Call: 1. To cry for help, hence to pray
(Genesis 4:26) Thus men are said to
"call upon the name of the Lord"
(Acts 2:21; 7:59; 9:14; Romans 10:12)(1 Corinthians 1:2)
2. God calls with respect to men when he designates them to some
special office
(Exodus 31:2; Isaiah 22:20; Acts 13:2) and when he invites
them to accept his offered grace
(Matthew 9:13; 11:28; 22:4) In the
message of the gospel his call is addressed to all men, to Jews
and Gentiles alike
(Matthew 28:19; Mark 16:15; Romans 9:24,25) But this
universal call is not inseparably connected with salvation,
although it leaves all to whom it comes inexcusable if they
reject it
(John 3:14-19; Matthew 22:14)
3. An effectual call is something more than the outward message of
the Word of God to men. It is internal, and is the result of the
enlightening and sanctifying influence of the Holy Spirit
(John 16:14; Acts 26:18; John 6:44) effectually drawing men to
Christ, and disposing and enabling them to receive the truth
(John 6:45; Acts 16:14; Ephesians 1:17)
