Christians Should be the Called-Out Ones

There is a difference between going to church and being the Church. Many people today associate the Church with a building, a denomination, or an organization. While these things may have their place, the Church is something far greater. According to the Bible, the Church is made up of people who have been called out of the world and brought into a relationship with Jesus Christ. We are not simply a religious organization. We are the called-out people of God.

The Greek word ekklesia, which is translated as “church” in the New Testament, refers to an assembly or congregation. In the New Testament, it describes the people whom God has brought together through Jesus Christ. First Peter 2:9 says, “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.” This passage reminds us that being part of the Church involves more than having our names on a membership roll. We belong to God, and our lives should reflect that relationship.

When God calls us out of darkness, He does not intend for us to continue living as though nothing has changed. Second Corinthians 5:17 declares, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” Salvation produces a change in our spiritual condition, our direction, and ultimately our conduct. We cannot claim to have been called out of darkness while continually embracing the very things from which Christ delivered us.

This does not mean that Christians are supposed to isolate themselves from everyone who does not believe as they do. Jesus made this clear in John 17:15 when He prayed, “I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.” We are called to live in this world without allowing the world to determine how we live. There is a difference between reaching the world with the Gospel and allowing the world to influence the Church.

Unfortunately, that distinction has become increasingly difficult to recognize in some churches. Rather than standing upon the Word of God, there is often pressure to adjust biblical standards to accommodate cultural expectations. Yet Romans 12:2 instructs us, “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind.” The Church was never established to imitate the world. We were called to demonstrate the transforming power of Jesus Christ.

Being the called-out people of God also means that we belong to one another. Ephesians 4:4 reminds us, “There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling.” We may worship in different congregations and come from different backgrounds, but those who have been redeemed through Jesus Christ belong to the same spiritual body. Our unity is found in Him, not in our traditions, preferences, or denominational identities.

There is also a responsibility attached to our calling. Jesus said in Matthew 5:16, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” Our lives should provide evidence that we belong to Christ. The way we speak, the way we treat others, and the decisions we make should point people toward Him.

The Church has not been called out simply to be different for the sake of being different. We have been called out to belong to God, to live holy lives, and to proclaim His truth. Second Corinthians 6:17 says, “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord.” Biblical separation is not about spiritual superiority. It is about devotion to the One who saved us.

We must never forget that being called out also means being sent forth. Jesus commissioned His followers in Mark 16:15 to “Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” We are separated unto God but commissioned to reach the lost.

The question before the Church today is whether we are truly living as God’s called-out people. It is not enough to carry the name of Christ if our lives do not reflect His character. We must be more than churchgoers. We must be the Church, a people redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ, transformed by His power, and committed to accomplishing His purpose in this world.

We must remember that our calling is not temporary, nor is it something to be taken lightly. God has called us to remain faithful until the end. As Ephesians 4:1 instructs us, we must “walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called.” Our calling should influence every aspect of our lives. For more information about Abundant Grace Church, visit agcsparta.org.