Text: Ephesians 4:1
A call is an invitation to something — some are optional, some are not. The NT describes at least four of these calls — the first is optional, the other three are not.
The Gospel Call
- The call from condemnation to salvation
- We are called by the gospel (2 Thessalonians 2:13-14)
- It is a universal call (Acts 2:38-39)
- It is an invitation (Revelation 22:17)
- Limited time frame — after death we will no longer be able to answer the call (Luke 16:22-23,26); after Jesus’ return, the invitation is closed (Matthew 25:6-13)
The Call of Death
- The call from life to death
- Human beings will not live forever here on the earth (1 Corinthians 15:22)
- The time of this call is uncertain (James 4:14; 2 Peter 3:10)
The Call of the Resurrection
- The call from death to life
- The time is coming when all from the graves will come forth (John 5:28-29)
- The Lord will descend from heaven & all will be raised (1 Thessalonians 4:16)
- All will be made alive (1 Corinthians 15:22)
The Call to Judgment
- The call to either eternal life or eternal punishment (Matthew 25:46)
- This call is for everyone (2 Corinthians 5:10)
- We will be judged according to what we have done (Revelation 22:12)
- The righteous will have access to the tree of life (Revelation 22:14)
- The wicked will be lost (Revelation 20:15; Matthew 8:12; 2 Thessalonians 1:9)
(This outline is based upon another one by A.W. Dicus.)
