The Wisdom of the Gospel: Effectual Calling (& Regeneration) Think About It— When and how does the unregenerate (not born again) sinner, incapable of faith (see 1 Cor. 2:14), take on the condition where faith is possible? Talk About It— Ordo Salutis (order of salvation)—the (sometimes) temporal but (more often) logical or causal order in which God applies salvation to us. Regeneration— “...the work of God which gives new life to the one who believes” (Ryrie). General Calling of the Gospel—the general preaching of the gospel to those who respond in faith, as well as those who don’t. Effectual Calling— “...an act of God the Father, speaking through the human proclamation of the gospel, in which he summons people to himself in such a way that they respond in saving faith” (Grudem). Four possible answers to our “hook” question— Possibility #1: We’re really not that sinful and can respond to God on our own apart from a special work of grace (Semi-Pelagianism/Cassianism). Possibility #2: Christ enabled faith by changing the spiritual condition of everyone at the cross (the Arminian doctrine of “prevenient grace”). Possibility #3: God regenerates the elect before conversion so that they can believe (Reformed theology). Possibility #4: God effectually calls the elect to faith through the gospel, then regenerates those who believe (Faith Bible Church). Effectual Calling— 1. Effectual calling is entirely from _______________ (Rm. 8:30; 2 Tim. 1:8-9) and is the work of the _______________ (1 Cor. 2:10-16). 2. In effectual calling God removes us from _______________ (1 Pet. 2:9) to fellowship with Jesus (1 Cor. 1:9; Acts 2:39), God’s kingdom (1 Thess. 2:12; 1 Pet. 5:10), God’s realm of peace (Col. 3:15) and eternal life (1 Tim. 6:12). 3. Effectual calling should be distinguished from the general call of the gospel (Matt. 22:14; Lk. 14:16...24; Rm. 9:27; 10:18-21). 4. Effectual calling makes the gospel effective and results in _______________ (Jn. 6:44; Acts 16:14). 5. Effectual calling takes place (usually) through the preached _______________ of God (Rm. 10:14-17; 2 Thess. 2:13-14). Bring It Home— How does your new appreciation for God’s work of effectual calling change the way you value the proclamation of the gospel? Can you summarize the gospel in a short statement? How does this study impress upon you the importance of proclaiming the gospel clearly and accurately? How will this study change the way you pray for non-believers? What testimony to God’s effectual calling do you have? When did the “lights go on” for you? Have you seen this taking place in others? .