Of Effectual Calling

Chapter 10 confesses that those whom God has predestinated to life he is pleased in his appointed and accepted time effectually to call by his Word and Spirit out of the state of sin and death in which they are by nature, to grace and salvation by Jesus Christ.

This is sometimes called irresistible grace — though that term is imprecise. The Reformed Baptist holds that the Spirit’s effectual call is not coercive; it is so powerful, so sweet, so attractive that the elect sinner comes willingly. The will is changed at the same moment it is called.

Effectual calling is distinct from the general gospel call (which goes out to all hearers). The general call invites; the effectual call regenerates and draws.

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For the full text of this chapter with scripture proofs, see the1689confession.com or Founders Ministries.