Deus nos chamou
Deus nos chamou antes da fundação do mundo. Ele nos conhece pelo nome, nos predestinou para sermos conforme a imagem de Cristo e nos capacita para o chamado.
Chamados por Deus
Os que Deus predestinou, também os chamou. O Seu chamado é irrevogável — fundamentado no propósito eterno e na graça abundante.
We know that in all things God works for good with those who love him, those whom he has called according to his purpose. Those whom God had already chosen he also set apart to become like his Son, so that the Son would be the first among many believers. And so those whom God set apart, he called; and those he called, he put right with himself, and he shared his glory with them.
I ask that your minds may be opened to see his light, so that you will know what is the hope to which he has called you, how rich are the wonderful blessings he promises his people, and how very great is his power at work in us who believe. This power working in us is the same as the mighty strength
Do not be ashamed, then, of witnessing for our Lord; neither be ashamed of me, a prisoner for Christ’s sake. Instead, take your part in suffering for the Good News, as God gives you the strength for it. He saved us and called us to be his own people, not because of what we have done, but because of his own purpose and grace. He gave us this grace by means of Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, but now it has been revealed to us through the coming of our Savior, Christ Jesus. He has ended the power of death and through the gospel has revealed immortal life.
But after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who calls you to share his eternal glory in union with Christ, will himself perfect you and give you firmness, strength, and a sure foundation.
"I chose you before I gave you life, and before you were born I selected you to be a prophet to the nations."
A resposta ao chamado
Ninguém pode vir a mim se o Pai não o atrair. Deus escolheu os fracos para confundir os fortes — e nos chamou para a luz.
People cannot come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them to me; and I will raise them to life on the last day.
Now remember what you were, my friends, when God called you. From the human point of view few of you were wise or powerful or of high social standing. God purposely chose what the world considers nonsense in order to shame the wise, and he chose what the world considers weak in order to shame the powerful.
Listen, my dear friends! God chose the poor people of this world to be rich in faith and to possess the kingdom which he promised to those who love him.
He rescued us from the power of darkness and brought us safe into the kingdom of his dear Son, by whom we are set free, that is, our sins are forgiven.
Peter said to them, "Each one of you must turn away from your sins and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ, so that your sins will be forgiven; and you will receive God’s gift, the Holy Spirit. For God’s promise was made to you and your children, and to all who are far away—all whom the Lord our God calls to himself."
Confirmando o chamado
Procurai tornar cada vez mais firme a vossa vocação. Deus começou a boa obra e a completará até o dia de Cristo.
So then, my friends, try even harder to make God’s call and his choice of you a permanent experience; if you do so, you will never abandon your faith.In this way you will be given the full right to enter the eternal Kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
And so I am sure that God, who began this good work in you, will carry it on until it is finished on the Day of Christ Jesus.
And Jesus concluded, "Many are invited, but few are chosen."