Ordo Salutis: Effectual Calling

This article is the third in a series on the “Ordo Salutis” (order of salvation). So far in the series, we have laid the groundwork for the conversation and began looking at the logical ground-floor. If you have not already, reading those articles might be helpful. If you have been following along already, let me just remind you that this discussion is about the logical ordering of the application of salvation and not so much the chronological order. While some aspects of this order overlap or seem to be facets of an inseparable reality, like regeneration and faith, there remains a logic to how these fit in the application of redemption. In this article, we will consider the next logical step in the application of redemption: effectual calling.

What is Effectual Calling?

Effectual calling is the outworking of God’s choosing (election) by which the gospel is brought to an individual who then responds in faith. This response of faith, the true mark of effectual calling, is brought about by the work of God’s Spirit in their hearts, bringing regeneration, which is the next logical step in the ordo salutis. So, before we get ahead of ourselves here, the aspect of salvation we are talking about in this article is the part where God calls out his elect and it is in this call that election in eternity past is reveled in the present. In other words, as Paul stated in Romans 8:30, “those whom he predestined [in election] he also called…” 

God’s Sovereign Plan

In our podcast episode on election, we spoke a lot about Romans 8–9. There is so much to consider there, and space does not allow me to recap in this article. But there is one principle that we discussed that helps us to see the logical connection between election and the effectual calling. That principle is simple: keep on reading. That is, a lot of things that seem unclear at first become clearer if we would just keep on reading! In this case, when we move from chapters 8–9 of Romans and into chapter 10, we are moving from a presentation of God’s sovereign choice in election to the outworking of his sovereign plan in the effectual calling. Chapters 8–9 give us the “who” and chapter 10 gives us the “how.” Those who are chosen by God will be called by God. This call comes through the preaching of the gospel message.

There is a chord of gospel grace that is struck loudly in Paul’s statement in 10:13 that “everyone who calls ion the name of the Lord shall be saved,” which is a quotation of Joel 2:32. Paul then connects the logical dots from election to effectual calling in 10:14-17…

“How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? 15 And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” 16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?” 17 So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.”

Paul never used the phrase “effectual calling,” but these few verses capture the reality quite well. God’s sovereign choice in election is brought about by the call of the gospel. God’s choice is revealed as his plan is carried out. And it is his sovereign plan that no one is saved apart from hearing and receiving the gospel message.

Evangelism and the Sovereignty of God

Recently we had a conversation around evangelism and the sovereignty of God that is worth bringing up here. Sometimes the question is posed, “If God is sovereign, why evangelize?” The appropriate response, which has been written about here and discussed on our podcast, is that we evangelize because God is sovereign. God, in his sovereignty, has ordained that his eternal purpose in election would be carried out with an effectual calling that necessitates proclamation of the gospel. He has chosen a people for himself that they “may proclaim [his] excellencies,” as those he “has called… out of darkness into his marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9). The chosen have been called to proclaim the gospel that God might continue to call the chosen.

Conclusion

Friend, if you are reading this and you have experienced this call on your life, take heart! There is nothing anyone or anything can do to separate you from the Father’s love. You have been chosen before the foundation of this world and you will stand on the foundation of the new one that is to come. In the meantime, build your life on the foundation of God’s Word.

If you are not sure where you stand after reading these articles, don’t waste your time trying to figure out if you are “elect.” Unless you have access to information prior to the foundation of the world, you cannot see God’s plan for anyone else, much less yourself. If you are reading this and you are not sure where you stand, I can tell you two things: 1) God has made known his will and purpose through the gospel. If you are unsure about what the gospel is, reach out! [You could also read this article.] 2) This gospel comes with a call to repent and believe. So, what should you do? Repent and believe. Salvation is a gift of God’s grace that comes with innumerable blessings and an eternal hope. If your eyes are opening to this grace, if your heart is breaking over your sin, trust in Jesus!