ROMANS 1:6 THE CALLED No longer are we independent. We have been identified as "the called" of Jesus Christ. No longer can we choose what we want to accept or reject. Those who are subject to "the faith," are "the called" of Jesus Christ. This is the highest possible calling. Some of "the called" came from idol worshipping religious forms to the Person of Jesus Christ. Some came from the skeptical schools of existentialism to "the faith" and are "the called" of Jesus Christ. Some are called from the doubts of agnosticism and atheism to faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and are numbered among "the called" of Jesus Christ.
The heavenly delineation is given to Him in this context. He is the One from heaven who is now in heaven and is calling from the nations of the world a people for His name. Those He called belong to Him. They are identified by Him and are to live for Him. This is not some slight of hand or casual picking and choosing. "The called" belong to Jesus Christ by His sovereign choice. When their calling by the Gospel to hear and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ has brought them to faith in Christ, then we look back and see the marvelous grace of God to us in making us to be among "the called."
This was no insignificant act on the part of God and I should never consider anything that I might do to be insignificant. It may seem like that in my eyes and the eyes of other people, but when God calls us, any service He had in mind for us to accomplish for Him, has a noble purpose that can only be valued by Him. "Of His fullness have we received" and grace is given for grace needed to fulfill our God-given calling.
It may seem to have very little worth in my eyes or the eyes of men. But I can't measure any calling of God by anyone else but Him. He can do what He wants with me, the choice is His alone. All I can be concerned with now is that the deed He wants accomplished is done.
He loved us because He chose to, not because we were a special prize. When I look to the hole I was "digged" from, it serves to keep me down to size. But by His grace He set His love upon me and called me by His name. To be called a "Christian" is an honorable title I can bear without any shame.
Christians belong to Christ Jesus who lived here for a little time. During the years of His life among men He left a standard sublime. So the standard is set for holy living, His name and His honor we bear. The purpose of His coming has been committed to us that we His Gospel will share.
There are many of us among the nations who are alive and well today; Who have been "the called" of Jesus Christ and are traveling the heavenly way; But the majority have gone on to be with the Lord, their bodies awaiting resurrection. One thing we have in common with them is He called us unto sanctification.
They in their day, I in mine, we each have a role to fill. The plans and purposes of God go on now and will continue still; Until the final call comes from him and we with the dead arise - And respond with glad "Hosannas" when we see Him in the skies.
"Father, the God of all grace: I thank Thee today for being among "the called" of Jesus Christ. I do not want to let Thee down in any way. May my heart and lips be opened to praise and testify. May my hands and feet be faithful in labor. May my eyes and ears be opened to receive Thy truth. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."