9 who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, 2 Timothy 1:9 (ESV)
How many accept the "saved us" part of this verse, but fail miserably at the "holy calling" expectation? Do we teach this to new Christians? Do we even know that is meant by a "holy calling"?
I remember little about my salvation experience. I do recall it took place when I was 8 years old at my childhood house in Bolivar. Dad was reading a verse that stated we were God's enemy if we were unsaved.
Perhaps it was Matthew 12:30--30 “Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters." The exact verse is not important, but I can recall that moment. My next memory in the process was being baptized by Pastor Hall in the old baptistry of First Baptist Church in Bolivar.
I continued to attend morning and evening worship on Sundays, Sunday School, Training Union (very old school concept), youth choir, summer church camps, and an occasional Wednesday night. But a holy calling? I don't recall anything that noble ever being discussed.
Salvation is just the beginning. While salvation is the foundation of our walk with God, it is but a very small part of the journey. Christians are called to be set apart, transformed, remade in His image.
I wonder how many people might figuratively retreat from the alter of supposed salvation if the largeness of their commitment were made clear to them at the outset? Can one truly be saved without embracing this calling? Salvation is about the rest of a person's life, not a one-time event.
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