Systematic Theology
Applications of divine vocation
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As I mentioned earlier, in Scripture the term vocation does not always refer to effectual calling. The biblical writers also use this term for more specific callings from God.
This is because, as God calls us into fellowship with Christ, he also calls us to play specific roles in that fellowship.
It is helpful to think of them, like John Murray, as “applications” of the divine call, rather than as separate calls.
After all, in these additional calls, God is establishing what roles we are to play in fellowship with Christ. He specifies where we are to be positioned in the fellowship of the Lord Jesus Christ.
The Bible speaks of the calling to the office of the church:
“Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto God” (Rom 1:1; cf. 1 Cor 1:1).
The term is also used for the gospel call, the invitation to all people to place their faith in Christ.
In this sense, God (usually through preaching) calls some people who are not yet truly saved, as well as some who are.
Remember that effectual calling cannot be resisted, but gospel calling can and often is.
Thus, “many are called, but few are chosen” (Matt. 22:14). Remember the pleading tone in Wisdom’s voice in Proverbs 8:4-5:
“To you, O men, I call; and my voice goes out to the sons of men. Understand prudence, O you simple ones, and understand wisdom, you fools.”
Theologians also use the biblical terminology of vocation to refer to the specific occupations, relationships, and responsibilities God has placed us in, such as marriage, singleness, or a profession.
Sometimes they invoke 1 Corinthians 7:20-24 as a reference to calling in this sense:
“Let each one remain in the same calling with which he was called. Were you called while a slave? Do not worry about that. But if you can become free, use it.
For he who was called in the Lord, being a slave, is the Lord's freeman; likewise he who was called, being free, is the slave of Christ.
You were bought with a price; do not become slaves of men. Brothers, let each one remain with God in whatever he was called.”
In this interpretation, slavery and freedom (and, in context, marriage and celibacy) are callings from God. However, I am inclined to understand “calling” in this passage as referring to effectual calling.
So Paul is affirming to these people who face unique suffering to remain on the path of life they were on when God called them into fellowship with Christ.”
Naturally, the difference between the two interpretations is not great.
Our present walk of life (celibacy, marriage, farming, carpentry) is given to us by God's providence; in some cases, as in the situation in Corinthians 7, it is normative; it is the walk of life in which we are to remain.
And if we should not equate vocation with occupation, it is certainly not wrong to find references to occupation in what Paul says about the walk of life.
Therefore, it is not surprising that Martin Luther and others interpreted a person's profession as his divine calling.
There is certainly an analogy between God's effectual calling and God's providential work of leading someone to a specific profession.
So that you can delve deeper and continue your studies, read our next article, for a more accurate view of the subject I recommend the book “Systematic Theology” by John Frame which gave rise to this article. God bless you, until the next text.
