The Gospel Call/Effective Calling, Adoption, Sanctification & Baptism

 The Gospel Call and Effective Calling:

 The Gospel Call and Effective Calling are two crucial concepts in Christian theology that relate to how God invites people to come to Him and how He enables them to respond.

 The Gospel Call is the external call of the Gospel that is proclaimed to all people, inviting them to repent and believe in Jesus Christ for salvation. This call is made through the preaching of the Word, the testimony of believers, and the witness of creation, all of which point people toward the saving grace of Jesus Christ.

 Effective Calling, on the other hand, is the internal call of the Holy Spirit that enables individuals to respond to the Gospel Call in faith and repentance. This call is a supernatural work of God in the hearts of individuals, enabling them to see their need for salvation and to trust in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins and eternal life. The doctrine of Effective Calling is closely related to the concept of Regeneration, which is the supernatural work of God in the hearts of individuals, transforming them from spiritual death to spiritual life. Effective Calling is how Regeneration occurs, as the Holy Spirit works through the Gospel Call to bring individuals to faith in Jesus Christ.

It is important to note that while the Gospel Call is made to everyone, not all respond in faith and repentance. This is due to the effects of sin and the hardness of the human heart, which can only be overcome by the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit in Effective Calling.

Here are some points to expand on this concept:

1.  The Gospel Call is God’s invitation to all people to repent and believe in Jesus Christ for Salvation. This call is based on the truth of the Gospel, which declares that Jesus Christ died for the world’s sins and that Salvation is available to all who believe in Him.
2. The Gospel Call is communicated through various means, including the preaching of the Word, the witness of believers, and the testimony of creation. It is a universal call for everyone, regardless of background or circumstances.
3. The Gospel Call is made through the proclamation of the Word of God, which is the primary means by which God communicates His message of salvation to the world. The Bible is God’s inspired and authoritative Word, and it contains the message of salvation to be proclaimed to all people.
4. While the Gospel Call is made to everyone, not all respond in faith and repentance. This is due to the effects of sin and the hardness of the human heart, which can only be overcome by the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit in Effective Calling.
5. Effective Calling is the internal call of the Holy Spirit that enables individuals to respond to the Gospel Call in faith and repentance. This call is a supernatural work of God in the hearts of individuals, enabling them to see their need for salvation and to trust in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins and eternal life.
6. Effective Calling is closely related to the concept of Regeneration, which is the supernatural work of God in the hearts of individuals, transforming them from spiritual death to spiritual life. Effective Calling is how Regeneration occurs, as the Holy Spirit works through the Gospel Call to bring individuals to faith in Jesus Christ.
7. Effective Calling is a work of the Holy Spirit based on the merits of Christ’s atoning work on the cross. It is not based on merit or worthiness on the individual’s part but on God’s grace and mercy.
8. The Doctrine of Effective Calling emphasizes the Sovereignty of God in Salvation, as it is ultimately God who calls and enables individuals to respond in faith and repentance. At the same time, it highlights the importance of human responsibility, as individuals are called to respond in faith and repentance to the Gospel Call.
9. The Doctrine of Effective Calling emphasizes the importance of prayer and intercession, as it recognizes that only the Holy Spirit can truly open the hearts and minds of individuals to receive the Gospel. Therefore, Christians are called to pray for the salvation of others and to share the Gospel message with boldness and clarity.
10. The Doctrine of Effective Calling also reminds us of the importance of discipleship and growth in the Christian life, as those called by God are called to live a life of obedience and holiness. The Holy Spirit works in the hearts of believers to transform them into the image of Christ, an ongoing process that continues throughout the believer’s life.
11. The Gospel Call and Effective Calling are central to the Christian faith, as they speak to how God invites and enables individuals to come to Him for salvation. Together, they remind us of the grace and mercy of God, who offers salvation freely to all who would receive it by faith in Jesus Christ.
12. The Gospel Call and Effective Calling are intimately connected, as the Gospel Call is the external means by which the Holy Spirit works to bring individuals to faith in Jesus Christ. Without the Gospel Call, there can be no Effective Calling.

