The Application of Salvation
Effectual Calling
Called Out of Darkness into Light
Description
Effectual calling is the Holy Spirit's work of drawing sinners to Christ through the gospel. While the general call goes out to all who hear the gospel, the effectual call actually accomplishes its purpose—it brings the spiritually dead to life. God calls us out of darkness into His marvelous light. This call is irresistible not in the sense of coercion but of transformation: God changes the heart so that we willingly and joyfully come to Christ. Whom He predestinated, He called. The called ones are those who perceive Christ as the power and wisdom of God. This calling is according to His purpose, not our merit.
Key Verses
But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light.
Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified.
But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.
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.
All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.
Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ: To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints.