4/17/12- definition of effectual calling

How great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are! The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. ² Dear friends, now we are children of God, and what we will be has not yet been made known. But we know that when he appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is. ³ Everyone who has this hope in him purifies himself, just as he is pure. (1 John 3:1-3) 


WSC. 31. What is effective calling?

A. Effective calling is the work of God's Spirit by which he convinces us of our sin and misery, enlightens our minds in the knowledge of Christ, and renewing our wills, and so persuades and enable us to embrace Jesus Christ, freely offered to us in the gospel.

Thoughts: God's call to us is real- the most real thing we ever experience.  He wakes us up to Him. 

The Spirit convicts us of sin, and shows us God's way.  The Spirit renews, persuades, and enables us to respond to God.  The free offer of the gospel means little to us until we are enabled and renewed to respond.

Prayer: You, O Lord are worthy of praise for you call and draw me to yourself.

WSC Q. 31- What is effectual calling?
A. Effectual calling is the work of God's Spirit, whereby, convincing us of our sin and mercy, enlightening our minds in the knowledge of Christ, and renewing our wills, he doth persuade and enable us to embrace Jesus Christ, freely offered us in the gospel.