Hebrews 9:15
Hebrews 9:15 (see also Romans 8:28)
For this reason He is the mediator of a new covenant, so that, since a death has taken place for the redemption of the transgressions that were committed under the first covenant, those who have been called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.
“May,” in this sense, should not be inferred to mean might or might not. It’s like saying, “All who believe in Jesus may receive eternal life.” They will receive eternal life. It’s not a might or might not, type expression.
The called, the elect, both reference Christians, and eternal life is only for Christians, as only believers are the recipients of the promise of eternal life according to John 3:16.
John Calvin comments: “He speaks of they that have been called in order to make a greater impression on the Jews who were the partakers of this calling. This is a singular favour that the knowledge of Christ is bestowed on us.” (Calvin’s New Testament Commentaries: Hebrews and I and II Peter, p.123)
Calvin adds: “Some take the called in the sense of the elect; in my judgment wrongly. The apostle is saying here the same thing as in Rom. 3:25 that righteousness and salvation have been ordained by the blood of Christ and are laid hold of by us in faith.” (Calvin’s New Testament Commentaries: Hebrews and I and II Peter, p.123, emphasis mine)
But what if you believe that “the called,” “the elect” and Christians are all one and the same? Instead, Calvin doesn’t think that “the elect” are necessarily Christians, but that such a designation must also include presently un-believing non-believers who are marked to receive an Irresistible Grace and become Christians. However, is it possible for “the elect” [by New Testament standards] to be anything other than believing Christians? This thought is explored more fully here.
Question: Who are “those who have been called”?
Answer: Christians. This is also reflected at Romans 8:28: “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” [KJV]
