Joel 2:32 “And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved. For in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be those who escape, as the LORD has said, and among the survivors shall be those whom the LORD calls.”

This verse is often used by those who teach that simply naming the name of Jesus out loud will be enough to save them from their sins. They see no need in repentance, faith or a changed life. They see no need for obedience or for baptism. Just pronounce the name of Jesus and salvation is theirs. This teaching will not hold water as anyone who has read the prophets know. God wanted change in people. God wanted faith in people. God calls for obedience from those who are lost.

It is quite obvious from the words of the prophets about the sins of the people that calling on the name of God will not suffice. It is just as obvious in the New Testament that simply calling out the name of Jesus is all one needs to do. It is true that no other name saves today. Salvation is in Jesus and those who name Him Lord by their tongue and life change are called to be a part of His kingdom. Jesus, like the prophets, like God, called for repentance as well as confession. Jesus and the prophets and God all called for obedience. Faith and disobedience are not a path to salvation. Faith and obedience are. We must conclude from the prophets and the New Testament that calling on the name of the LORD must include doing what God requires. “Many will say in that day, ‘Lord, Lord,…”

Task for Today: Have you called on the name of the Lord? Have you called on the name of Jesus? What else have you done? Is your life found walking in the light? Are you among those who repented and were baptized for the forgiveness of sins? He that calls is matched with he that believes and is baptized. Repented? Then move forward, confess Jesus as Lord and be buried into His death.