Call Upon Him

Several times in scripture we read the phrase "call upon the name of the Lord" or words to that effect. Romans 10:13 says if we "call upon the name of the Lord" we will be saved, no ifs about it.

So what does "call" mean?

1) To say the name of someone to get their attention, or go to the person, such as He called on me?

2) To rely upon what we know of Christ, His reputation, sort of like adding the tag line to prayer, in His name?

3) To call on Him in truth, meaning to actually trust in Christ, without reservation?

4) Who decides whether or not we actually "call on Him?" God or ourselves?

 

The phrase "call on the name of the Lord" appears in Joel 2:32 indicating the action results in deliverance. In Joel, "Lord" is the shortened form of "Yahweh" the name of God. Thus Paul is indicating that Jesus is God, and is the Anointed One chosen to be the Deliverer.

Acts 2:21 Peter applies the phrase to Christ, and indicates the deliverance is salvation.