Romans 1:1-7; 1 Paul, a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, 2 which He promised beforehand through His prophets in the holy Scriptures, 3 concerning His Son, who was born of a descendant of David according to the flesh, 4 who was declared the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead, according to the Spirit of holiness, Jesus Christ our Lord, 5 through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles, for His name’s sake, 6 among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ; 7 to all who are beloved of God in Rome, called as saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.. . .”

Romans 1: 6 “among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ;”

1. It is a Divine Call; klhtoi; kaleoµ (kalevw , derived from the root kalÑ, English, “call” and “clamour.”) It is used particularly of the Divine call to partake of the blessings of redemption, e.g., Romans 8:29,30; 29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the first-born among many brethren; 30 and whom He predestined, these He also called; and whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.

2. It is a Secure Call; Jude 1:1 Jude, a bond-servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, to those who are the called, beloved in God the Father, and kept for Jesus Christ:

3. It if a Definite Call; Revelation 17:14 “These will wage war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, because He is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those who are with Him are the called and chosen and faithful.”

Hebrews 9:14,15; 14 “how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God, cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? 15 And for this reason He is the mediator of a new covenant, in order that since a death has taken place for the redemption of the transgressions that were committed under the first covenant, those who have been called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.”

It is an effectual life giving call like that of Lazarus!

John 11:43,44; 43 . . . He cried out with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come forth.” 44 He who had died came forth, . . .”

Romans 1:7 to all who are beloved of God in Rome, called as saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.. . .” We see similar language in 1st Corinthians 1:2 “to the church of God which is at Corinth, to those who have been sanctified in Christ Jesus, saints by calling, . . .”

hagios (a{gios) from the same root as hagnos (found in hazoµ, to venerate), fundamentally signifies separated (among the Greeks, dedicated to the gods),

In Scripture in its moral and spiritual significance, separated from sin and therefore consecrated to God, sacred.

It is predicated of God (as the absolutely Holy One, in His purity, majesty and glory) “Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord of hosts,

The whole earth is full of His glory.” Isaiah 6:3

It is used of men and things in so far as they are devoted to God.

It involves Divine demands upon the conduct of believers. These are called hagioi, saints, i.e., ‘sanctified’ or ‘holy ones.’

This sainthood is not an attainment, It is a state into which God in grace calls men;

Yet believers are called to sanctify themselves consistently with their calling; 2 Timothy 1:9 “who has saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity,”

Cleansing themselves from all defilement, forsaking sin, living a holy manner of life, 1st Peter 1:15; 2nd Peter 3:11,

Experiencing fellowship with God in His holiness, the saints are spoken of as “a holy temple,” 1 Corinthians 3:17 “a holy priesthood,” 1 Peter 2:5; “a holy nation, (e[qnos)” 1 Peter 2:9.