The concept of the "Call of God" is a profound theme within Christian theology, particularly as it pertains to its effectual nature in the lives of the saints. This call is understood as God's sovereign invitation to individuals to enter into a relationship with Him, leading to salvation and sanctification. The effectual call is distinguished from the general call of the gospel, which is extended to all people. The effectual call, however, is specific and powerful, resulting in the transformation and salvation of those whom God has chosen.

Biblical Foundation

The effectual call is rooted in the divine initiative and is a manifestation of God's grace and purpose. Romans 8:30 states, "And those He predestined, He also called; those He called, He also justified; those He justified, He also glorified." This verse highlights the unbreakable chain of salvation, beginning with God's predestination and culminating in glorification, with the call being a pivotal step in this divine process.

In 1 Corinthians 1:9 , Paul affirms, "God, who has called you into fellowship with His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful." This call is not merely an invitation but a divine summons that brings believers into a living relationship with Christ, underscoring God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises.

Nature of the Effectual Call

The effectual call is characterized by its irresistible nature. When God calls an individual effectually, the Holy Spirit works in the heart to overcome resistance and bring about a willing response. This is evident in the conversion of Lydia in Acts 16:14 , where it is recorded, "The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul's message." Here, the divine action of opening the heart illustrates the transformative power of the effectual call.

Furthermore, the effectual call is personal and specific. It is not a generic appeal but a direct and intimate call to each believer. In John 10:3 , Jesus describes the Good Shepherd, saying, "The sheep hear His voice; He calls His own sheep by name and leads them out." This personal calling signifies the deep relationship between the Shepherd and His sheep, emphasizing the individual nature of God's call to His saints.

Purpose and Outcome

The purpose of the effectual call is to bring about the salvation and sanctification of the believer. It is a call to holiness and a life set apart for God's purposes. In 1 Peter 2:9 , believers are described as "a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." This passage highlights the transformative purpose of the call, moving believers from darkness to light and enabling them to declare God's praises.

The outcome of the effectual call is the assurance of eternal life and the believer's perseverance in faith. In Philippians 1:6 , Paul expresses confidence in God's work, stating, "He who began a good work in you will continue to perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus." This assurance is rooted in the faithfulness of God, who completes the work He begins in those He calls.

Theological Implications

The effectual call underscores the sovereignty of God in salvation. It affirms that salvation is not based on human effort or merit but on God's gracious initiative. Ephesians 2:8-9 declares, "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast." The effectual call is a testament to God's grace, ensuring that all glory and honor are directed to Him alone.

Moreover, the effectual call provides comfort and assurance to believers, knowing that their salvation is secure in God's hands. Romans 11:29 states, "For God's gifts and His call are irrevocable." This irrevocability assures the saints of their eternal security and the unchanging nature of God's purpose for their lives.Psalm 110:3
Your people shall be willing in the day of your power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning: you have the dew of your youth.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 2:47
Praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 13:48
And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad, and glorified the word of the Lord: and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Corinthians 1:24
But to them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Effectual Calling
... (1.) By the antecedent. Before this effectual call, a humbling work passes upon
the soul. ... That God should call thee when thou west in the hot pursuit of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/2 effectual calling.htm

Effectual Calling
... This is what the saints will stand wondering at to all ... change is wrought in such
as are called of God. How far are they from this effectual call who never had ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a divine cordial/effectual calling.htm

The Saints' Rest is not to be Expected on Earth.
... 3. Afflictions are also God's most effectual means to ... Every Christian, as well as
Luther, may call affliction one of the best schoolmasters; and, with ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter x the saints rest.htm

God.
... Christians to stand and wonder at the effectual working of ... It is worth your noting,
that to call God by his relative title was rare among the saints in Old ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/i god.htm

My God Will Hear Me
... even when the answer is long delayed, and there is a call for much ... look, and the
deep dependence, and the strong crying to God, and the effectual prayer of ...
/.../murray/the ministry of intercession/chapter xii my god will.htm

Conditions of Effectual Prayer.
... Holy Ghost is the next condition of effectual prayer. We might call these conditions
a four-linked chain, connecting our souls with the very heart of God. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/booth/godliness/chapter vii conditions of effectual.htm

Perseverance of the Saints Proved.
... does not yield and answer to a slight call. ... Effectual calling either results from
election, or election from ... and the children and people of God, the disciples ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xlviii perseverance of the.htm

Twenty-Seventh Day. Holiness and Service.
... They often long and cry for what they call a baptism of ... Put yourself into the power
of God; let His holy will live in ... Holiness is essential to effectual service ...
/.../murray/holy in christ/twenty-seventh day holiness and service.htm

The Saints' Privilege and Profit;
... on earth: 'The Lord's throne is in heaven,' and 'they shall call Jerusalem the ... of
the heart, with the dread and majesty of God, to the effectual turning of ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the saints privilege and profit.htm

Thou Shalt not Take the Name of the Lord, Thy God, in Vain.
... commanded in the passage Ps.50, 15: Call upon Me ... above) first the heart by faith
gives God the honor ... a blessed and useful habit and very effectual against the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/luther/the large catechism/thou shalt not take the.htm

What does it mean to call upon the name of the Lord? | GotQuestions.org

What is the effectual calling/call? | GotQuestions.org

How can I know if I have received a call to ministry? | GotQuestions.org

Call: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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