Question 31

What kind of calling is it that is here described, a common, external, and ineffectual calling?

No.

A saving, internal, and effectual calling?

Yes.

May men be externally called by the ministry of the Word, and yet not effectually, and savingly called?

Yes.

Whose work is effectual calling?

The work of Gods Spirit.

Is effectual vocation then the proper work of the Spirit, as our Redemption is the proper work of Christ?

Yes.

What is the first thing the Spirit doth for men in effectual calling?

He doth convince them.

What doth he convince them of?

Of their sin, and misery.

What do you mean by convincing them of their sin, and misery?

Making them feeling to know what a sinful, miserable, and undone condition they are in.

Are none effectually called but they that have been some way or other convinced of their sin, and misery?

No.

What doth the Spirit do for the Elect, after he hath shewed them soundly their sin, and misery?

He doth farther enlighten their minds.

Have all that be effectually called their minds enlightened with saving knowledge?

Yes.

Is gross ignorance then a certain sign of one that remains uncalled, and unconverted?

Yes.

To the knowledge of whom doth the Spirit lead the convinced sinner?

To the Knowledg of Christ.

Is it sufficient to our effectual calling to have our minds enlightened and changed from ignorance to knowledg?

No.

Must there be a change upon our wills too?

Yes.

What then doth the Spirit do farther for the sinner when he hath enlightened his mind?

He doth renew his Will.

Do the Wills of men remain unchanged, when they are effectually called?

No.

Are there new inclinations then in the Wills of those that are effectually called, that they love the good that they hated before, and bate the evil that they loved before?

Yes.

Why doth the Spirit convince us of our Sins, enlighten our Minds, and renew our Wills?

That he may perswade and enable us to embrace Jesus Christ.

Doth he no more then perswade our Wills?

He doth also enable us.

Are not we able of our selves to embrace Christ though he be offered to us?

No.

Are we as unwilling, as unable to embrace Jesus Christ?

Yes.

Who is it that perswadeth us, and enableth us, and makes us willing?

The Spirit.

Doth the upshot of our effectual calling consist in answering Christ’s call, and embracing him?

Yes.

Is Christ offered to us sinners then?

Yes.

Where?

In the Gospel.

How is Christ offered to them?

Freely.