.  Last week we looked at “I am CHOSEN by God“, and I experienced such a sense of relief and such joy in knowing that it was God’s choice to make me His, AND it was God’s work that made that possible.  Today, let’s look at “I am CALLED by God”. 

“I am CALLED by God”

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. 
And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God…”
(Ephesians 2:8)

As I looked at the key verse above, what hit me was the phrase “this was not your own doing”.  We live in a world where we hear comments like “he’s a self-made man” or “she worked so hard to accomplish_______”.  There are “churches” that teach that doing good things gets us to heaven.  (buzzer sounds loudly!)  That’s a lie! Not to mention it being a huge insult to Jesus!  Think about it!  Why did He have to die if I could do anything that would merit an eternity with God?    

The fact that I have been called by God has ZIP to do with what I do or have done.  My salvation was possible because of the work of Jesus – God’s GRACE extended to me made it possible.  The phrase “through faith” is best explained as “God justifies the believing man, not for the worthiness of his belief, but for the worthiness of Him in whom he believes” (Hooker).

Ponder for a moment the phrase “It is a GIFT of God”.  Can you imagine having bought a gift for someone, but rather than accept the gift you spent your money on, they work to earn money to buy the gift for themself?  How hurtful, right?  

Through no merit of my own, I am CHOSEN by God (because Christ’s righteousness covers me).  Because He chose me, I have been CALLED to receive the gift that Jesus paid so dearly to give me. 

My identity and my worth are rooted IN CHRIST and not in “self”.  How freeing!!  How wonderfully, marvelous!!  

Check back next week as we look at “I am REGENERATED by God”.