Calling on the Name of the Lord: CoC vs. Christian Debate
1. Romans 10:13 Means Calling = Salvation
CoC Claim:
Romans 10:13 clearly says, "Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." This is a direct promise. To deny it is to reject Scripture.
Response:
Romans 10:14 says you can’t call without first believing. That makes belief the saving act — calling is a fruit of salvation, not a root. Eternal life is received at faith (John 3:16, 6:47).
2. Romans 10:14 Describes Sequence, Not Priority
CoC Claim:
Belief precedes calling, yes — but that does not mean calling isn’t required. Paul is giving the process, not suggesting calling is optional.
Response:
If faith comes first and results in life (John 5:24), then calling — which happens afterward — cannot be required to receive eternal life.
3. Confession Is Essential (Romans 10:9–10)
The CoC argues that Romans 10:9–13 is addressed to already-saved believers (the Roman Christians), and therefore confession and calling are part of maintaining salvation, not receiving it.”.
But Paul clearly says:
“Brethren, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is, that they might be saved.” (Romans 10:1)
Everything in Romans 10 is aimed at explaining how unbelieving Israel can be saved. Not how the saved should act.
The section is evangelistic, not discipleship-focused.
CoC Claim:
Paul ties confession and belief directly to salvation. You can’t be saved without both.
Response:
“salvation” there refers to deliverance or public vindication, not eternal life.
“Salvation” (σωτηρίαv) in Romans 10:10 is often used in Romans to mean future deliverance (Rom 5:9-10; 13:11).
Justification was already received by belief - confession was for public identification and reward (See. Matt 10:32–33; 2 Tim 2:12).
Romans 10:10 distinguishes:
✓ Belief → righteousness (justification)
✓ Confession → salvation (public rescue or honor)
This mirrors Matthew 10:32 and 2 Timothy 2:12, where confession affects reward, not eternal destiny.
4. Saved (Sōzō) Always Means Eternal Salvation in Romans
Romans 8:9 says, “Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.”
Cornelius received the Spirit **before** he was baptized (Acts 10:44–48), proving he was already Christ’s.
Since one cannot belong to Christ without the Spirit, and he had the Spirit prior to baptism, this dismantles the CoC claim that water initiates salvation.
CoC Claim:
The Greek word “saved” (sōzō) always means salvation from sin/hell in Romans. Using it otherwise is theological manipulation.
Response:
Romans uses sōzō in different ways:
✓ 5:9 — “saved from wrath”
✓ 13:11 — “salvation is nearer”
These are not about justification but future deliverance.
Romans 10:13 quotes Joel 2:32, which refers to rescue during national judgment.
5. Joel 2:32 Is Reinterpreted by Paul
CoC Claim: Even if Joel referred to national deliverance, Paul reinterprets it as a salvation-from-sin appeal.
Response: Joel’s prophecy was about national and physical deliverance from judgment — specifically the Day of the LORD (Joel 2:1, 11, 31).
It called for Israel to repent and cry out to God for rescue from imminent disaster, not eternal damnation.
Paul quotes it in Romans 10:13 to illustrate how people under wrath (like unbelieving Israel) must appeal to God for help. But it’s not a soteriological formula.
Romans 10:14 immediately clarifies the order: “How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed?”
Belief comes first. Calling is a result of faith - not a requirement to receive eternal life.
6. Acts 2:21–38 Shows the Pattern: Call → Repent → Baptism → Remission
CoC Claim:
Peter quotes Joel and then tells the crowd to repent and be baptized for the remission of sins.
Calling and baptism are part of conversion.
Response:
Peter quotes Joel as a general appeal.
The 3,000 who responded had already believed Peter’s message (Acts 2:36).
Baptism was the public sign not the cause of forgiveness.
CoC Claim:
But Acts 2:38 says “Repent and be baptized... for the remission of sins.” That clearly connects baptism with forgiveness.
