Jesus extended the invitation,
“Come unto Me all you that labor and are heavy laden.”
For those who sink beneath the weariness of life, confused, fearful, drowning or lost, the Word further proclaims,
“I have come to seek and to save that which is lost.”
Then the ultimate declaration goes forth,
“Whoever calls upon the name of the Lord, shall be saved.”
Whoever
This is the ultimate invitation. Jesus explains its breadth through stories; the one lost sheep of the hundred, the lost coin from the woman’s dowry, and the estranged son. Though He came to the Jewish people, His ministry went beyond them to any who hungered for God. He does not have favourites. It is for all. The apostle John records the comforting words of Jesus,
“the one who comes to Me, I will by no means cast out.”
Jesus further states,
“this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day.”
Even to the last chapter of the Bible, the invitation remains extended to all,
“whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely.”
Calls Upon the Name of the Lord
It depends, however, on calling on the Name of the Lord. It is in Romans 10 Paul proclaimed that truth,
“Whoever calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
There is, however, more to it. Paul asks how can they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How can they believe in Him of whom they have not heard or hear without a preacher? How shall they preach unless they are sent? Jesus spoke of this when He said,
“The harvest truly is plentiful, but the labourers are few, Therefore, pray the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest.”
Now the body of Christ must ask God to raise up harvesters, to call forth preachers, and teachers, and parents and friends to ensure they speak out the word. Once people hear, they will believe and be able to call upon His name.
Shall Be Saved
The result? He will save those who call upon Him. Further in Romans Paul states the simple message,
“if you confess with your mouth, the Lord Jesus, and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”
Acts 16 tells such a story. The jailor who, in the chaos of Paul and Silas’ angelic release from prison, cried out,
“What must I do to be saved?”
They answered,
“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved, you and your household.”
Then they further instructed and baptized this man and his family.
It is simple really and so worthy of praise this plain gospel invitation,
“Whoever calls upon the name of the Lord, shall be saved.”