Of the Benefits of Effectual Calling
T. Boston, D.D. Romans 8:30 Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified… I. IN THIS LIFE. 1. There are three leading benefits which Christians partake of here. (1) They are all justified (Romans 8:1). (2) They are all adopted children of God (Ephesians 1:5). They are brought out of the devil's family, and made members of the blood-royal of heaven (Ephesians 3:15). (3) They are all sanctified (1 Corinthians 1:30; 1 Thessalonians 4:7). 2. There are other benefits which accompany or flow from these. For these come not alone, but each of them is the opening of a treasure to the called, the striking up of a fountain, that runs out in many streams (Ephesians 1:3). (1) Reconciliation with God (Romans 5:1). (2) Access to God, as children to a Father (Ephesians 3:12). The war being ended, and peace concluded, the communication betwixt heaven and earth is opened. (3) Freedom from the slavery of sin and Satan (John 8:32). (4) A right to eternal life (Romans 8:17; Acts 20:32; 2 Corinthians 5:1). II. IN THE LIFE TO COME. These are comprehended in one word, "glorification." At death the converted soul is received into heaven; at the last day his body will be gloriously raised, and both soul and body made perfectly happy for ever (2 Thessalonians 2:14). III. USES. 1. Of information. This doctrine lets us see — (1) That the gospel is the best news that ever was heard in the world, and the most excellent offer that ever was made to poor sinners (Ephesians 3:8). (2) That God deals very liberally and kindly with His people that answer His call. They get much in hand, and yet far more in hope (Psalm 84:11), and they can never be shaken out of their privileges (Romans 11:29; Hebrews 12:28). (3) Whatever men lose by complying with and following the gospel-call, they are gainers (Philippians 3:8). He was a wise merchant that sold all to buy the pearl of great price. 2. Of exhortation. (1) To unconverted sinners. Comply with the gospel-call. (a) While ye do not, ye have no part or lot in these benefits. Ye are not justified; the sentence of condemnation is standing in force against you (Galatians 3:10; John 3:1.). Ye are none of God's children, but of the devil's (John 8:44). Ye are not sanctified. A form of godliness ye may have, but the power of it ye are strangers to. (b) If ye will come to Christ on His call, ye shall partake of all these benefits. If your sins were never so great and many, they shall be pardoned (Isaiah 55:7), Ye shall be the children of God through Jesus Christ (John 1:12). Ye shall be made holy (1 Corinthians 6:11). (2) To converted sinners that have answered the call. Labour to know your great privileges for time and eternity (2 Peter 1:10). 2. Be thankful for these privileges (1 John 3:1). 3. Walk worthy of the vocation, that is, humbly, holily, heavenly, contentedly, patiently, and cheerfully, in hopes of the glory that is to be revealed. (T. Boston, D.D.) Parallel Verses KJV: Moreover whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. WEB: Whom he predestined, those he also called. Whom he called, those he also justified. Whom he justified, those he also glorified.