Systematic Theology, by Louis Berkhof - New Leaven

the representation is at least in part contrary to fact. External calling is general only in
the sense that it comes to all men to whom the gospel is preached, indiscriminately. It is
not confined to any age or nation or class of men. It comes to both the just and the
unjust, the elect and the reprobate. The following passages testify to the general nature
of this call: Isa. 55:1, “Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that
hath no money; some ye, buy and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money
and without price,” cf. also verses 6,7. In connection with this passage one might
conceivably say that only spiritually qualified sinners are called; but this certainly
cannot be said of Isa. 45:22, “Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth;
for I am God, and there is none else.” Some also interpret the familiar invitation of Jesus
in Matt. 11:28, “Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you
rest,” as limited to such as are truly concerned about their sins and really repentant; but
there is no warrant for such a limitation. The last book of the Bible concludes with a
beautiful general invitation: “And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And he that
heareth, let him say, Come. And he that is athirst, let him come: he that will, let him take
of the water of life freely,” Rev. 22:17. That the gospel invitation is not limited to the
elect, as some hold, is quite evident from such passages as Ps. 81:11-13; Prov. 1:24-26;
Ezek. 3:19; Matt. 22:2-8,14; Luke 14:16-24.
The general character of this calling is also taught in the Canons of Dort. 43 Yet this
doctrine repeatedly met with opposition by individuals and groups in the Reformed
Churches. In the Scottish Church of the seventeenth century some denied the
indiscriminate invitation and offer of salvation altogether, while others wanted to limit
it to the confines of the visible Church. Over against these the Marrow men, such as
Boston and the Erskines, defended it. In the Netherlands this point was disputed
especially in the eighteenth century. They who maintained the universal offer were
called preachers of the new light, while they who defended the particular offer, the offer
to those who already gave evidence of a measure of special grace and could therefore be
reckoned as among the elect, were known as the preachers of the old light. Even in the
present day we occasionally meet with opposition on this point. It is said that such a
general invitation and offer is inconsistent with the doctrine of predestination and of
particular atonement, doctrines in which, it is thought, the preacher should take his
starting point. But the Bible does not teach that the preacher of the gospel should take
his starting point in these doctrines, however important they may be. His starting point
and warrant lie in the commission of his King: “Go ye into all the world, and preach the
43 II, 5; III and IV, 8.
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