the biblical concepts of being called, born again, saved, and chosen, in a way that flows like a spiritual journey:
The Journey of Grace:
Called, Born Again, Saved, and Chosen In the grand story of Scripture, the journey of a believer is marked by divine milestones—each one revealing a deeper layer of God's love and purpose. These milestones are not just theological terms; they are spiritual realities that shape the identity and destiny of every follower of Christ. Let’s walk through this journey as the Bible presents it: being called, born again, saved, and chosen.
The Call: A Divine Invitation
Every journey begins with a call. In the Bible, this call is God's invitation to humanity to turn from sin and walk in His truth. It comes through the preaching of the Gospel, the whisper of the Holy Spirit, or the quiet conviction in a searching heart. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28 This call is universal—extended to all people. Yet, it demands a response. Some hear and ignore it. Others hear and follow. The call is the beginning of awakening, the moment when the soul begins to stir toward God.
Born Again: The Spiritual Rebirth
Responding to the call leads to a supernatural transformation. Jesus described it as being “born again”—a spiritual rebirth that changes the heart, renews the mind, and opens the eyes to the kingdom of God. “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” — John 3:3 This rebirth is not a physical change but a spiritual one. It happens when a person repents of sin and places their faith in Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit enters the heart, making the person a new creation. Old things pass away; all things become new.
Saved: The Gift of Grace
To be born again is to be saved—rescued from the power and penalty of sin. Salvation is not earned; it is received by grace through faith. It is the assurance that one is forgiven, redeemed, and secure in God's love. *“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves.
EXAMPLES:
1. Saved
These individuals experienced deliverance—either spiritually, physically, or both.
Noah – Genesis 6–9
God saved Noah and his family from the flood because of his righteousness. His salvation was both physical (from destruction) and spiritual (through obedience).
Rahab – Joshua 2; Hebrews 11:31
A Canaanite woman who hid Israelite spies. She was saved from Jericho’s destruction and became part of God’s people.
The Thief on the Cross
Luke 23:39–43. In his final moments, he acknowledged Jesus and was promised paradise—an example of salvation by grace through faith.
2. Called These people received a divine invitation to serve or follow God.
Abraham – Genesis 12
Called to leave his homeland and become the father of a great nation. His calling was foundational to the covenant.
Moses – Exodus 3
Called through the burning bush to lead Israel out of Egypt. He initially resisted, but God equipped him.
Samuel – 1 Samuel 3
As a child, he heard God’s voice calling him in the night. He became a prophet who guided Israel.
The Disciples – Matthew 4:18–22
Jesus called ordinary fishermen and others to follow Him and become “fishers of men.”
3. Chosen
Being chosen often refers to God’s sovereign selection for a purpose or relationship.
Israel – Deuteronomy 7:6
Chosen as God’s people not because of their greatness, but because of His love and promise.
David – 1 Samuel 16
Chosen as king while still a shepherd boy. God saw his heart, not his outward appearance.
Mary – Luke 1:26–38
Chosen to bear the Messiah. Her response was humble obedience: “Let it be to me according to your word.”
Paul – Acts 9
Formerly a persecutor of Christians, he was chosen to be an apostle to the Gentiles. His transformation was radical. Reflection These stories show that: Salvation is available to all who believe. Calling often comes with a mission or purpose. Being chosen reflects God's grace and plan, not human merit.