40+Bible Verses on “I Have Called You by Name”

“Understanding your divine calling starts with knowing that God has called you by name.”

Understanding our divine calling is a profound journey that begins with recognizing that God has a personal and unique purpose for each of us. The Bible assures us that God not only knows us individually but has also called us by name to fulfill a specific role in His grand design.

This article explores 45 Bible verses that emphasize the personal nature of God’s calling and how it shapes our lives. Each verse is accompanied by an explanation and example to illustrate the depth and significance of being called by God.

1. Isaiah 43:1

“But now, this is what the Lord says— he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: ‘Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.’”
Example: God assures Israel of His personal relationship and protection, showing that He knows and calls each individual by name.

2. John 10:3

“The gatekeeper opens the gate for him, and the sheep hear his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.”
Example: Jesus, as the Good Shepherd, calls His followers personally, guiding and leading them in their spiritual journey.

3. Jeremiah 1:5

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.”
Example: God’s call to Jeremiah was established even before his birth, demonstrating a divine purpose and calling from the very beginning.

4. 1 Samuel 3:10

“The Lord came and stood there, calling as at the other times, ‘Samuel! Samuel!’ Then Samuel said, ‘Speak, for your servant is listening.’”
Example: God calls Samuel by name to convey His message, highlighting the personal and direct nature of divine communication.

5. Exodus 3:4

“When the Lord saw that he had gone over to look, God called to him from within the bush, ‘Moses! Moses!’ And Moses said, ‘Here I am.’”
Example: God calls Moses from the burning bush, indicating a personal and pivotal calling for a significant mission.

6. Isaiah 49:1

“Listen to me, you islands; hear this, you distant nations: Before I was born the Lord called me; from my mother’s womb he has spoken my name.”
Example: The prophet speaks of being called by God even before birth, affirming the idea of a divine purpose and plan.

7. Luke 1:13

“But the angel said to him: ‘Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John.’”
Example: God personally communicates with Zechariah, revealing the divine plan for his son, John the Baptist.

8. Acts 9:4-5

“He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?’ ‘Who are you, Lord?’ Saul asked. ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting,’ he replied.”
Example: Jesus calls Saul (Paul) by name, marking a transformative moment and a new direction for his life and ministry.

9. Genesis 22:11

“But the angel of the Lord called out to him from heaven, ‘Abraham! Abraham!’ ‘Here I am,’ he replied.”
Example: God’s call to Abraham during a crucial test of faith highlights the personal nature of divine instructions and relationships.

10. 2 Samuel 12:7

“Then Nathan said to David, ‘You are the man! This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you from the hand of Saul.’”
Example: Nathan confronts David with a message from God, reaffirming his personal call and responsibility as king.

11. Psalm 139:1

“You have searched me, Lord, and you know me.”
Example: This verse reflects God’s intimate knowledge of each person, highlighting the personal nature of His calling.

12. Psalm 139:13

“For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.”
Example: God’s personal involvement in our creation underscores His intimate knowledge and purpose for each individual.

13. Matthew 10:30

“And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered.”
Example: This verse emphasizes God’s detailed and personal attention to each person’s life, showing how well He knows us.

14. Isaiah 43:7

“everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made.”
Example: God created and called individuals for His glory, highlighting the personal and purposeful nature of His calling.

15. Zephaniah 3:17

“The Lord your God is with you, the Mighty Warrior who saves. He will take great delight in you; in his love he will no longer rebuke you, but will rejoice over you with singing.”
Example: God’s delight and personal attention in our lives showcase the personal relationship and calling He has for each of us.

16. John 15:16

“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.”
Example: Jesus chose His followers for specific purposes, illustrating the personal and purposeful nature of divine calling.

17. Revelation 3:20

“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.”
Example: Jesus personally invites individuals to open their hearts, emphasizing the personal and intimate nature of His calling.

18. Romans 8:28

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
Example: God’s calling aligns with His purpose for our good, showing the divine plan and personal nature of His guidance.

19. Galatians 1:15

“But when God, who set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me by his grace, was pleased”
Example: Paul’s calling by God’s grace emphasizes the personal and gracious nature of divine calling.

20. Ephesians 1:11

“In him we were also chosen, having been predestined according to the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will.”
Example: This verse illustrates how God’s calling is part of His larger plan and purpose for our lives.

21. 1 Peter 2:9

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”
Example: Believers are called to be a chosen and special people, reflecting their divine calling and purpose.

22. Hebrews 3:1

“Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, whom we acknowledge as our Apostle and High Priest.”
Example: The heavenly calling shared by believers invites a focus on Jesus, underscoring the personal and spiritual nature of the divine call.

23. 2 Timothy 1:9

“He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace.”
Example: God’s calling to a holy life is based on His purpose and grace, emphasizing the divine intention behind the call.

24. Philippians 3:14

“I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”
Example: Paul’s pursuit of the heavenly prize reflects the personal and purposeful calling from God.

25. Colossians 3:15

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.”
Example: The call to peace and thankfulness is part of God’s personal calling for believers.

26. 1 Thessalonians 5:24

“The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.”
Example: God’s faithfulness in calling assures that He will fulfill His promises and purposes for us.

