The Bible absolutely teaches this (Acts 2:21; Rom. 10:13) The individual to whom this applies is “Whoever” (Rom. 10:13) It is for “everyone” (Rom. 10:4, 11; cf. Heb. 2:9) “There is no distinction” (Rom. 10:12; cf. Acts 10:34-35; Mark 16:15) The Lord is “rich to all who call upon Him” (Rom. 10:12; cf. Rev. 22:17) The topic under discussion is “shall be saved” (Rom. 10:13 + 9-10) Salvation here is not from earthly calamity but from sin! Salvation is absolutely certain, not a maybe or a probability! Calling on the name of the Lord to be saved is: Not achievable through saying a prayer Not achievable through the old mourners’ bench Not achievable through death-bed confession Specifically defined and illustrated in the New Testament

“Faith only” advocates usually also preach the necessity of “calling” If “calling” is required for salvation, then salvation is not by faith alone! Salvation is not by faith alone (Jas. 2:24) Salvation requires faith (John 3:16; Rom. 10:9) Salvation also requires “calling” (Rom. 10:13) Preacher sent  Hear the gospel  Believe the gospel Call on the name of the Lord (separate step) = Salvation

“Sinner’s prayer” advocates usually equate the sinner’s prayer with “calling on the name of the Lord” Humbly affirming with heart & prayer that Jesus is Lord is NOT the “calling” that saves (Matt. 7:21; Luke 6:46) Saul fasted and prayed for 3 days but he had NOT yet “called on the name of the Lord” (Acts 9:9, 11; 22:16) “Calling on the name of the Lord” is not saying a prayer and asking for forgiveness

“Calling” is essential to being saved (10:13), but “not all obeyed” to be saved (10:16) “Calling” is involved in obeying, and these Christians had “obeyed” the “form/pattern of doctrine” when they were united with Christ (6:17, 3-6)

Passage #1: Acts 2:21-38 – Calling Takes Place in Baptism Critical review “Calling” is a step beyond believing “Calling” is not merely a verbal affirmation “Calling” is represented in obedience Passage #1: Acts 2:21-38 – Calling Takes Place in Baptism “Shall be saved” (from sins) in v. 21 = “remission of sins” in v. 38 God did not give two different plans of salvation in one sermon Therefore, “calling” in v. 21 is equivalent to “repent and be baptized” (a step beyond believing, v. 37) in v. 38

Passage #2: Acts 22:16 – Calling Takes Place in Baptism “Calling” is a Greek participle, pointing back to the main verb as the means or manner in which the command is carried out Same Greek word is translated “appealed” in the rest of Acts (25:11, 12, 21, 25; 26:32; 28:19) “Calling” occurs in the obedient action of immersion into Christ Saul was not saved before he called on the name of the Lord, therefore, he was not saved before he was baptized

Passage #3: 1 Peter 3:21 – Calling Takes Place in Baptism In baptism, one makes “an appeal to God” (NASB) Greek word means “appeal, demand, question, inquire, ask” In the act of baptism, one is calling upon God and appealing to Him to do (in that moment) what He has promised to do (God is the one who does the saving, Col. 2:12-13)

Believe Jesus is God’s Son – Romans 10:9 Repent of your sins – Romans 2:4 Confess your faith in Jesus – Romans 10:10 Be immersed into Christ – Romans 6:3-4 Calling upon God to save you from your sins – Acts 22:16 Calling upon God to add you to His church – Acts 2:47 Calling upon God to enroll you in heaven – Hebrews 12:23 Live a life in accordance with His name – Colossians 3:17