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CALLING
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In the new creation, when all the redeemed of all ages are raised, the Church which is the perfect MAN, or
husband, and the Church which is the BRIDE may re-enact in its full spiritual sense, the union of the first man and
woman (Gen. 2:21-24), but that lies beyond the present limits of the ages and dispensations. The Church which is
His Body is one company, with a calling that is unique and distinct. The Church of the Bride is another company
with a calling unique and distinct, and until God joins these two together let no man attempt to do so.
CALLING
The Greek word translated `calling' is klesis, and it occurs in the New Testament eleven times. Those who
receive this calling are denominated `called' kletos, and this too occurs eleven times. Both of these words derive
from kaleo `to call', which is found in the New Testament 147 times. Those who receive the call of Divine grace,
become members of a `called out company' or ekklesia, which is the primary meaning of the word church. (See
article on CHURCH, p. 171). Calling is employed doctrinally, as in Romans 8:30, `whom He called, them He also
justified' and has a great place in the doctrine of grace. We, however, must not allow ourselves in this analysis to
attempt to embrace doctrinal themes as well as dispensational, and with this passing reference, we turn our attention
to the use of `calling' as a term employed in making known dispensational truth.
We will first of all give a concordance to the word klesis.
Rom. 11:29.
The gifts and calling of God are without repentance.
1 Cor. 1:26.
Ye see your calling, brethren.
1 Cor. 7:20.
Abide in the same calling wherein he was called.
Eph. 1:18.
What is the hope of His calling.
Eph. 4:1.
Walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called.
Eph. 4:4.
Called in one hope of your calling.
Phil. 3:14.
The prize of the high calling of God.
2 Thess. 1:11.
Count you worthy of this calling.
2 Tim. 1:9.
Who hath ... called us with an holy calling.
Heb. 3:1.
Partakers of the heavenly calling.
2 Pet. 1:10.
Give diligence to make your calling and election sure.
We can subdivide these references under three headings:
(1) The calling of Israel.
(2) The calling of the Church before Acts 28, and
(3) The calling of the Church of the Mystery.
These three callings differ radically from one another, both in sphere, constitution and origin. Let us consider
each separately.
The calling of Israel (Rom. 11:29)
Romans 9 to 11 is devoted to the dispensational problems that arise out of Israel's defection, failure and
non-repentance. For a complete analysis of the epistle, the article on ROMANS4 should be consulted, here we limit
our survey to these three dispensational chapters.
Romans 9 to 11
A 9:1-5.
Sorrow.
Doxology `over all, God blessed unto the ages' (9:5).
B 9:6-29. REMNANT saved. Mercy on some.
(Corrective concerning `All Israel' 9:6).
C 9:30 to 11:10.
Stumbling stone.
B 11:11-32. ALL ISRAEL saved. Mercy on them all.