Calling on the Name of the Lord
 

Both Acts 2:21 and Romans 10:13 state that anyone who "calls" on the name of the Lord will be saved.

What does this mean?

By "calling" are we referring to mere vocalization, or must something else be attached to the plea for salvation to the name?

Re: Calling on the Name of the Lord
 

Acts 22:16

arise and be baptized and wash away thy sins calling on the name of the lord

Re: Calling on the Name of the Lord
 

I tried the "calling on the Name of the Lord" hoping to be saved. However, I always felt like there was something more to it than just calling on the Lord. When God led me to a UPC church to be baptized in the Name of Jesus, that is when I knew I had found Him.

Too bad so many UPC throw their converts away over non issues for salvation. I'd still be there right now if it weren't for the non-issues.

So you felt like you needed to do something to save yourself?

Re: Calling on the Name of the Lord
 

the bible says to save yourself, do you feel like you will be saved by doing absolutely nothing? all people are automatically saved?

Re: Calling on the Name of the Lord
 

It means what it says. If you want to be saved, you have to call on the name of the Lord. I believe it involves vocalization of his name (after all the believer is calling on Jesus to save him/her). I think the stress in that verse is "whosoever" calls on the name of the Lord. It's something we do throughout the process of the new birth.

If I am drowning and I grab onto the hand of the lifeguard as he reaches for me, am I saving myself?

Re: Calling on the Name of the Lord
 

:thumbsup
You had the option to reach out. The Lifeguard could stand there reaching out with all the fervor he had (shouting and coaching), but it is up to you to take his hand.

Re: Calling on the Name of the Lord
 

Well....NO.

But being completely and absolutely ignorant of all scripture, I did not know what to do.

But like Amanah says, are people going to get saved by doing nothing at all to help themselves? Even the Bible says that people must repent and get baptized in the Name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sin. That requires an action on our part doesn't it?

Re: Calling on the Name of the Lord
 

...or do we stand there twiddling our thumbs expecting God to pick us up and transport us to where He says to go?