Response:
The Greek preposition **“eis”** (translated “for” in Acts 2:38) can also mean “because of” or “in view of.”
*Eis* does not always mean “in order to obtain” - it is context-dependent.
For example, in Matthew 12:41, Jesus said the people of Nineveh “repented at [*eis*] the preaching of Jonas,” meaning “because of,” not “in order to receive” the preaching.
The same construction applies here.
In Acts 2, the crowd was already “pricked in their heart” (v. 37) - they had believed Peter’s message about Jesus (Verse. 36).
Peter’s command to repent and be baptized was given to those who had already believed and were under conviction, not to unbelievers seeking to earn forgiveness.”
Therefore, baptism was not the **means** of forgiveness but the **public response** to it. Peter is calling them to express their repentance outwardly.
Cornelius (Acts 10:43–48) confirms this pattern - he received the Spirit and was saved **before** being baptized.
Thus, “calling on the name of the Lord” (Acts 2:21) is not equated with baptism.
It was fulfilled by their believing response to Peter’s gospel message (v. 36).
7. Acts 22:16 Is Unmistakable
CoC Claim:
Ananias tells Paul to be baptized and wash away sins, calling on the Lord.
This shows calling and baptism are part of the salvation process.
Response:
“Calling” is an aorist participle in Greek — having called.
Paul was already a believer by Acts 9:6.
Ananias calling him “brother Saul” (Acts 9:17) confirms that.
The Greek word *epikalesamenos* (ἐπικαλεσάμενος) is an **aorist middle participle**, meaning “having already called.”
(An aorist participle describes an action completed prior to the main verb. Here, calling happened before baptism.)
Grammatically, because epikalesamenos is an aorist participle, it indicates that Paul had already called on the Lord prior to the action of being baptized..
The main verb (“be baptized”) happens after the participle.
This proves calling and baptism are separate acts and that Paul was already saved.
Some claim that “calling on the name of the Lord” means invoking Christ’s name during baptism.
However, no verse ever defines baptism itself as “calling.”
The Greek shows Paul had already called on the Lord before being baptized.
Calling is inward; baptism is outward.
8. John 12:42 Shows Incomplete Faith
CoC Claim:
The rulers believed, but wouldn’t confess Christ.
That’s not saving faith. Jesus said those who deny Him will be denied (Matt 10:33).
Response:
John 12:42 says they believed.
John's Gospel repeatedly says belief brings life (John 6:47).
Their lack of confession cost them reward — not salvation.
Compare Peter's denial (Luke 22:32).
9. Romans Doesn’t Say “Faith Alone”
CoC Claim:
You keep saying “faith alone,” but Paul never says that.
The Bible says obedience matters (Rom 6).
Response:
✓ Romans 3:28 — “justified by faith without the deeds of the law”
✓ Romans 4:5 — “to him that worketh not, but believeth…”
✓ Romans 5:1 — “being justified by faith”
✓ 1 John 5:1 — “Whosoever believeth that Jesus is the Christ is born of God.”
This is definitive: No mention of confession, calling, or baptism - just belief.
CoC may cite James 2:24 to oppose faith alone.
But James addresses justification before men - showing one’s faith is real by action- not how to receive eternal life.
Paul teaches justification before God (Rom 4:2–5); James deals with usefulness of faith before others (James 2:14, 18).
Failing to make this distinction leads to the false assumption that James contradicts Paul, when they are speaking to different audiences and purposes.”
Anyone who believes Jesus is the Christ is already born again.
Confession, calling, and baptism are not mentioned once in Paul’s doctrine of justification (Romans 3–5).
To fully dismantle the CoC position, we must distinguish two kinds of baptism in Scripture - spiritual and water.
Confusing these leads to doctrinal error and makes man’s works a co-savior with Christ. Here is the biblical contrast:
Spirit vs. Water Baptism What’s the Difference?
Type:
Spirit Baptism: A spiritual baptism done by God.
