Are the elect only effectually called?

All the elect, and they only, are effectually called;[1] although others may be, and often are, outwardly called by the ministry of the word,[2] and have some common operations of the Spirit;[3] who, for their wilful neglect and contempt of the grace offered to them, being justly left in their unbelief, do never truly come to Jesus Christ.[4]

1. Acts 13:48

   And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed.

2. Matt. 22:14

   For many are called, but few are chosen.

3. Matt. 7:22

   On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’

   Matt. 13:20-21

   As for what was sown on rocky ground, this is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy, yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while, and when tribulation or persecution arises on account of the word, immediately he falls away.

   Heb. 6:4-6

   For it is impossible, in the case of those who have once been enlightened, who have tasted the heavenly gift, and have shared in the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the goodness of the word of God and the powers of the age to come, and then have fallen away, to restore them again to repentance, since they are crucifying once again the Son of God to their own harm and holding him up to contempt.

4. John 6:64-65

   But there are some of you who do not believe.” (For Jesus knew from the beginning who those were who did not believe, and who it was who would betray him.)  And he said, “This is why I told you that no one can come to me unless it is granted him by the Father.” 

   John 12:38-30

   So that the word spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled:

   “Lord, who has believed what he heard from us,
   and to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?”

   Therefore they could not believe. For again Isaiah said,

   “He has blinded their eyes
   and hardened their heart,
   lest they see with their eyes,
   and understand with their heart, and turn,
   and I would heal them.”

   
   Acts 18:25-27

   He had been instructed in the way of the Lord. And being fervent in spirit, he spoke and taught accurately the things concerning Jesus, though he knew only the baptism of John. He began to speak boldly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him and explained to him the way of God more accurately. And when he wished to cross to Achaia, the brothers encouraged him and wrote to the disciples to welcome him. When he arrived, he greatly helped those who through grace had believed … .
   

   Psa. 81:11-12

   But my people did not listen to my voice;
   Israel would not submit to me.
   So I gave them over to their stubborn hearts,
   to follow their own counsels.

Westminster Larger Catechism, Question 68

Comments

[Leslie]

This is absolutely terrifying to me. I am reading MacArthur's commentary on the book of Hebrews, and just this past week I read his comments on Hebrews 6. I am also reading Edwards' The Religious Affections, so I'm getting an abundant dose of what true faith looks like and what could be counterfeit...not to judge others necessarily, but to discern my own heart toward God. Maybe I shouldn't use terrifying...but, it is sobering. I do not know if this is correct, but is the only real way to know if one's faith and calling are effectual is by passing through the fire, so to speak? Is it only through trial and testing (like those listed in Hebrews 11) the only sure way to know if one's faith is genuine? I've never heard this from a pulpit, but from what I'm reading these days, it's what I'm beginning to think. Isn't that what Peter says? I guess I'm answering my question...What would you say, Rebecca?

[rebecca]

I think assurance is something that grows over time, and I do think that enduring through suffering increases assurance, but I wouldn't think it's necessary for assurance.

But personally, I'd say assurance comes more from continuing to look to Christ. To concentrate on the object of faith rather than our faith itself. His work is perfect; he is trustworthy. My faith will never be perfect.

[Kim from Hiraeth]

Good Morning, Rebecca

My heart leapt and my eyes filled with tears as I read your response. The answer you gave is the answer that consoles us and is the answer that most glorifies the One who saves us and assures us of His steadfast love and never failing fellowship. (John 17)

[Ruthie Cuiabana]

Yes, I'd agree that it is terrifying. One problem I've always had when looking at passages which deal with the doctrine of election--the picture I get of God is one of an arbitrary and thoroughly cold manipulator of souls. (God, forgive me!) He seems like the fates--those spinners and cutters of our lives. And I feel like I am Edwards' "sinner in the hands of an angry God" --a spider being dangled over an open flame. I can follow the God who said, "Jacob have I loved, Esau have I hated" by obedience but not by love.

Ruthie

[rebecca]

I can see how that might be the picture you get, Ruthie, but I think it's missing a couple of things that need to be in the picture as well. First, no one is innocent. Everyone thoroughly deserves condemnation--is already rightly condemned--and God saves those he chooses from condemnation. It's as if sinners are already falling toward the flames, and God is reaching out and plucking some from it.

Scripture also paints a picture of a God who loves sinners, not one who is cold toward them--who loves those he saves with the sort of love that sacrifices his son for them.