Basic HTML Version
442
redemption, the saving work of Christ, and the renewing and transforming operations of the
Holy Spirit, should all be interpreted in their mutual relations. It should be borne in mind,
however, that a mere presentation of the truths of redemption, no matter how well done, does
not yet constitute the gospel call. It is not only fundamental to it, but even constitutes a very
important part of it. At the same time it is by no means the whole of that call. According to our
Reformed conception the following elements also belong to it.
b. An invitation to accept Christ in repentance and faith.
The representation of the way of
salvation must be supplemented by an earnest invitation (II Cor. 5:11,20) and even a solemn
command (John 6:28,29; Acts 19:4) to repent and believe, that is to accept Christ by faith. But,
in order that this coming to Christ may not be understood in a superficial sense, as it is often
represented by revivalists, the true nature of the repentance and the faith required should be
clearly set forth. It must be made perfectly clear that the sinner cannot of himself truly repent
and believe, but that it is God who worketh in him “both to will and to work, for His good
pleasure.”
c. A promise of forgiveness and salvation.
The external call also contains a promise of
acceptance for all those who comply with the conditions, not in their own strength, but by the
power of the grace of God wrought in their hearts by the Holy Spirit. They who by grace repent
of their sins and accept Christ by faith receive the assurance of the forgiveness of sins and of
eternal salvation. This promise, it should be noticed, is never absolute, but always conditional.
No one can expect its fulfilment, except in the way of a faith and repentance that is truly
wrought by God.
From the fact that these elements are included in external calling, it may readily be inferred
that they who reject the gospel not merely refuse to believe certain facts and ideas, but resist
the general operation of the Holy Spirit, which is connected with this calling, and are guilty of
the sin of obstinate disobedience. By their refusal to accept the gospel, they increase their
responsibility, and treasure up wrath for themselves in the day of judgment, Rom. 2:4,5. That
the above elements are actually included in the external calling, is quite evident from the
following passages of Scripture: (a) According to Acts 20:27 Paul considers the declaration of
the whole counsel of God as a part of the call; and in Eph. 3:7-11 he recounts some of the
details which he had declared unto the readers. (b) Examples of the call to repent and believe
are found in such passages as Ezek. 33:11; Mark 1:15; John 6:29; II Cor. 5:20. (c) And the
promise is contained in the following passages, John 3:16-18,36; 5:24,40.[Cf. also the Canons of
Dort II, 5,6; III and IV, 8.]