Water Baptism: A physical baptism performed by a human.
Agent:
Spirit Baptism is performed by the Holy Spirit.
Water Baptism is administered by a human minister or disciple.
Effect:
Spirit Baptism causes union with Christ, regeneration, indwelling by the Spirit, sealing, and entrance into the body of Christ this is essential for salvation.
Water Baptism is an outward testimony of inward faith a symbol of discipleship and obedience, not a cause of salvation.
When It Occurs:
Spirit Baptism happens at the exact moment of saving faith in Jesus Christ.
Water Baptism occurs after salvation, as a public act of obedience and identification with Christ.
Key Scriptures:
Spirit Baptism:
*1 Corinthians 12:13
“For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body...”
*Romans 8:9 - “If any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.”
*Galatians 3:2 - “Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?”
*Galatians 3:27 - “For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ.”
*Ephesians 1:13 - “After that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise.”
*Titus 3:5 - “...the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost.”
*John 3:5 - “Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit...”
CoC Claim:
“Born of water” means water baptism — and it is listed before the Spirit. So water baptism is essential for the new birth.
This proves baptism isn’t in view
Jesus defines ‘born of water’ in verse 6 as physical birth.
That which is born of the flesh is flesh.’
This confirms He was not referring to Christian baptism, which didn’t exist yet.”
“That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit” (John 3:6).
He contrasts physical birth (“flesh” = water birth) with spiritual birth.
Nicodemus, a Jewish teacher, would’ve understood this as a reference to natural birth, not Christian baptism - which did not yet exist.
Response:
That’s not what Jesus is saying. He explains Himself in the next verse.
“That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit” (John 3:6).
The “water” refers to **natural birth** (amniotic fluid), not baptism.
Nicodemus would not have understood Christian baptism it didn’t exist yet.
Jesus contrasts natural birth with the spiritual birth. This proves baptism isn’t in view.
*John 7:39 - “...the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because Jesus was not yet glorified.”
Water Baptism:
*Acts 10:47–48 - Cornelius was baptized after receiving the Holy Spirit.
*Romans 6:3–4 - Describes symbolic burial and resurrection with Christ.
*Acts 8:36–38 - The Ethiopian eunuch was baptized after believing.
*Matthew 28:19 - Jesus commands baptism after disciples are made.
*Acts 2:38 - Often cited by CoC, but context shows it follows belief and conviction (v.37).
*Acts 22:16 - “...wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord” — participle structure shows calling precedes baptism.
*1 Peter 3:21
Baptism saves figuratively as an appeal to God — “not the putting away of the filth of the flesh.”
Galatians 3:27 - Water baptism symbolizes being clothed with Christ, not the means of entering Him.
Summary:
Spirit Baptism is internal, immediate, and essential for salvation. It happens the moment someone believes in Jesus Christ.
Water Baptism is external, symbolic, and follows salvation.
It shows the world what already took place in the heart.
You are placed into Christ by the Spirit, not by water.
Summary:
*Spirit Baptism = Done by God, places you in Christ at faith, essential for salvation (Rom 8:9).
*Water Baptism = Done by man, expresses obedience, not a requirement for eternal life
CONCLUSION
Eternal life is received the moment one believes in Jesus Christ for it.
Confession, calling, and baptism are all responses of faith, but not conditions for receiving life.
Belief = Justification (John 3:16; Romans 4:5)
Confession = Approval or honor (Matthew 10:32–33)
Calling = Prayer, praise, or rescue request (Romans 10:13; Joel 2:32; Psalm 116:13)
"Calling on the name of the Lord" refers to a post-faith appeal to God for help or deliverance, not a requirement for justification.
Joel 2:32 and Psalm 116:13 describe calling as prayer.
Psalm 116:13:
“I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord.”
This shows that “calling” is a response of faith and worship, not a condition for salvation.
Romans 10:14 confirms it follows faith. It does not precede it.
