The Bible in many places speaks of the fact that the instrument of effectual calling is the Word of God or, in other words, the gospel of Christ. Listen to some of the many passages which say this:
2 Thessalonians 2:14 It was for this He called you through our gospel, that you may gain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Peter 1:23 for you have been born again not of seed which is perishable but imperishable, that is, through the living and enduring word of God…And this is the word which was preached to you.
James 1:17 Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. 18 In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first fruits among His creatures. …. 21 … in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls.
1 John 5:1 Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God …. 4 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that has overcome the world — our faith. 5 Who is the one who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?
Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.
Romans 10:14 How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? How will they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher?
Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
To many, it has seemed a denial of the sovereignty of effectual calling to say that it is through the Word. They think this means that the only power put forth in such a calling is the persuasion of the Word and that the result is left up to the sinner. That is not what these passages teach. Rather, the power of God is put forth through the Word in effectual calling. Let me illustrate. The lamp in my study will not light up without the electricity flowing through the cord. Take away either the bulb or the electricity, and I will remain in darkness. The gospel is the light bulb. Effectual calling is the electricity.
Or consider this illustration. Only the key of the gospel fits the lock of the human heart. Yet by itself that key will not turn the rusty lock of the human heart and open it to God’s salvation. It takes the power of the hand of God to turn the key and break the rust off the lock of the human heart and bring it to salvation.
Stay in touch with CBTSeminary
For more information about CBTS, go to CBTSeminary.org
Consider giving to CBTSeminary to help us train the next generation of gospel ministers.
Apply to CBTS today to be sharpened for a lifetime of faithful ministry.
Follow CBTS on our socials: X | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube
Sign up for our newsletter and receive monthly updates related to the Seminary.
Dr. Sam Waldron is the Academic Dean of CBTS and professor of Systematic Theology. He is also one of the pastors of Grace Reformed Baptist Church in Owensboro, KY. Dr. Waldron received a B.A. from Cornerstone University, an M.Div. from Trinity Ministerial Academy, a Th.M. from Grand Rapids Theological Seminary, and a Ph.D. from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. From 1977 to 2001 he was a pastor of the Reformed Baptist Church of Grand Rapids, MI. Dr. Waldron is the author of numerous books including A Modern Exposition of the 1689 Baptist Confession of Faith, The End Times Made Simple, Baptist Roots in America, To Be Continued?, and MacArthur’s Millennial Manifesto: A Friendly Response.
