"
...THE HEAVENLY
CALLING.."
Hebrews 3:1
This
heavenly calling, of which all of God's elect are partakers, is that sovereign
and gracious work of the Holy Spirit which brings men to life and faith in
Jesus Christ. This is the effectual and irresistible operation of God the Holy
Spirit. When we talk about the Holy Spirit's effectual call, we are not saying
that God saves sinners against their will. We simply mean that when the Holy
Spirit is sent on an errand of mercy into a man's heart, he never fails to bring
that man to Christ. He so changes the sinners nature
that he is perfectly willing to receive Christ as Lord and Savior.
1. THERE IS A HEAVENLY
CALLING WHICH IS ALWAYS EFFECTUAL, BRINGING MEN TO SALVATION AND LIFE.
To be sure there is a true and sincere call which goes forth in the
preaching of the gospel which men resist. "Many are called, but few are
chosen." But there is a heavenly calling which always brings salvation. "Whom he called, them he also justified."
"Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power." "Blessed
is the man whom thou choosest, and causest to approach unto thee." It is
this calling which distinguishes the believer from the unbeliever. To the
unbelieving Jew, Christ crucified is a stumbling block. To the unbelieving
Greek, he is foolishness. "But unto them which are called," Christ is
"the power of God and the wisdom of God."
2. THIS HEAVENLY AND
EFFECTUAL CALL IS NECESSARY FOR THE SALVATION OF MEN.
It is necessary because of man's nature. By nature man has neither the
will nor the ability to come to Christ for salvation (John
3. HAVE YOU BEEN MADE A
PARTAKER OF THIS HEAVENLY CALLING?
It always produces
repentance and faith in Christ. It always transforms a man's nature. Cry out to
God the Holy Spirit for this gracious call now, saying "Draw me, and I
will run after thee."