CALL
- Easton's
- Nave's
- Torrey's
| EASTON'S BIBLE DICTIONARY |
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).
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
).
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
).
| TORREY'S "THE NEW TOPICAL TEXTBOOK" (additional material included) |
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