Theology Terms Tuesday – Effectual Calling.
Effectual Calling.
In Calvinistic theology, effectual calling refers to the inward work of God that effectively summons particular individuals to receive the blessings of his redemption (check out Romans 9:11-26). This unilateral activity is the prerogative of a free, wise, and holy Sovereign and is grounded solely in both his eternal purpose in Christ and his elective love, and is therefore not subject to any change or frustration. As the initial act of the Holy Spirit in applying redemption to God’s elect, this call is in itself invested with an efficacy that unconditionally secures the means and the end of their eternal salvation. It is therefore not ultimately dependent on any activity of recipient, but on God’s immutable will. Proximately, it is an act of God’s grace that ushers God’s elect from darkness into light and into fellowship with Jesus. Ultimately, this lavish display of graciousness is for the praise of God’s glory.
L. Berkhof, Systematic Theology; J. Murray, Redemption: Accomplished and Applied.
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