pdf - Protestant Reformed Churches in America

alone, and He saves whom He will. Everyone is under obligationto believe that, whether or not he or she has an interest in Christ.Having an obligation does not mean that one has the ability to doso. In fact, none has the ability to do that without the grace ofGod.Faith here is the gift ofGod. This faith necessarily manifested inthis way at this stage of its development will blossom into aconfession that Christ died for one personally in time.This call has no objective indication ofGod's grace and tlesire to saveall to whom the call comes.Jesus said that many are called but few are chosen (Matt.20: 16). It is only the few chosen ones who are effectually calledby the Holy Spirit in their hearts to salvation (Rom. 8:30). Themany who are called are called by the general call of the gospel.. In the general call of the gospel, men are called to seeksalvation from God. This is their proper duty to do as creaturescreated by God after His image and likeness and who had grievouslyfallen into sin and miseries. This call is not without thesetting forth ofthe gospel as we have earlierdescribed in this paper- a gospel of salvation by the triune God according to His ownsovereign, particular grace.As to whether God would save everyone who hears thisgospel call, there is no indication. However, there is the particular,unconditional promise of the gospel, whereby God promised tosave all those who truly repent and trust in His Son Jesus Christ,which must accompany the preaching ofthe gospel as well. Thispromise is peculiarly designed for those who have shown signs ofGod's grace in their lives. •... to be concluded.46 PRTJ