‘Beloved of God’ – delighted in by God. You have come to Christ; you are delighted in by God. We almost fear to utter such words. It seems arrogant that if you have come to Christ you are someone in whose heart God has worked, called by him. He took the initiative in salvation. You did not seek him first of all; he called you because he delighted in you from before the foundation of the world. You are his special interest. These are tremendous thoughts. Christ has come to suffer on Calvary and to purchase you. God defends you, and enlightens you through his word. God even chastises you sometimes. He gives you great privileges to serve him and to worship him, and he will listen to you whenever you call upon him.
Why am I called? Is it only for my eternal benefit, so that my sins will be forgiven? Is it so that I may be delivered from hell, that I may be saved? Yes, that is the negative side, but there is also a positive side. ‘Called to be saints’, which means, separated, especially for God. We are not those who say, ‘I believe in God, but I want my worldly benefits, I want my old life back, I want things for myself.’ We are called wonderfully by the irresistible grace of God, to love him, to serve Him, to renounce this world, and to be all for Jesus Christ.