What does “holy calling” mean (2 Timothy 1:9)?

In 2 Timothy 1:9, the apostle Paul writes that God “saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began” (ESV). We are sinners by nature, but the wonderful truth is that God saves believers from sin and calls them to a “holy calling.” God’s purpose for us is much higher than our own.

Paul wrote a second letter to Timothy from a prison in Rome. In this letter, Paul encourages Timothy to be brave and strong despite suffering and opposition. Paul writes, “Do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God” (2 Timothy 1:8, ESV). Faith in the gospel of Christ saves sinners from eternal damnation and results in their having “a holy calling.”

The phrase holy calling conveys the idea of being set apart by God for a sacred purpose. We are “called to be saints” (Romans 1:7, ESV; cf. 1 Corinthians 1:2). As stated in Ephesians 2:10, God wants to use believers for His glory: “We are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (ESV).

Holiness is not the result of our works but “because of his own purpose and grace” (2 Timothy 1:9, ESV). Thus, holiness is God’s sovereign initiative rather than human accomplishment. The connection between God’s calling, purpose, and grace is foundational to walking “worthy of the calling to which you have been called” (Ephesians 4:1, ESV).

Our holy calling is inseparable from God’s eternal purpose, which He established “in Christ Jesus before the ages began” (2 Timothy 1:9, ESV). God “chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him” (Ephesians 1:4, ESV). God’s redemptive plan from eternity past has included creating a people of His own who are “zealous for good works” (Titus 2:14, ESV).

When God calls sinners to Himself, He changes their identity and gives them a new nature. In 1 Peter 1:15, the apostle writes, “As he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct” (ESV). Holiness is not optional; it is a requirement. It is part of our calling as God’s children.

God empowers us to fulfill our holy calling: “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his glory and excellence” (2 Peter 1:3, ESV). God provides the necessary grace to walk in “true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4:24, ESV).

Those who have received the holy calling—in other words, all believers—live in obedience to God. If we love Jesus, we will keep His commands (John 14:15). Paul instructs believers, “Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship” (Romans 12:1, ESV). The pursuit of holiness is a day-to-day reality for everyone who has been washed in the blood of Christ.

Believers should be prepared to suffer for the gospel. Paul suffered greatly but remained faithful to the One who called him to a holy calling (2 Timothy 1:9). We share in Christ’s sufferings, knowing that God’s saving grace will sustain us.