Question 31

What is the difference between effectual calling, and ineffectual calling?

1. Ineffectual calling is the bare external call of the Word, whereby all sinners are freely invited unto Christ, that they may have life and salvation by him, but in it self is insufficient to perswade and enable them to come unto him, Many are called, but few are chosen.^a Ye will not come unto me, that ye might have life.^b 2. Effectual calling is the internal call of the Spirit, accompanying the external call of the Word, whereby we are not only invited unto Christ, but also enabled and perswaded to embrace him, as he is freely proffered unto us in the Gospel, Every one that hath heard and learned of the Father cometh unto me.^c

What is the work of the Spirit of God in our effectual calling?

The work of the Spirit of God in our effectual calling, is two-fold. 1. Upon our minds. 2. Upon our wills.

What is the work of the Spirit of God in our effectual calling upon our minds?

The work of the Spirit of God in our effectual calling upon our minds, is, 1. A convincing us of our sin and misery. 2. An enlightning us in the knowledge of Christ.

What is it for the Spirit to convince our mind of our sin and misery?

The Spirit worketh in our mind a conviction of our sin & misery, when he giveth us a clear sight, and full perswasion of the guilt of our sins, and a feeling apprehension of the dreadful Wrath of God, and the endless miseries of Hell, which we have deserved for sin, and every Hour are exposed unto; which doth wound our hearts and consciences, and filleth us with perplexing care what to do to be saved, And when he is come, he will reprove (or convince) the World of sin.^d Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their hearts, and said unto Peter, and the rest of the Apostles, Men and Brethren, What shall we do?^e

Whereby doth the Spirit convince us of our sin and misery!

The Spirit convinceth us of our sin and misery by the Law, and threatnings thereof, By the Law is the knowledg of sin.^f Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the Book of the Law to do them.^g

What knowledg of Christ doth the Spirit enlighten our minds withal after conviction of our sin and misery?

The Spirit doth enlighten our minds, after conviction of our sin and misery, with the knowledg; 1. That Christ only can save, and that he is all sufficient to do it, Neither is there Salvation in any other, for there is none other name under Heaven given amongst men, whereby we must be saved.^h Wherefore he is able to save them to the uttermost, that come unto God by him.ⁱ 2. That Christ is willing to save all that come unto him, Him that cometh unto me, I will in no wise cast out.^j 3. That Christ hath undertaken to save us, and is faithful to perform it, That he might be a merciful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the People.^k

Whereby doth the Spirit enlighten us with the knowledg of Christ?

The Spirit doth enlighten us with the knowledg of Christ, by the discoveries of Christ in the Gospel, opening our eyes to discern him there discovered, To whom I send thee, to open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness unto light, &c.^l

What is the work of the Spirit of God in our effectual calling upon our wills?

The work of the Spirit of God in our effectual calling upon our wills is to renew them.

What is it for our wills to be renewed?

Our wills are renewed, when the Spirit doth put new inclinations, and dispositions into them, A new heart will I give you, and a new Spirit will I put within you, and will take away the heart of stone out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.^m

Are not we able to renew our own wills, and to turn from sin unto Christ of our selves?

No. It is the all-mighty power of the Spirit of God, that doth perswade and enable us to embrace Jesus Christ by Faith, And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to usward, who believe according to the working of his mighty Power; which he wrought in Christ when he raised him from the dead.ⁿ