Effectual calling
A view held among orthodox Christians
God's Spirit inwardly calls the elect in a way that certainly brings them to faith, by renewing their hearts so that they come to Christ willingly.
Also called: irresistible grace, effectual call, efficacious grace
What it means
The gospel is preached to all, and all are commanded to repent and believe. That is the outward call. Effectual calling is the inward work of the Spirit that accompanies the outward call in the elect. He enlightens their minds, renews their wills, and draws them to Christ, so that they come freely and gladly. It is often called "irresistible grace," but that phrase can mislead. It does not mean that God drags people to Christ against their will, but that He changes their will so that they want to come.
Holders point to Jesus' words that no one can come unless the Father draws him, and that all the Father gives Him will come. In Romans 8, everyone who is called is also justified and glorified, which shows a call that is effective, not merely an invitation.
Arminian Christians agree that grace must come first but hold that it can be resisted, so that whether a person believes depends finally on his response. The Reformed confessions teach effectual calling.
In Scripture
No one can come to Christ unless the Father draws him, and Christ will raise him up.
All that the Father gives Christ will come to Him.
Those God called, He also justified and glorified.
The Lord opened Lydia's heart to respond to the message.
God promises to give a new heart and cause His people to walk in His ways.
God has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of His glory in Christ.
Where it comes up
Confessions: WCF 10.1; WCF 10.2; LBCF 1689 10.1; WSC Q 31; Canons of Dort 3/4.11-12
Related terms
CalvinismA view held among orthodox Christians
The teaching that salvation is wholly God's work, from His choosing of sinners before creation to His keeping them to the end.
RegenerationHistoric orthodoxy
The work of the Holy Spirit by which a person dead in sin is made spiritually alive, given a new heart that turns to God in faith and repentance.
Total depravityHistoric orthodoxy
Sin has affected every part of fallen human nature, so that no one can turn to God or please Him without His grace.
ArminianismA view held among orthodox Christians
The view that God, by grace, enables every person to respond to the gospel, and elects to salvation those He foresees will freely believe.