In this entry, we continue our consideration of Chapter 10 of the Confession and the crucial subject “of effectual calling.” We have seen the factuality, individuality, and priority of effectual calling. In the fourth place, consider the “efficacy” of effectual calling. By this I mean, of course, that the effectual calling actually and powerfully saves all those to whom it comes. There are a number of compelling arguments for this:
(1) This is shown by the fact that the called are all saved. We have seen this in our study of the factuality of effectual calling. “The called” is, as we have seen, biblical language for “the saved.” If this language is correct, then the calling in view must be effectual. It saves all those to whom it is issued.
(2) It is also demonstrated from its relation to election. Cf. Rom 8:28-30: “whom He did predestinate them He also called.” Cf. Rom. 9:22-24: it is the vessels of mercy prepared beforehand for that are called from among the Jews and Gentiles. Cf. 1 Cor 1:26-28: Our calling comes to us because God has chosen the foolish, weak nothings of the world for salvation. Cf. 2 Tim. 1:9: He called us … not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity.” Calling according to all these passages is the outworking of election. Election is the pattern of calling. Since election predestines salvation and makes it certain, so also does its earthly outworking, effectual calling.
(3) It is demonstrated from God’s voice being powerful in nature (Psa 29) and redemption. John 5:25 affirms this: “Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live.” So also does Rom 4:17 “… God, who gives life to the dead and calls into being that which does not exist.” Such a call infallibly creates the response it summons.
We owe our salvation to the sovereign grace that elected us and the sovereign grace that effectually called us to salvation. All glory to the God of sovereign grace.
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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.
