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The words καλέω, κλῆσις, κλητός, have various applications in scripture. There is:
1. the usual position or occupation of a person, as slave or freeman: the Christian is exhorted to continue in his calling if he can do so with God. 1 Cor. 7: 20-24.
2. The general 'call' or invitation by the gospel, in contradistinction
from those that are 'chosen.' Matt. 20: 16; Matt. 22: 14.
3. God's call to individuals, when he also makes them willing to obey: as when Abraham was called to leave his country and kindred. Heb. 11: 8.
4. In an absolute sense for salvation: 'whom he did predestinate, them he also called: whom he called, them he also justified.' Rom. 8: 30; Rom. 11: 29. The saints are saints by calling; the apostles were apostles by calling. Rom. 1: 1, 7. The Christian is exhorted to use diligence to make his 'calling and election' sure, 2 Peter 1: 10, evidently not in the mind of God, but in his own mind.
5. We read of the 'high' calling, the 'holy' calling, and the 'heavenly' calling. Phil. 3: 14; 2 Tim. 1: 9; Heb. 3: 1. The 'vocation' in Eph. 4: 1 is the same word.