Q&A of the Week – Effectual Calling

Question 35: What is effectual calling?

Answer: Effectual calling is the work of God’s Spirit, to convince us of our sin and misery, to enlighten our minds in the knowledge of Christ, to renew our wills, and thus persuade and enable us to embrace Jesus Christ, freely offered to us in the gospel.

Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:9; John 6:44, 45; 16:8-11; Acts 2:37; 26:18; Ezekiel 36:26; Romans 8:30; 1 Corinthians 1:24; 12:3.

from A Baptist Catechism

To this precious truth let us bow; and if the efficacious grace of God has reached our hearts, let us ascribe its discriminating choice to the sovereign pleasure of that Divine and supreme Will, which rules among the armies of heaven, and among the inhabitants of earth, and to which no creature dare say, “What are you doing?”

But let us pass for a moment to a more experimental and practical view of this subject. The question has often been asked by the trembling lip, “How may I be assured of an interest in the eternal purpose and everlasting love of God? By what evidence may I conclude that I am one whom he predestinated?” Listen to the words of the Apostle, addressed to the Thessalonian saints, “Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God.” But how did he know this? Had he read their names in the Lamb’s book of Life? No! See how he solves the mystery: “For our Gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit, and in much assurance.” By this he knew their election of God. And by a similar test you must bring the question to an issue. Has the Gospel come to your heart by the Holy Spirit? In other words, have you been called by the inward call? Have you fled as a poor sinner to Christ, and is he all your salvation and all your desire? Assume the truth of nothing, take nothing for granted as to your salvation, until thus is the case.

from Grace Gems