Thursday, 13 March 2014
God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. 1 Corinthians 1:9
The word “faithful” here is emphatic. In the Greek it is the first word of the sentence. A direct translation would say, “Faithful God by whom you were called…” What God speaks, He will perform. What God determines will always come about. And what God has started, He will complete. He is absolutely faithful. This is also seen, for example, in Philippians 1:6 –
“…being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.”
God is indeed faithful and it is He “by whom you were called.” The word “called” implies more than hearing a voice in the distance. It is the effectual calling noted by Paul in Romans 8. In that chapter, he gives the sequence of events which leads from that effectual calling right up until our being ushered into glory –
“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.” Romans 8:28-30
To God who calls, we are already glorified in His mind. This is the surety of the doctrine of eternal salvation. Though we may err, stray, or forget, God never will. That which has been started will be accomplished. This is wonderful news for those who step out in faith and receive Jesus Christ as Lord.
The calling which Paul speaks of is just that too, it is “into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.” We move from Adam to Christ. We go from strangers and aliens to friends. We were separate from God and now we belong to Him. As Jesus Christ is the Son of God and we are “in Christ,” we are now also called “sons of God.” The marvel of what God has done through Jesus will be held in awe for all eternity.
Life application: Jesus Christ is our Lord. Let’s live and act as if we really believe it – to the glory of God the Father!
Yes, yes, yes! O wondrous God, I am over-flowing with awe at the beautiful plan laid out in Your word. Despite our disobedience, our turning away, our self-centeredness, and our confused thinking, You call us back to fellowship with You. Now Lord, help me to be so forgiving in my own life. May others see You in my actions and realize that Jesus is the true hope they need. May You be glorified by how I treat those who so desperately need You. Amen.