call upon – Ministry of Grace Church

For "Everyone who calls upon the name of the LORD will be saved."

Truth to Learn

Admission, submission, and appeal are all important aspects of our salvation.

Behind the Words

The words “calls upon” are translated from the Greek word epikaleō, which we looked at in the previous verse. In both these verses the word is expressed in the middle voice. In Greek grammar, the middle voice expresses an action that is done by a person to, or about, himself or herself.

This same word was used by the Apostle Paul when he stood before Festus accused of a crime worthy of death. Knowing that he was innocent, Paul called upon Caesar to judge him. In Acts 25:11 it is translated this way: “I appeal to Caesar.” Thus, we see that this word expresses more than simply naming a name or acknowledging a higher authority. It implies an appeal that a person makes by himself for himself to a higher authority who is able to pass judgment on the person making the appeal.

“Name” is translated from onoma, which is “the word or words by which a person is known or called.” It is often used as a reference to a person’s position or authority. Referring to the name of a person is a reference to that person himself. For example, Proverbs 18:10 – “The name of the LORD is a strong tower.” That is, God Himself is a strong tower.

Meaning Explained

One of the most amazing things about the gospel message is its simplicity. Paul states that “Everyone who calls upon the name of the LORD shall be saved.” It does not require obeying a lot of rules, it does not require an animal sacrifice, and it does not require payment of a large sum of money. It simply requires the penitent sinner to realize his or her helpless condition and to appeal to God to save him or her.

There are two things we want to mention about this simple act, however. First, the expression “call on the name” means to call upon God Himself. The second thing is the implication made by this calling on the Lord. This implication is that the person calling realizes that he or she needs saving. In other words, before one can be saved, he or she must realize that he or she needs to be saved. This realization along with the act of appealing to God indicates a submission on the part of the sinner. Speaking to God or invoking the name of Jesus and demanding salvation will produce nothing. But for a person who realizes that he or she is a sinner deserving of Hell who cannot save him or herself, appealing to God for salvation is an act of submission that produces the guarantee of salvation.

Therefore, calling on the name of the Lord means:

(1) Admission – we know we have sinned against God and that we deserve the judgment of Hell.

(2) Submission – to call upon him is to acknowledge him as our God, our Lord, and our Master; therefore, it is an indication that we submit ourselves to Him.

(2) Appeal – Since He alone can pardon us, it is natural that if we are to obtain pardon, we should appeal to God.

Application

Do you know that you are a sinner destined for Hell because of your sins? Do you recognize God as the supreme authority over you and your life? Have you appealed to Him for salvation?

In God's service, for His glory,

Romans 10:12 – Everyone’s the Same

For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call upon Him.

Truth to Learn

God doesn’t care who your ancestors are. He will respond to your call for salvation.

Behind the Words

“Distinction” is translated from the Greek word diastolē, which is the noun form of the verb diastellō, made up of dia, indicating a transition and stellō, meaning “to send.” Hence it means “to send (or cause) a change,” that is, “to make things different. The noun form, diastolē, refers to this change, difference, or distinction.

The words “is rich” are from the Greek verb plouteō, which is based on the noun ploutos, referring to “riches or wealth either in money or possessions.”

“Call upon” is translated from epikaleō, which is made up of epi, meaning “over or upon” and kaleō, meaning “to call.” Therefore, epikaleō means “to call upon or request aid from someone else.”

Meaning Explained

Before we get into this verse let me point out that when Paul refers to Greeks in these verses, he is using the name as a metonym, which is using a name of one object or concept for that of another. He doesn’t really mean the Greek people; he means all non-Jews or all Gentiles. Since the common language of the entire Roman Empire was Greek, it became a common expression among the Jews to refer to all Gentiles as Greeks.

In the previous verse Paul said that everyone believing on Jesus will not be put to shame. Clearly he was implying that this applies to both the Jews and the Gentiles. Throughout the first four chapters of this letter, Paul set out to show that there is no difference between the Jews and the Gentiles in God’s eyes. Notice particularly what he said in Romans 3:28-30:

Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law. Or is He the God of the Jews only? Is He not also the God of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also, since there is one God who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith.

In the current verse Paul makes it abundantly clear that God treats all mankind the same whether they are Jewish or not. As you read through the book of Acts, you will see the difficulty that even the Apostles had in believing that God accepts the Gentiles without having to satisfy the Law. In fact, it comes to a head in Acts chapter 15 where Paul and Barnabas go to Jerusalem from Antioch to get this matter settled. If the Apostles had such a difficulty with this concept, it is understandable that Paul would make such a big deal of it for the Jewish Christians in Rome.

In the current verse Paul states that the same Lord who is over us all is rich in his giving to all of us who call on Him, whether we are Jew or Gentile. God will freely bestow His riches of grace and mercy upon all who submit to the lordship of Jesus Christ and call upon Him for salvation.

Application

It doesn’t matter what your ethnic background is, what family you’re part or, or who your ancestors are. If you confess Christ as your Lord and Savior, God will grant you the riches of His righteousness. That’s His promise!

In God’s service, for His glory,

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Ministry of Grace Church

Tag: call upon

Romans 10:13 – Admission, Submission, and Appeal

Romans 10:12 – Everyone’s the Same

Romans 10:12 – Everyone’s the Same

Truth to Learn

Behind the Words