27. James 1:12

“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”
Example: Perseverance under trial is part of the divine calling, leading to the crown of life promised by God.

28. 1 Corinthians 1:9

“God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Example: God’s call into fellowship with Jesus reflects a personal and relational aspect of the divine calling.

29. 1 Corinthians 7:18

“Was a man already circumcised when he was called? He should not become uncircumcised. Was a man uncircumcised when he was called? He should not be circumcised.”
Example: This verse illustrates that God’s calling transcends physical conditions, emphasizing the spiritual nature of His call.

30. 1 Peter 5:10

“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.”
Example: The call to eternal glory includes assurance of restoration and strength after suffering, reflecting God’s personal care.

31. Romans 11:29

“For God’s gifts and his call are irrevocable.”
Example: God’s calling and gifts are unchanging and permanent, underscoring the certainty and reliability of His divine purpose.

32. Acts 13:2

“While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.’”
Example: The Holy Spirit calls and sets apart individuals for specific work, highlighting the personal and purposeful nature of the divine call.

33. Exodus 31:2

“See, I have chosen Bezalel son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the team, of Judah,”
Example: God’s specific choice of Bezalel for a unique task demonstrates His personal calling for individuals.

34. Numbers 16:24

“‘Say to the assembly, “Move away from the tents of Korah, Dathan and Abiram.”’”
Example: God’s directive to move away from the rebellious shows the importance of heeding divine warnings and calls.

Bible Verses About Integrity

35. Isaiah 45:4

“For the sake of Jacob my servant, of Israel my chosen, I summon you by name and bestow on you a title of honor, though you do not acknowledge me.”
Example: God calls individuals by name and bestows honor, even when they do not recognize Him, emphasizing the personal nature of divine calling.

36. 1 Kings 19:12

“After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper.”
Example: God’s call to Elijah came in a gentle whisper, illustrating that divine calling can come in quiet and personal ways.

37. Jeremiah 33:3

“‘Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.’”
Example: God invites us to call on Him for answers and guidance, demonstrating His willingness to personally respond to our needs.

38. Daniel 3:25

“He said, ‘Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.’”
Example: God’s presence with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fire shows His personal intervention and protection.

39. John 11:43

“When he had said this, Jesus called in a loud voice, ‘Lazarus, come out!’”
Example: Jesus calls Lazarus by name, demonstrating the personal power and authority of His divine call.

40. Acts 22:14

“‘Then he said: ‘The God of our ancestors has chosen you to know his will and to see the Righteous One and to hear words from his mouth.’”
Example: God’s choice of Saul (Paul) for a specific purpose illustrates the personal nature of His divine calling.

41. Philippians 2:13

“For it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.”
Example: God’s work within us aligns with His divine calling and purpose, emphasizing His personal involvement in our lives.

42. 2 Corinthians 1:1

“Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, to the church of God in Corinth, together with all his holy people throughout Achaia:”
Example: Paul’s apostleship was by God’s will, reflecting the personal and specific nature of divine calling.

43. Jeremiah 29:11

“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’”
Example: God’s plans for us are personal and filled with hope, reflecting His divine calling and purpose for our lives.

44. Isaiah 61:1

“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to proclaim good news to the  low-income. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners,”
Example: The anointing for a specific mission demonstrates God’s personal calling to fulfill His purposes.

45. 1 Chronicles 28:9

“‘And you, my son Solomon, acknowledge the God of your father, and serve him with wholehearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches every heart and understands every desire and every thought. If you seek him, he will be found by you; but if you forsake him, he will reject you forever.’”
Example: David’s advice to Solomon highlights the personal nature of God’s calling and the importance of seeking Him sincerely.

Answers To Key Questions About Bible Verses on “I Have Called You by Name”

1. What does it mean to be called by God by name?
Being called by God by name signifies a personal and unique relationship with Him, emphasizing that He has a specific purpose and plan for each individual.

2. How can I recognize God’s calling in my life?
Recognizing God’s calling involves prayer, reflection on Scripture, and seeking guidance from the Holy Spirit, often through personal experiences and circumstances.

3. Are there examples of people in the Bible who were called by God?
Yes, many people in the Bible, such as Moses, Samuel, and Paul, received personal calls from God for specific purposes and missions.

4. How should I respond to God’s call?
Responding to God’s call involves obedience, faith, and a willingness to follow His direction, as exemplified by figures like Abraham and Mary.

5. Can God call someone for a purpose even if they feel unworthy?
Yes, God often calls individuals who feel unworthy, demonstrating His grace and purpose, as seen with characters like Gideon and David.

6. What role does prayer play in understanding my divine calling?
Prayer is crucial in understanding your divine calling, as it helps you seek God’s guidance, clarity, and confirmation about His plan for your life.

Conclusion

Understanding that God has called us by name is a powerful affirmation of His personal involvement in our lives. The Bible provides numerous examples and assurances of this divine calling, reflecting the intimate and purposeful relationship God has with each of us.

By exploring these scriptures, we gain insight into how to recognize and respond to God’s call, empowering us to live out our divine purpose with faith and confidence.