2 Timothy 1:9 Who has saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace… I. I AM TO SHOW WHAT THE EFFECTUAL CALL IN THE GENERAL IS. All effectual call is opposed to an ineffectual one. An effectual call is the call that gains its real intent; that is to say, when the party called comes when called. To apply this to our purpose, all that hear the gospel are called; but, 1. To some of them it is ineffectual, and these are the most part of gospel-hearers, "For many be called, but few chosen" (Matthew 20:10). They are called, invited; but it is but the singing of a song to a deaf man that is not moved with it (Proverbs 1:24). 2. To others it is effectual, and these are but few (Matthew 20:16). II. I COME NOW TO SHOW WHO THEY ARE THAT ABE THUS EFFECTUALLY CALLED. The text tells us that this effectual call is according to God's purpose and free grace in Christ. 1. It is men, and not fallen angels, that are called. 2. It is some men, and not others, that are called effectually, and these naturally in as bad and sinful a condition as others (Ephesians 2:12). 3. It is for the most part those who have the least advantages as to their outward condition in the world (1 Corinthians 1:26-28). III. I PROCEED TO SHOW WHENCE AND WHITHER THEY ARE CALLED WHO ARE EFFECTUALLY CALLED. 1. Called out of the world that lieth in wickedness (1 John 5:19). And hence the Church has its name in the prophetical and apostolical writings, Ekklesia; i.e., a company called out from among others, a gathered congregation. 2. Called unto Jesus Christ, and through Him to the blessed society of another world. IV. I PROCEED TO SHOW WHAT MAKES THE CALL EFFECTUAL TO SOME, WHEN IT IS NOT SO TO OTHERS. Negatively. 1. It is neither the piety, parts, nor seriousness of those who are employed to carry the gospel-call to sinners (1 Corinthians 3:7). 2. Neither is it one that uses his own free will better than another does (Romans 9:6). Positively. We may say in this case, "Not by might, nor by power, but by the Spirit of the Lord." V. IT MAY BE ASKED, WHAT NECESSITY IS THERE FOR THEIR BEING THUS CALLED? The necessity of it is manifest to all that know their natural case. 1. They are far off (Ephesians 2:13), far from God, and Christ, and all good (Ephesians 2:12). Hence the call is, "Draw nigh to God." 2. They are hard and fast asleep, and they need this call, "Awake, thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give thee light" (Ephesians 5:14). 3. If they were awakened they know not where to go to (Acts 2:37). 4. If they did not know where to go to, they are not willing to go thither (John 5:40). 5. If they are willing to go to Christ, yet being awakened, they dare not venture, guilt so states them in the face, "Thou saidst, There is no hope" (Jeremiah 2:25). 6. If they durst come, yet they cannot come, unless they be drawn (John 6:44). VI. I SHALL MORE PARTICULARLY EXPLAIN THE NATURE OF EFFECTUAL CALLING. It is the work of the Lord's Spirit. 1. On the understanding. (1) An illumination of the soul from Mount Sinai. (2) An illumination of the soul from Mount Zion. 2. On the will of the sinner. This faculty of the soul needs also a saving work of the Spirit thereon, being fearfully depraved in the state of nature (Romans 8:7). Now, the Spirit's work on the will is, the renewing of it (Ezekiel 36:26). (T. Boston, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, |
    |