141 – Effects of the Call

EFFECTS OF THE CALL

  § 141. By the divine power residing in the means of grace, and working through the same,1 the calling grace of God effects regeneration,2 or conversion.3 Wherever these effects are not attained, this is due to obstinate resistance on the part of man.4

1. By the divine power residing in the means of grace, and working through the same,…

  Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

  I Peter 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to His abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.

  I Corinthians 1:18 For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

  Hebrews 4:12 For the Word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

  I Peter 1:23 Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the Word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

  II Thessalonians 2:14 Whereunto He called you by our Gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

  I Corinthians 4:15 In Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the Gospel

2. … the calling grace of God effects regeneration,

Cf. § 142.

3. … or conversion.

Cf. § 143.

4. …Wherever these effects are not attained, this is due to obstinate resistance on the part of man.

  Luke 8:5, 12 A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it. (12) Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the Word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.

  Luke 14:18–20, 24 And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused. And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused. And another said, I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come. (24) For I say unto you, That none of those men which were bidden shall taste of My supper.

  Acts 26:28 Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Almost thou persuadest me to be a Christian.

  Acts 24:25 And as he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time; when I have a convenient season, I will call for thee.

  John 3:19–21 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.