In "Effectual Calling," Don Fortner addresses the theological doctrine of effectual calling, asserting that it is a divine summons that brings God's elect to spiritual life and faith in Christ. Fortner emphasizes that this call, described in various terminologies such as the Internal Call and the Irresistible Call, is a transformative experience characterized by a transition from spiritual darkness to light, as exemplified in 1 Peter 2:9 and 2 Corinthians 4:6. He notes that prior to this calling, the elect are completely oblivious to spiritual truths, echoing the doctrine of total depravity. The practical significance of this teaching lies in its assurance that those who have experienced effectual calling are enlightened by the Holy Spirit and are thus equipped to discern spiritual realities and engage in fellowship with other believers who walk in the light.
Key Quotes
“The Internal Call, The Effectual Call, The Irresistible Call, The Call of Grace... is best described in the words of Holy Scripture.”
“God the Holy Spirit shines in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.”
“Before God saved us... we were totally ignorant of God's character... our sin... and the Spirit of grace.”
“We have been called out of darkness into God's marvelous light... and walking in the light we both have fellowship with all who walk in the light.”
What does the Bible say about effectual calling?
The Bible describes effectual calling as God's gracious call that brings the elect out of darkness into His light.
Before this effectual call, those chosen by God are spiritually dead, engulfed in darkness and ignorance, unable to comprehend the truths of God and His salvation. However, upon receiving the call, their spiritual eyes are opened, and they can now see and understand the gospel. This change is essential, as believers are described in 1 John 1:7 as walking in the light and having fellowship with one another, all made possible through this divine calling that brings them to faith.
1 Peter 2:9, 2 Corinthians 4:6, John 3:18, 1 John 1:7
How do we know effectual calling is true?
Effectual calling is confirmed in Scripture through the transformation it produces in believers' lives.
Moreover, the reality of effectual calling is evident in the lives of many believers. Once engulfed in spiritual darkness, they are now enlightened by the Spirit, capable of discernment between truth and falsehood, grace and works. This is not merely an intellectual acknowledgment but a radical change in understanding and behavior, evidencing the transformative power of God’s grace at work. Ultimately, it speaks to the sovereignty of God in salvation, which is a core tenet of Reformed theology.
2 Corinthians 4:6, 1 John 2:20, 1 John 1:7
Why is effectual calling important for Christians?
Effectual calling is crucial as it assures Christians of their salvation and transformation in Christ.
Additionally, effectual calling emphasizes the new identity of believers as children of light. As affirmed in 1 Peter 2:9, being called out of darkness is not just a change in status but also a call to reflect God's glory in their lives. Christians are thus encouraged to live according to this transformation, walking in the light and participating in the mission of proclaiming the gospel. Ultimately, the doctrine of effectual calling reinforces the Reformed understanding of God's grace as both the initiator and sustainer of faith.
1 Peter 2:9, 1 John 1:7
Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus; - Hebrews 3:1Effectual Calling
What is this call of God by which God’s elect are saved? What is this heavenly calling of which we have been made partakers by the grace of God? It is described in many ways in doctrinal and theological works: The Internal Call - The Effectual Call - The Irresistible Call - The Call of Grace. All those terms are good and accurate. But it is best described in the words of Holy Scripture. This is how God the Holy Spirit describes the call of grace by which chosen, redeemed sinners are brought to life and faith in Christ.
Darkness to Light
This internal, effectual, saving call of grace is a call out of gross darkness into God’s marvelous light. "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light" (1 Pet. 2:9). As in the creation of the world, God commanded the light to shine out of darkness, so in the new creation of grace God the Holy spirit shines in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ (2 Cor. 4:6). “When the apostle Paul was called by grace, a light surrounded him, as an emblem of that internal light which was sprung in him. After that, there fell from his eyes, as it had been scales, as a token of the removal of his former darkness and ignorance” (John Gill).
Engulfed in Gross Darkness
Before God saved us, we were like all other men, engulfed in the gross darkness of our own depraved hearts and spiritual ignorance. God’s elect, in their state of nature, before they are converted, are just like all other men, totally ignorant of all things spiritual (John 3:#). Though chosen of God and redeemed by the blood of Christ, we were totally ignorant of God’s character, our sin, Christ’s person and work, the righteousness of God, the atonement of Christ, the providence of God, the Scriptures, the gospel, and the Spirit of grace. We knew absolutely nothing of God, or of faith in his Son, or of eternal life.
Spiritual Understanding
Now, by the effectual call of God the Holy Spirit, the eyes of our understanding have been opened, we are now made to see the light and walk in the light, as the children of the light. God’s people are children of light. They no longer grope about in darkness. They have the unction of the Spirit, causing them to know all things. Believers have the mind of Christ, enabling them to understand all things (Pro. 28:5; 1 Cor. 2:15-16; 1 John 2:20). Believers understand the truth, believe the truth, and receive the love of the truth. There is no such thing as a believer who despises revealed truth concerning God and his ways, himself and his sin, Christ and his atonement, or grace and salvation
Being taught of God, born of his Spirit, enlightened by his grace, saved sinners have the ability to distinguish things that differ. They know the difference between grace and works. They know the difference between free grace and free will. We have been called out of darkness into God’s marvelous light. We no longer grope about in darkness. “We walk in the light, as he is in the light.” And walking in the light, we both have fellowship with all who walk in the light and the assurance that we are partakers of God’s grace and salvation in Christ (1John 1:7).
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