Calling (2821) (klesis [word study] from kaleo = to call. See also study of related word - kletos) means a call and was used for an invitation to a banquet. In the NT the word is used metaphorically of the call or invitation to come into the kingdom of God with all its privileges. Here "klesis" refers to the divine call by which Christians are introduced into the privileges of the gospel. God’s invitation (klesis) to man to accept the benefits of His salvation is what this calling is all about, particularly in the gospels. It is God’s first act in the application of redemption according to His eternal purpose (Ro 8:28). A distinction is made between God’s calling and men’s acceptance of it (Mt 20:16). Klesis is used 11 times in the NT in the NAS (Click study of related word kletos, and a discussion of who are "the called") Romans 11:29 (note) for the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. 1 Corinthians 1:26 For consider your calling, brethren, that there were not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble; 1 Corinthians 7:20 Let each man remain in that condition in which he was called. Ephesians 1:18 (note) I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened, so that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, Ephesians 4:1 (note) therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, entreat you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, Ephesians 4:4 (note) There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; Philippians 3:14 (note) I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 2 Thessalonians 1:11 To this end also we pray for you always that our God may count you worthy of your calling, and fulfill every desire for goodness and the work of faith with power; 2 Timothy 1:9 (note) who has saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity, Hebrews 3:1 (note) Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the Apostle and High Priest of our confession. 2 Peter 1:10 (note) Therefore, brethren, be all the more diligent to make certain about His calling and choosing you; for as long as you practice these things, you will never stumble; Klesis can also refer to a call unto Christian service or ministry. That the calling is to more than a Christian profession is clear from the experiences which Paul associates with it. (see note Romans 1:1) No one can be a chosen one unless he is a called one. The initiative always comes from God. Louw Nida defines klesis as an urgent invitation to someone to accept responsibilities for a particular task, implying a new relationship to the one who does the calling; the station in life or social role which one has." Vine says klesis a calling, is always used in NT of that calling the origin, nature and destiny of which are heavenly (the idea of invitation being implied); it is used esp of God's invitation to man to accept the benefits of salvation. In the present context klesis refers to those who have been summoned by God (the following phrases are meant to be read as one long sentence which gives a Biblical statement regarding calling)... The called are those who have been summoned by God...called... according to His purpose (Kletos - Ro 8:28-note) to salvation (Kaleo - Ro 8:30-note) saints by calling (Kletos - 1Co 1:2) both Jews and Greeks (Kletos - 1Co 1:24) having been called (kaleo) "with a holy" calling (klesis) (2Ti 1:9-note) heavenly calling (klesis) (Heb 3:1-note) out of darkness into His marvelous light (Kaleo - 1Pe 2:9-note) to walk worthy (Kaleo - Ep 4:1- note) by grace (Kaleo - Gal 1:6) not from among Jews only, but also from among Gentiles (Kaleo - Ro 9:24-note) through the "gospel" that we "may gain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ" (Kaleo - 2Th 2:14) and be brought "into fellowship with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord" (Kaleo - 1Co 1:9) and return in triumph "with Him" at the end of this age (Kletos - Re 17:14-note). God's great doctrine of our calling should cause all the "called of Jesus Christ" to exclaim "Glory!" While God’s choice of the elect is firm and certain in God (2Ti 2:9-see note), it may not always be obvious to the individual Christian. McGee summarizes Peter's command explaining that... In other words, the security of the believer is objective; it is something that cannot be disturbed. However, your assurance can certainly be disturbed by the life you live. If your life is not lived in sincerity and truth, you are bound to lie on your bed at night and wonder if you really have been born again. While it is true that Christ has done everything necessary to save you and keep you saved, your Christian life to be meaningful is something that you have to work at. Who are the CALLED? Well, they are those who have heard. The Lord Jesus made it clear when He said, "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me” (Jn 10:27). If you are following someone or something else, you haven’t heard Him, you are not one of His sheep. The ones who hear and follow Him are the called ones. Let’s not argue about election. It is as simple as this: He calls, and you answer. If you have answered, you are among the elect, one of “the called of Jesus Christ.” Paul assures the Roman Christians that they are called ones. In the writings of both Paul & Peter when they mention "called" ("call", "calling", etc), the reference is to an "effectual" call, that is a call which is answered & thus "the called" equates essentially with those who are "the chosen" or "the elect". Note that the gospels use the term called differently -- in (Mt 22:1-13,14) many were "called" to the "wedding feast" but few were "chosen", so in the gospels the term "call..." was not synonymous with an effectual call to salvation. Spurgeon makes the distinction between "general" and "special" calling writing that... By the word "calling" in Scripture, we understand two things—one, the general call, which in the preaching of the gospel is given to every creature under heaven; the second call (that which is here intended) is the special call—which we call the effectual call, whereby God secretly, in the use of means, by the irresistible power of his Holy Spirit, calls out of mankind a certain number, whom he himself hath before elected, calling them from their sins to become righteous, from their death in trespasses and sins to become living spiritual men, and from their worldly pursuits to become the lovers of Jesus Christ." Peter pointed out that “calling” and “election” go together. The same God who elects His people also ordains the means to call them. The two must go together, as Paul wrote to the Thessalonians God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth...It was for this He called you through our gospel,” (2Th 2:13,14). We do not preach election to unsaved people; we preach the Gospel (cf 1Cor 1:17,23,2:2). But God uses the inherent power (Ro 1:16, 1Cor 1:18) of the Gospel to call sinners to repentance, and then those sinners discover that they were of the elect, chosen by God! Let's face it this truth is too mysterious & too deep for finite human minds to comprehend (cf Dt 29:29). If you walk around with your eyes closed, you will stumble! But the growing Christian walks with confidence because "sees where he is going" & he knows he is secure in Christ. It is not our profession of faith that guarantees that we are saved but it is our progression in the faith that gives us assurance. The person who claims to be a child of God but whose character and conduct give no evidence of spiritual growth is deceived and heading for judgment & eternal torment in the lake of fire (Titus 1:16-note) CHOOSING: kai eklogen: (See Torrey's Topic "Election") (Ro 8:28, 29, 30, 31 1Th 1:3,4 2Th 2:13,14 1Pe 1:2) See C H Spurgeon's sermon entitled Election Choosing - That is "election". Election is the benevolent purpose of God by which any are chosen unto salvation so that they are led to embrace and persevere in Christ’s bestowed grace and the enjoyment of its privileges and blessings here and hereafter.