Colossians 3:12, “”Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;”
God does not leave His people to wander aimlessly, unsure of their place or calling. He has chosen us, set His love upon us, and called us to glory and virtue. This calling is no empty invitation but the very foundation of our holiness and spiritual life. When Paul exhorts believers to “put on” certain graces, he is not urging them to create these qualities within themselves by their own strength. Rather, he points to the reality of their calling—God has already set them apart, and because they are His, they must live in a manner that reflects His character.
A person who lacks the assurance of their calling will struggle with doubt and fear. The troubled soul, uncertain of God’s work in them, will find little joy in holy duties. But those who know they are called, chosen, and beloved find great strength to walk in righteousness. The apostles consistently pressed this truth upon the churches: the assurance of calling fuels a life of holiness. Without it, the Christian walk becomes a burdensome struggle rather than a joyful pursuit of godliness.
The world resists this doctrine. There are those, like the Romanists of old, who would rather keep men in uncertainty, insisting that seeking assurance of salvation is dangerous pride. But Scripture teaches otherwise. Christ Himself told His disciples to rejoice, not in their accomplishments, but that their names were written in heaven (Luke 10:20). This knowledge is not a matter of presumption but of God’s own promise. He has not left His children to grope in the dark but has called them to Himself, granting them a firm standing in His covenant.
This calling is not only to future glory but also to virtue in this life. The believer’s holiness is not an afterthought—it is woven into the very purpose of redemption. Just as sin and shame are inseparable, so too are virtue and glory. A person truly called by God will not live in lawlessness but will grow in godliness, for the same grace that saves also sanctifies.
To be called to glory means to be called to the highest honor. The world measures honor by rank, wealth, and power, but God bestows a dignity that surpasses all these. To be a child of God, an heir with Christ, is to be lifted from the dust of sin and made fit for eternal joy. This is not a vague, far-off promise but a reality that shapes our present walk. The knowledge of our inheritance emboldens us, steadies us through affliction, and stirs us to live in a way that befits our high calling.
Yet glory is not the only aspect of our calling; we are also called to virtue. The term “virtue” carries more weight than mere moral uprightness. In ancient times, it signified courage, fortitude, and strength. The Christian life is not for the passive or faint-hearted. God calls His people to walk in steadfastness, standing firm in righteousness even in the face of trials. This is no easy path—virtue is often forged in affliction. But just as the refining fire purifies gold, so do hardships shape those who are called to glory.
This calling to glory and virtue should stir in us a deep gratitude which presses to consider assurance. It should move us to recognize the excellence of God’s grace, the immeasurable worth of His promises, and the great love with which He has called us His own. If God has so called us, what else matters? No suffering, no sorrow, no loss can outweigh the joy set before us. The believer, assured of this truth, may endure hardship with patience, knowing that light affliction works for them a far greater weight of glory (2 Corinthians 4:17). “This assurance is the fountain of much joy in God and results in much growth in sanctification.”[1]
A life shaped by this knowledge will overflow with mercy, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. These are not burdensome commands but the natural outworking of a heart that knows its place in Christ. He has called us, clothed us in His righteousness, and filled us with His Spirit. Therefore, let us walk in the manner of our calling, reflecting His grace in every thought, word, and deed.
Contemplations:
- The Comfort of a Certain Calling
I once wrestled with doubt, wondering whether I truly belonged to Christ. My soul was vexed with fear, caught between longing and uncertainty. But the Word of God leaves no room for such despair. He has called me, chosen me, and set His love upon me before the foundations of the world. If my salvation rested on my own strength, I would have every reason to fear. But it is the Lord who calls, and He does not change. The knowledge of this calling does not lead me to careless living, but to gratitude and holy obedience. “Rejoice, because your names are written in heaven,” (Luke 10:20). How can I not rejoice, knowing that my life is hidden with Christ in God? - Glory Through Suffering
Glory is not won through ease but through endurance. The world chases after fleeting honor, but God calls His people to a glory that is eternal. He has ordained that the path to this glory is one of faithfulness in suffering. Christ Himself bore the cross before the crown, and so must I. If I am called to glory, then affliction is not my enemy but my preparation. “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory,” (2 Corinthians 4:17). When trials press in, I must lift my eyes to the greater promise that awaits. - Strength for the Called
God calls me not only to glory but also to virtue. He does not leave me weak, tossed by the winds of temptation. He calls me to stand firm, to live with courage and strength. The world may measure strength by power and might, but true strength is found in steadfast obedience. I am called to endure, to fight the good fight of faith, and to walk in holiness. “Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong,” (1 Corinthians 16:13). May I not shrink back, but walk in the virtue to which I am called. - The Joy of This Calling
This world offers many things—pleasure, comfort, success—but none compare to the joy of being called by God. My highest delight is not found in earthly gains but in the knowledge that I belong to Him. The world may change, but His calling remains. This joy is unshaken, for it is rooted in eternity. “Better is one day in thy courts than a thousand,” (Psalm 84:10). If this is my calling, what reason have I to despair? No sorrow can steal this joy, for my hope is anchored in the unchanging God.
Prayer:
O Lord, my God, I lift my heart in praise, for You have called me out of darkness into Your marvelous light. You have chosen me, not because of any worth in me, but by Your sovereign grace. How great is Your mercy, that You would set Your love upon me, a sinner undeserving of such kindness. I bless Your holy name, for You have clothed me in the righteousness of Christ and set my feet upon the path of glory.
Yet, Father, I confess that I am often weak in faith. I struggle with doubt and fear when trials press in. Forgive my unbelief and strengthen my heart. Let me not look to my own frailty but to Your unchanging promises. You have called me to glory and virtue; let me walk worthy of this calling, not in my own strength, but in the power of Your Spirit.
Thank You for the assurance of salvation, for the steadfast love that holds me fast. Thank You for the trials that shape me, for the promise that affliction is but a moment in light of eternity. Teach me to rejoice in all things, knowing that my inheritance is secure.
Lord, grant me the courage to live with virtue. Make me steadfast in righteousness, unshaken by the storms of this life. Let mercy, kindness, humility, and patience be the marks of my life, that I may reflect Your grace in all I do. And when my heart is weary, remind me of the joy that is set before me—that I am Yours, now and forever.
In the name of Christ, my Savior and King, I pray. Amen.
Further References for Col. 3:12:
Eph 4:2, 32; Phil. 2:1; Luke 18:7; Rom. 8:33
[1] Wilhelmus à Brakel, The Christian’s Reasonable Service, vol. 1 (Morgan, PA: Soli Deo Gloria Publications, 1993), 246.
