Theological glossary · FaithLogic

Effectual calling

In Reformed theology, the Holy Spirit's act of so working through the gospel call that the person he calls is renewed and infallibly comes to Christ — as distinct from the general, resistible outward invitation.

Also 'efficacious calling' or 'internal calling'; contrasted with the 'external' or 'general' call.

Romans 8:30 ('those whom he called he also justified' — the called are all justified); 1 Corinthians 1:9, 23–24 ('to those who are called … Christ the power of God'); 2 Timothy 1:9; John 6:44–45, 65; Acts 16:14 ('the Lord opened her heart').

The distinction (general vs. effectual call) is worked out in Reformed theology (Westminster Confession ch. 10; Canons of Dort III/IV) as the link between eternal election and its application in time. Arminian and Catholic theology speak instead of a grace that enables but does not infallibly secure the response.

Effectual calling is monergistic — God's act — and issues in regeneration and faith; it is the point at which, on the Reformed view, election becomes actual in a person's life.

Whether Scripture teaches a distinct effectual call or only one call that may be accepted or refused (the Arminian view); its relation to regeneration (which comes first).

Open in the glossary for related terms and the doctrines this concept appears in.