Therefore, calling is an effect of salvation, not a condition for receiving eternal life.
Baptism = Identification and testimony (Acts 10:47–48)
Salvation is by grace through faith, not by faith + confession + calling + water. (Eph 2:8–9)
Before concluding, let’s examine where the CoC interpretationcontradicts itself, the apostles, and the Scriptures it claims to uphold.
PART 4: TRAPPING CoC DOCTRINE WITH ITS OWN LOGIC
CONTRADICTION #1 - Romans 10:13 vs. 10:14
Paul’s sequence in Romans 10:14—"How shall they call on him in whom they have not believed?"
Shows us that belief precedes calling.
Therefore, calling is not the cause of salvation but the result of someone who already believes.
If salvation is received at belief (John 5:24), then calling cannot be a condition for it.
Conclusion: The CoC turns calling into a requirement for salvation, but Paul shows it is something done by the already justified.
CONTRADICTION #2 - Romans 4:5 vs. CoC Works Salvation
“But to him that worketh not, but believeth…” (Romans 4:5)
Conclusion: The CoC gospel adds to faith what Paul says must be left out.
CONTRADICTION #3 - Acts 10:44–48: Cornelius Saved Before Baptism
“The Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.”
Conclusion: CoC doctrine cannot survive Acts 10 without contradicting Peter and Luke.
CONTRADICTION #3.5 - Galatians 3:2: Spirit Given by Faith, Not Baptism
“This only would I learn of you: Received ye the Spirit by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?”
Paul draws a direct contrast: Works vs. Faith. Baptism qualifies as a work (see. Matthew 3:15).
Galatians 3:2 shows the Spirit - and therefore salvation (Rom 8:9) - comes through faith alone.
CONTRADICTION #4 — Acts 16:30–31: The Jailor's Salvation
“Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved.”
Conclusion: The CoC adds to what Paul says is already sufficient.
CONTRADICTION #5 - John 12:42: Believers Who Never Confessed
“Many believed… but they did not confess him.”
Conclusion: Confession affects reward or discipleship, not salvation.
CONTRADICTION #6 1 Corinthians 1:17: Paul’s Gospel Excludes Baptism
“Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel.”
Conclusion: The CoC gospel is not Paul’s gospel.
CONTRADICTION #7 — Galatians 1:6–9: Another Gospel
“If any man preach any other gospel… let him be accursed.”
Conclusion: CoC doctrine meets the definition of “another gospel.”
FINAL APPEAL TO THE SINCERE CoC READER
Friend, if the gospel you're trusting in contradicts Paul, Peter, and Luke — it's time to rethink what you've been taught.
Eternal life is not the reward for religious effort — it is the gift of God to all who simply believe in His Son.
Will you trust in Christ alone? Not in your works, not in baptism, not in confession - but in the One who finished the work for you?”
Salvation is not earned, worked for, or maintained by man.
It is the free gift of God to all who believe His Son.
These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life.” (1 John 5:13)
THE TRUE GOSPEL
You are saved the moment you are persuaded that Jesus Christ guarantees everlasting life to all who believe in Him (John 3:16).
Paul defines the saving gospel in 1 Corinthians 15:1–4:
Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and… he was buried, and… he rose again the third day…”
This gospel contains no requirement of baptism, confession, or calling - only the finished work of Christ and belief in Him.
It’s not by calling, confessing, or being baptized - it’s by trusting the One who died and rose again for you.
Will you believe Him - and rest in His promise?
Quick Definitions:
Justification: Being declared righteous by God through faith (Rom 4:5)
Salvation: Can mean justification, rescue, or future reward — context matters
Confession: Public acknowledgment of Christ, often linked to reward (Matt 10:32–33)
Calling: Prayerful appeal to God - a response of faith, not a condition of it (Rom 10:13–14)
Baptism: Outward sign of inner faith — not the cause of spiritual rebirth (Acts 10:47)