Dict: easton - Call

Call @

(1.) To cry for help, hence to pray kjv@Genesis:4:26). Thus men are said to "call upon the name of the Lord" kjv@Acts:2:21 kjv@Acts:7:59 kjv@Acts:9:14 ; kjv@Romans:10:12; kjv@1Corinthians:1:2).

(2.) God calls with respect to men when he designates them to some special office kjv@Exodus:31:2; kjv@Isaiah:22:20; kjv@Acts:13:2), and when he invites them to accept his offered grace kjv@Matthew:9:13 kjv@Matthew:11:28 kjv@Matthew:22:4 ). In the message of the gospel his call is addressed to all men, to Jews and Gentiles alike kjv@Matthew:28:19; kjv@Mark:16:15; kjv@Romans:9:24-25). But this universal call is not inseparably connected with salvation, although it leaves all to whom it comes inexcusable if they reject it kjv@John:3:14-19; kjv@Matthew:22:14). An effectual call is something more than the outward message of the Word of God to men. It is internal, and is the result of the enlightening and sanctifying influence of the Holy Spirit kjv@John:16:14; kjv@Acts:26:18; kjv@John:6:44), effectually drawing men to Christ, and disposing and enabling them to receive the truth kjv@John:6:45; kjv@Acts:16:14; kjv@Ephesians:1:17).

Calling @ a profession, or as we usually say, a vocation ( kjv@1Corinthians:7:20). The "hope of your calling" in kjv@Ephesians:4:4 is the hope resulting from your being called into the kingdom of God.