 In summary, the Gospel Call and Effective Calling are essential concepts in Christian theology that emphasize the sovereignty of God in salvation and the importance of human response to the Gospel message. Through the Gospel Call, God invites all people to come to Him for salvation, while through Effective Calling, He enables individuals to respond in faith and repentance. Christians are called to proclaim the Gospel boldly, pray for the salvation of others, and live a life of obedience and holiness as they follow Christ.

Adoption (Membership in God’s Family):

Adoption is the doctrine that teaches that, through faith in Jesus Christ, believers are given the status of God’s children and become members of His family.

Here are some points to expand on this concept:

1. Adoption is a term used in Scripture to describe our relationship with God: In the New Testament, “adoption” describes our relationship with God as His children. As it says in Romans 8:15, “For you did not receive the Spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, ‘Abba! Father!'”
2. Adoption results from God’s Grace: Adoption is not something we can earn or deserve but rather a result of God’s grace. As it says in Ephesians 1:5-6, “In love, he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.”
3. Adoption gives us a new identity: When adopted into God’s family, we receive a new identity as His children. Our past mistakes or worldly status no longer define us; our relationship with God defines us as His beloved children.
4. Adoption gives us access to God: As God’s children, we have access to Him through prayer and the Holy Spirit. We can come to Him with our needs and concerns and trust that He will listen and respond.
5. Adoption comes with privileges and responsibilities: As members of God’s family, we have certain privileges, such as the assurance of salvation and the promise of eternal life. However, we also have responsibilities, such as obeying God’s commands and living a life that reflects our new identity as His children.
6. Adoption is a source of comfort and security: Knowing that we are adopted into God’s family can provide comfort and security, especially in times of difficulty or uncertainty. As it says in Romans 8:16-17, “The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ.”
7. Adoption creates a sense of unity among Believers: Adoption not only gives us a personal relationship with God but also creates a sense of unity among believers who have been adopted into God’s family. As it says in Galatians 3:26-28, “for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. There is neither Jew nor Greek nor slave nor free; there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
8. Adoption is a permanent status: Once we have been adopted into God’s family, our status as His children cannot be removed. As it says in John 10:28-29, “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one can snatch them out of the Father’s hand.”
9. Adoption is a source of joy: Knowing that we have been adopted into God’s family can bring us great joy and satisfaction. As it says in 1 John 3:1, “See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are.”
10. Adoption reflects God’s Character: God’s decision to adopt us into His family reflects His loving and compassionate character. As it says in 1 John 4:9, “In this, the love of God was made manifest among us, that God sent his only Son into the world so that we might live through him.”

Sanctification (Growth in Likeness to Christ):

Sanctification is the process by which Christians are transformed into the likeness of Christ through the work of the Holy Spirit.

Here are some additional points on this important Doctrine:

1. Sanctification is both an event and a process: Sanctification involves both an initial event, where we are set apart for God’s purposes and made holy in His sight, and an ongoing process of growth and transformation as we become more and more like Christ.
2. Sanctification is a cooperative effort: While God is the one who sanctifies us through the work of the Holy Spirit, we are also called to participate actively in sanctification by submitting to God’s will and cooperating with the Spirit’s work in our lives.
3. Sanctification involves the whole person: Sanctification involves our outward behavior and our inner thoughts, attitudes, and desires. As the renewing of our minds transforms us, we become more like Christ in every area of our lives.
4. Sanctification is a lifelong process: While we are sanctified in an instant when we first come to faith in Christ, the process of sanctification continues throughout our lives as we grow in our relationship with God and become more like Him.
5. Sanctification is necessary for Salvation: While sanctification does not earn us salvation, it is an essential part of the Christian life and is evidence of God’s saving work in our lives.
6. Sanctification is a source of joy and peace: As we become more like Christ, we experience the joy and peace that comes from knowing and obeying God. As it says in Romans 14:17, “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”
7. Sanctification involves a battle with sin: While sanctifying, we must contend with our sinful nature and the world’s temptations. The Apostle Paul describes this struggle in Romans 7, where he writes, “For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing” (Romans 7:19).
8. Sanctification requires discipline: As we grow in our relationship with God, we must discipline ourselves to live in a way that is pleasing to Him. It involves prayer, Bible study, fellowship with other believers, and other spiritual disciplines.
9. Sanctification is a community effort: While sanctification is ultimately the work of God in the individual believer’s life, it is also a communal effort that involves the support and encouragement of other believers. Sharing our struggles and successes can help each other grow in our faith and become more like Christ.
10. Sanctification results in good works: As the Holy Spirit transforms us, we begin to produce the fruit of the Spirit, which includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23). These virtues are evidence of our sanctification and a witness to the world of God’s transforming power in our lives.

