A calling is an invitation. Presently, there is only one call. Ephesians 4:1, 4 (NASB20), 1 “Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, … 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you also were called in one hope of your calling”.
Who is called?
1 Corinthians 1:26-29 (NIV), 26 “Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. 27 But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 28 God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things--and the things that are not–to nullify the things that are, 29 so that no one may boast before him.”
The Type of our Calling
During the Gospel Age, God is calling us to sacrifice our lives (Romans 12:1) to follow Jesus. We are called to obey God’s will unto death. It is a high calling because the reward for faithfulness is the divine nature.
2 Peter 1:3-4, 10-11 (NKJV), 3 “as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, 4 by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. … 10 Therefore, brethren, be even more diligent to make your call and election sure…”
This one call to follow our Lord opened after Jesus’s resurrection. Hebrews 10:20 (KJV), “By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh”. It will end when the Church is complete.
A Future New Invitation
When Christ reigns on Earth, all mankind will be invited to life and righteousness. Then “the Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ And let him who hears say, ‘Come!’ And let him who thirsts come. Whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.” Revelation 22:17 (NKJV) The reward will be everlasting life on Earth as perfect human beings. (Isaiah 65:21-25.)
Gifts Different from Calling
Briefly, in New Testament times, after a believer was called and begotten of the Holy Spirit, the Apostles could impart miraculous gifts of the spirit to them. Romans 1:11 (RSV), “For I long to see you, that I (Paul) may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you,” When the apostles died, the gifts could no longer be given. Therefore, the gifts ceased with the early church. But the High Calling is still open.