Class 11, Lesson 9
The Application of Redemption, the Ordo Solutis & Effectual Calling
Introduction to the Ordo Solutis (Ephesians 1:13)
- Election (chosen)
- Effectual calling
- Regeneration
- Justification
- Adoption
- Sanctification
- Glorification
1. Romans 8:28-30 – “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 29For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.”
- Verse 28 – “called according to His purpose” Purpose is prior to calling; effectual calling flows out of God’s eternal decree; foreknowledge references those who have been objects of God’s favor and love from eternity.
- Verse 29 – Progression from foreknowledge to predestination
- Verse 30 – chain of events beginning in foreknowledge terminating in glorification; logical order – justification and glorification follow calling
2. Distinction between “general” call of the Gospel and “particular” call
- Gospel to be preached to all men without distinction
- Only those effectual called respond to the preaching of the Gospel
- Matthew 22
- Many are called (invited); few are chosen (elect)
- “Enclectoi” Greek word used for elect in New Testament
- Used for the particular call of the Gospel resulting in new birth
- More general term used for the universal call of the Gospel
3. The author of our calling
- The author of this particular call is God the Father (1 Cor. 1:9)
- Calling an act of God’s grace and power just like regeneration, justification and adoption (2 Tim. 1:8)
- God the Father intimately involved in our salvation (Rom. 8:30, Gal. 1:15, Eph. 1:17, 2 Tim. 1:9, 1 John 3:1)
4. The nature of our calling
- Summons more appropriate word than calling
- God’s summoning irresistible (Rom. 11:29)
- Part of the unbreakable chain of events (Rom. 8:28-30) associated with God’s foreknowledge culminating in glorification
- Canons of Dort, Third Head of Doctrine, article 10
5. High, holy and heavenly calling (Phil. 3:14, 2 Tim. 1:9, Heb. 3:1)
- Life into which people of God are ushered separates them from their fellowship with present evil world into fellowship with the Spirit
- An act of God by which we are actually united to Christ (1 Cor. 1:9)
6. Calling a sovereign act of God
Recommended reading: the Canons of Dort, third and fourth heads of doctrine, articles 1-11.
Application questions:
- What is the Ordo Solutis?
- What is the difference between the general call and the particular call?
- What takes place when a sinner is effectually called?
- Who is the author of this calling?
- What determines why some people are effectually called and some are not?
- What is the relationship between the Covenant of Redemption and effectual calling?