Baptism in and Filling With the Holy Spirit:

Baptism in the Holy Spirit and Filling with the Holy Spirit are two distinct but related experiences in the life of a Christian.

Here are some points to expand on Baptism:

1. Baptism in the Holy Spirit refers to the initial experience of receiving the Holy Spirit after conversion. It is often associated with the experience of speaking in tongues, as recorded in Acts 2:4. This experience is seen as empowering the believer for ministry and giving them the boldness to proclaim the Gospel.
2. Filling with the Holy Spirit: This refers to an ongoing experience of the Holy Spirit’s presence and power in the believer’s life. It is not a one-time event but a continual surrender to the Spirit’s work. This filling results in deepening our relationship with God and a greater capacity to live a holy life.
3. Baptism in the Holy Spirit is a distinct experience: While all believers have the Holy Spirit living within them, baptism in the Holy Spirit is a separate experience that empowers the believer for ministry and service.
4. Baptism in the Holy Spirit is unnecessary for Salvation: Salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ alone. However, baptism in the Holy Spirit is a significant experience that can empower believers to share the Gospel and live a holy life more effectively.
5. Filling with the Holy Spirit is necessary for spiritual growth: To grow in our relationship with God and become more like Christ, we need the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. This involves a continual process of surrender and submission to God’s will.
6. Both experiences are available to all believers: Baptism in the Holy Spirit and filling with the Holy Spirit are available to all believers who seek them. It is not limited to a select group or particular class of Christians.
7. The Holy Spirit is the source of spiritual power: Both experiences involve a greater dependence on the Holy Spirit’s power and guidance. As we submit to His work in our lives, we can experience more incredible spiritual growth and effectiveness in ministry.
8. Baptism in the Holy Spirit is often accompanied by spiritual gifts such as prophecy, healing, and miracles. These gifts are given for the improvement of the church and the advancement of the Gospel.
9. Filling with the Holy Spirit is an ongoing process that requires a continual surrender to God’s will and a daily renewal of our minds. This involves a willingness to let go of our desires and agendas and follow the Holy Spirit’s leading.
10. The Holy Spirit is a Person, not a force or a power. He is the third person of the Trinity and deserves our worship and reverence.
11. The Holy Spirit’s work in our lives is not limited to personal growth and development. He also empowers us to witness and serve others within the church and the world.
12. While baptism in the Holy Spirit is often associated with speaking in tongues, it is essential to remember that this is just one manifestation of the Spirit’s work. The Holy Spirit works in various ways in the lives of believers, and we should be open to His leading in whatever form it takes.

 Baptism in the Holy Spirit is often associated with speaking in tongues, which manifests the Holy Spirit’s presence and power. This gift of tongues is often misunderstood and controversial within some Christian circles. Still, it is crucial to understand that it is not the only manifestation of the Holy Spirit’s work.

 The Baptism in the Holy Spirit is an empowering experience that enables believers to serve God more effectively and live out their Calling. It is not a one-time event but an ongoing process of growth and maturation in the Christian life.

 On the other hand, filling with the Holy Spirit is a continual process of surrendering to the Spirit’s work in our lives. It involves submitting to God’s will and allowing the Holy Spirit to guide and direct us in all areas of life. It involves a continual process of growth and transformation as we become more like Christ.

 Both experiences are essential for spiritual growth and maturity. The Baptism in the Holy Spirit empowers us for service and ministry while filling with the Holy Spirit enables us to grow in our relationship with God and become more like Christ.

 It is important to note that these experiences are not limited to a select group or particular class of Christians. They are available to all believers who seek them. It is also essential to understand that these experiences are unnecessary for salvation. Salvation comes through faith in Jesus Christ alone.

 Finally, it is essential to remember that the Holy Spirit is the source of all spiritual power and growth. As we submit to His work in our lives, we can experience greater spiritual growth and effectiveness in ministry.