One of the most beautiful promises of Scripture is found in Romans 10:13, which declares, “For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.” This verse echoes a truth that reverberates throughout the Bible: salvation is available to all. Regardless of background, race, or past sins, God extends His grace to everyone willing to come to Him. But what does it truly mean to “call on the name of the Lord”? How does one call, and what does it involve?
This vital question deserves careful thought, for it touches the very heart of the gospel. In this article, we will explore the meaning of calling on the Lord’s name, what it requires, and how we can answer this invitation according to God’s Word.
The Universal Scope of Salvation
The message of the gospel is universal. In the Great Commission, Jesus commanded His followers to “make disciples of all the nations” (Matthew 28:19). Similarly, Paul reminds us that God’s grace knows no boundaries: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28). Salvation is for everyone—Jew and Gentile alike—who is willing to call on the name of the Lord.
This inclusiveness is emphasized in passages like Revelation 22:17, which declares, “The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come.’ And let the one who hears say, ‘Come.’ And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires, take the water of life without cost.” God’s invitation is open to all, and His promise is certain: “shall be saved.” This is not a vague hope or a possibility; it is a definite promise rooted in the faithfulness of God.
What Does Calling on the Name of the Lord Involve?
Calling on the name of the Lord is more than a casual cry or a mere expression of need. It involves the whole heart, a recognition of one’s need for salvation, and a complete trust in Jesus Christ. Let’s break this down into four essential elements:
- Recognizing the Need for God
A sinner must first recognize their need for God. This involves understanding that only God can save through Christ. Jesus made this clear when He said, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). There is no other Savior to whom we can turn. - Realizing One’s Desire to Be Saved
Calling on the Lord begins with a heartfelt desire for salvation. It is the cry of someone who knows they are lost and needs rescue. When Peter asked Jesus, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life” (John 6:68), he expressed the longing of a heart that recognized Jesus as the only source of hope. - Trusting in Christ Crucified
True calling on the Lord involves complete trust in the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross. Salvation comes by grace through faith, not by self-reliance or human effort. As Ephesians 2:8-9 reminds us, “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” - Acknowledging Grace Through the Blood of Christ
Salvation is entirely by grace, made possible through the shed blood of Jesus. As Paul explains, “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our wrongdoings, according to the riches of His grace” (Ephesians 1:7). Calling on the Lord means acknowledging that Jesus paid the full price for our sins.
How Do We Call on the Name of the Lord?
The Bible gives us both negative and positive answers about how to call on the Lord. Let’s start with what it does not involve:
- Not by Prayer Alone
Proverbs 28:9 warns, “One who turns his ear away from listening to the Law, even his prayer is an abomination.” Merely praying while ignoring God’s will is insufficient. Similarly, John 9:31 states, “We know that God does not listen to sinners; but if someone is God-fearing and does His will, He listens to him.” Prayer must be accompanied by obedience to God’s instructions. - Not by Faith Alone
Faith, while essential, is not sufficient by itself. Galatians 5:6 clarifies, “For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything, but faith working through love.” True faith is demonstrated by action, as James reminds us, “Faith without works is dead” (James 2:26).
On the positive side, the Bible outlines a clear process for calling on the Lord’s name:
- Hearing the Gospel
“So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ” (Romans 10:17). The journey begins with listening to God’s Word, which brings conviction and faith. - Believing in Christ
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16). Belief is the foundation of salvation. - Repenting and Being Baptized
Acts 2:38 records Peter’s command: “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Calling on the Lord involves obedience to His instructions. - Living in Obedience
Salvation is not a one-time event but a lifelong commitment. As Peter writes, “Be holy yourselves also in all your behavior” (1 Peter 1:15). Obedience is the fruit of genuine faith.
The Invitation to Call on His Name
The invitation to call on the name of the Lord is both urgent and personal. If you are unsaved, now is the time to call on Him. As Jesus said, “Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). When you call on Him in faith and obedience, He will hear you, save you, and give you peace that surpasses all understanding.
The promise of salvation is certain for those who call on the Lord’s name according to His will. Trust Him today, for He alone can give rest for your soul and guide you safely into eternity.
The Simple Gospel 