Mister Richardson’s
Bible Doctrine Class

Chapter 19 - The Gospel Call

A. Effective Calling
  1. Effective Calling is an act of God - Romans 1:7, 8:30; 1 Peter 2:9; 1 Corinthians 1:2,9; 1 Thessalonians 2:12; 1 Timothy 6:12.
  2. Effective Calling guarantees a response - Romans 8:30; 2 Thessalonians 2:14; Acts 16:14.
  3. It is internal and particular.
B. Gospel Calling - the preaching of the gospel.
  1. The facts of salvation:
  2. Invitation to respond to Christ in repentance and faith. Jesus speaks now, not just at the end of a service during an altar call - Matt 11:28-30; John 1:11-12.
  3. A promise of forgiveness and eternal life - John 3:16, 6:37; Acts 3:19.
  4. It is general and external.
C. Importance of the Gospel Call

REVIEW QUESTIONS
1. What is the difference between effective calling and the gospel call?
2. What three elements must be present in the gospel call?
3. In light of the doctrine of election, is the gospel call really necessary? Why?

PERSONAL APPLICATION QUESTION
Do you understand the elements of the gospel call clearly enough to present them to others? Could you turn to appropriate passages in the Scripture?

TERMS
Effective calling, external calling, gospel call, internal calling.

WESTMINSTER SHORTER CATECHISM
Q31: What is effectual calling?
A31: Effectual calling is the work of God's Spirit, whereby convincing us of our sin and misery, enlightening our minds in the knowledge of Christ, and renewing our wills, he doth persuade and enable us to embrace Jesus Christ, freely offered to us in the gospel.

Q32: What benefits do they that are effectually called partake of in this life?
A32: They that are effectually called do in this life partake of justification, adoption, and sanctification, and the several benefits which, in this life, do either accompany or flow from them.

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