All those whom God has predestinated unto life, and those only, He is pleased, in His appointed and accepted time, effectually to call, by His word and Spirit, out of that state of sin and death, in which they are by nature to grace and salvation, by Jesus Christ; enlightening their minds spiritually and savingly to understand the things of God, taking away their heart of stone, and giving unto them a heart of flesh; renewing their wills, and, by His almighty power, determining them to that which is good, and effectually drawing them to Jesus Christ: yet so, as they come most freely, being made willing by His grace.
That God effectively calls men and women unto himself reflects his goodness. Election and all that it entails are based upon God's good pleasure. He is not obligated to save any, but is free to save whom he chooses. God has not overlooked any of his people, nor does he amend his perfect decisions. His choice is not conditioned by anything foreseen in a man; it arises purely out of his own purposes and pleasure. This is the great difference between the Calvinist and Arminian perspectives on election. And all of this happens at the "appointed and accepted time."
God uses the means of word and Spirit to accomplish his purposes in his chosen ones. God so directs events that his elect are exposed to the preaching of the gospel. It may therefore be supposed that where the gospel is not preached or the word is not seen or heard God has no people, for God cannot be thwarted. God calls men out of their natural state of sin and death unto grace and salvation by Jesus Christ.
The Spirit's work within a man or woman so chosen is prevenient, monergistic, mysterious, sovereign, and effectual. By this work minds are enlightened, affording the ability to understand the things of God; hearts of stone are taken away and replaced by hearts of flesh; wills are renewed, such that the ability to will and do the good is restored; and men are thereby determined to that which is good by the almighty power of God.
The inevitable response is like that of a spiritual resurrection--once dead in sin and trespasses, the person is made alive in Christ. What does a dead man contribute to his resurrection but his own stinking corpse? By the Spirit are men effectively drawn to Christ, coming freely, being made willing by God's grace. They are spiritually quickened and renewed. And they are enabled to answer the call of God and embrace the offer of grace.
Praise God that he mercifully works within sinful men to save them and does not leave them in the wreck and ruin of their corruption!
Tomorrow: The outward call.
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