Introduction:

1. Salvation is promised to all who call on the Lord’s name.

2. Our eternal condition depends on properly understanding this concept.

Discussion:

I. What It Cannot Mean

A. Many argue this phrase implies a mere verbal plea to the Lord.

B. Jesus indicated it meant more (Matthew 7:21-27).

II. Biblical Uses of the Phrase

A. It is used to contrast righteousness and wickedness (Genesis 4:19-26).

B. It could indicate worship/service (Genesis 12:8; 13:4; Zephaniah 3:9).

C. It could indicate prayer (Psalms 116:4; Acts 7:59).

D. This phrase meant to appeal to the authority of the one named.

E. The context must determine the means of making the appeal.

III. When and How Do We Call on His Name?

A. In Acts 2:21, Peter stated this promise to a lost, guilty crowd.

1. In Acts 2:37, they sought His authority by asking what to do.

2. In Acts 2:38, Peter gave God’s authoritative response.

B. In Acts 22:16, Paul was given instructions for his soul’s salvation.

1. He had previously called out to the Lord for help (Acts 9:6a).

2. He spent three days fasting and praying (Acts 9:9, 11).

3. Yet, he had to go to Damascus for instructions (Acts 9:6b).

4. He received two imperatives: be baptized and wash away your sins, and one participle: calling on His name (Acts 22:16).

5. Participles get their time element from the imperatives; they occur at the time the imperatives are fulfilled.

1. The conclusion then is that calling on the name of the Lord, as used by Peter and Paul, occurs in the act of faith that is penitent baptism.

2. We have no right to demand more or less than this (Galatians 1:6-9).

3. For this, we urge everyone to call on His name in the way He prescribed.