InstaStudy

God's Call and Our Response: Understanding Divine Invitation and Human Choice

This study explores the biblical understanding of God's sovereign call to humanity and the role of individual free will in responding to that divine invitation, leading to a transformative relationship with the Creator.

1. The Nature of God's Call

1.1 God's Universal Invitation

Verses: John 3:16; Romans 10:13; 2 Peter 3:9
  • God desires all people to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth.
  • The invitation to salvation is extended to everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord.
  • His patience allows time for all to come to repentance, not wishing any to perish.

1.2 The Specificity of God's Drawing

Verses: John 6:44; John 12:32; Acts 2:39
  • No one can come to God unless drawn by the Father.
  • When God is lifted up, He will draw all people to Himself.
  • The promise of the Spirit is for those afar off, and for as many as the Lord our God shall call.

1.3 The Authority of the Caller

Verses: Isaiah 45:22; Philippians 2:9-11; Colossians 1:16-17
  • God alone is the Savior and there is no other.
  • All authority in heaven and on earth belongs to Him.
  • All things were created by Him and for Him, and He holds all things together.

2. Human Free Will and Responsibility

2.1 The Reality of Choice

Verses: Deuteronomy 30:19; Joshua 24:15; Revelation 22:17
  • God presents choices before humanity, along with their blessings and curses.
  • Individuals are called to choose whom they will serve.
  • The Spirit and the bride invite all who are thirsty to come and take the water of life freely.

2.2 Accountability for Our Decisions

Verses: Romans 14:12; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Matthew 12:36-37
  • Each person will give an account of themselves to God.
  • We must all appear before the judgment seat to receive what is due for our deeds.
  • Our words and actions reveal the condition of our heart and will be judged accordingly.

2.3 The Danger of Refusal

Verses: Proverbs 1:24-28; Hebrews 3:7-8; Luke 13:3
  • Rejecting God's call and wisdom has severe and lasting consequences.
  • Hardening one's heart against God's voice leads to spiritual peril.
  • Repentance is necessary to avoid perishing in our sins.

3. The Process of Responding to the Call

3.1 Repentance Towards God

Verses: Acts 2:38; Luke 13:3; Acts 17:30
  • Repentance is a fundamental change of mind and heart, turning away from sin.
  • Unless one repents, they will likewise perish.
  • God commands all people everywhere to repent.

3.2 Water Baptism in the Name of Jesus

Verses: Acts 2:38; Acts 8:16; Colossians 2:12
  • Water baptism is for the remission of sins.
  • It is performed in the name of Jesus Christ.
  • It signifies burial with Him and resurrection to new life through faith in God's power.

3.3 Receiving the Gift of the Holy Spirit

Verses: Acts 2:38-39; Acts 10:44-46; Acts 19:5-6
  • The Holy Spirit is promised to those who repent and are baptized.
  • The initial evidence of receiving the Spirit is speaking in other tongues.
  • It empowers believers for a life of holiness and service.

3.4 Living a Life of Obedience

Verses: John 14:15; 1 John 2:3-6; James 1:22
  • Love for God is demonstrated through obedience to His commands.
  • Knowing God involves keeping His word and walking as He walked.
  • We must be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving ourselves.

4. The Transformation of a Life Surrendered

4.1 New Creation in Christ

Verses: 2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 2:20; Ephesians 4:22-24
  • When one is in Christ, they become a new creation; old things pass away.
  • We are crucified with Christ and now live by faith in the Son of God.
  • We put off the old self and put on the new self, created in righteousness and holiness.

4.2 Peace and Joy in the Holy Spirit

Verses: Romans 14:17; Galatians 5:22-23; Philippians 4:7
  • The kingdom of God is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.
  • The fruit of the Spirit includes peace and joy.
  • God's peace, which surpasses all understanding, guards our hearts and minds.

4.3 Purpose and Empowerment for Service

Verses: Ephesians 2:10; 1 Peter 4:10-11; Matthew 28:19-20
  • We are God's workmanship, created for good works prepared beforehand.
  • Each believer has received a gift to minister to one another.
  • The Great Commission empowers believers to make disciples of all nations.

5. Perseverance and God's Faithfulness

5.1 Walking in the Light

Verses: 1 John 1:7; Hebrews 12:1-2; Philippians 2:12-13
  • Continual fellowship with God requires walking in truth and light.
  • We must lay aside every weight and the sin that so easily entangles us.
  • We are to work out our own salvation with fear and trembling, as God works in us.

5.2 God's Sustaining Grace

Verses: 1 Corinthians 1:8-9; Jude 1:24-25; Philippians 1:6
  • God is faithful to confirm us to the end, blameless in the day of His coming.
  • He is able to keep us from falling and to present us faultless before His glory.
  • He who began a good work in us will carry it on to completion until the day of Jesus Christ.

5.3 The Ultimate Hope

Verses: Revelation 2:10; 1 Peter 1:3-5; John 14:1-3
  • Be faithful unto death, and receive the crown of life.
  • We have an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, reserved in heaven.
  • Jesus will come again to receive us to Himself, that where He is, there we may be also.