Systematic Theology, by Louis Berkhof - New Leaven

sufficient to enable all men, if they choose, to attain to the full possession of spiritual
blessings, and ultimately to salvation.” 40 The work of salvation is once more made
dependent on man. This marked the beginning of a rationalistic return to the Pelagian
position, which entirely denies the necessity of an internal operation of the Holy Spirit
unto salvation.
C. EXTERNAL CALLING.
The Bible does not use the term “external,” but clearly speaks of a calling that is not
efficacious. It is presupposed in the great commission, as it is found in Mark 16:15,16,
“Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to the whole creation. He that believeth
and is baptized shall be saved; but he that disbelieveth shall be condemned.” The
parable of the marriage feast in Matt. 22:2-14 clearly teaches that some who were invited
did not come, and concludes with the well-known words: “For many are called, but few
chosen.” The same lesson is taught in the parable of the great supper, Luke 14:16-24.
Other passages speak explicitly of a rejection of the gospel, John 3:36; Acts 13:46; II
Thess. 1:8. Still others speak of the terrible sin of unbelief in a way which clearly shows
that it was committed by some, Matt. 10:15; 11:21-24; John 5:40; 16:8,9; I John 5:10. The
external call consists in the presentation and offering of salvation in Christ to sinners, together
with an earnest exhortation to accept Christ by faith, in order to obtain the forgiveness of sins
and life eternal.
1. THE ELEMENTS COMPRISED IN IT.
a. A presentation of the gospel facts and of the doctrine of redemption. The way of
redemption revealed in Christ must be set forth clearly in all its relations. God’s plan of
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
40 Cunningham, Hist. Theol. II, p. 396.
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