08. An exhortation to make your calling sure.

An exhortation to make your calling sure.

"Give diligence to make your calling sure" (2 Peter 1:10). This is the great business of our lives—to get sound evidences of our effectual calling. Do not acquiesce in outward privileges, do not cry as the Jews, "The temple of the Lord!" (Jeremiah 7:4). Do not rest in baptism; what is it to have the water—and lack the Spirit? Do not be content that Christ has been preached to you. Do not satisfy yourselves with an empty profession; all this may be, and yet you are no better than empty professors. But labor to evidence to your souls that you are called of God. Give diligence to make your calling sure—it is both feasible and probable. God is not lacking to those that seek Him. Let not this great business hang in hand any longer. If there were a controversy about your land, you would use all means to clear your title; and is salvation nothing? Will you not clear your title here? Consider how sad your case is, if you are not effectually called.

If you are not effectually called, you are strangers to God. The prodigal went into a far country (Luke 14:13), which implies that every sinner, before conversion, is afar off from God. "At that time you were without Christ, strangers to the covenants of promise" (Ephes. 2:12). Men dying in their sins have no more right to promises, than strangers have to the privilege of free-born citizens. If you are strangers, what language can you expect from God—but this, "I know you not!"

If you are not effectually called, you are enemies to God. "Alienated and enemies" (Colossians 1:21). There is nothing in the Bible you can lay claim to—but the threatenings! You are heirs to all the plagues written in the book of God! Though you may resist the commands of the law, you cannot flee from the curses of the law. Such as are enemies to God, let them read their doom. "Bring here these enemies of mine, who did not want me to rule over them, and slaughter them in my presence!" (Luke 19:27). Oh, how it should concern you therefore to make your calling sure! How miserable and damnable will your condition be, if death calls you before the Spirit calls you!

Question. But is there any hope of my being effectually called? I have been a great sinner.

Answer. Great sinners have been called. Paul was a violent persecutor—yet he was called. Some of the Jews who had a hand in crucifying Christ, were called. God loves to display His free grace to sinners. Therefore be not discouraged. You see a golden cord let down from heaven for poor trembling souls to lay hold upon!

Question. But how shall I know I am effectually called?

1. He who is savingly called is called out of himself, not only out of sinful self—but out of righteous self. "Not having my own righteousness" (Php 3:9). He whose heart God has touched by His Spirit, lays down the idol of self-righteousness at Christ’s feet, for Him to tread upon. The true Christian denies not only sinful self—but righteous self. He becomes moral and pious--but he does not trust to his morality or piety. Noah’s dove made use of her wings to fly—but trusted to the ark for safety. This is to be effectually called—when a man is called out of himself. Self-renunciation is the first step to saving faith.

2. He who is effectually called—has a great change wrought. Not a change of the faculties—but of the qualities. He is altered from what he was before. His body is the same—but not his mind; he has another spirit. Paul was so changed after his conversion that people did not know him (Acts 9:21). Oh what a metamorphosis does grace make! "Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God. And that is what some of you were! But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God. (1 Corinthians 6:9-11). Grace changes the heart! In effectual calling there is a three-fold change wrought:

(1). There is a change wrought in the UNDERSTANDING. Before, there was ignorance—but now there is light, "Now you are light in the Lord" (Ephes. 5:8). The first work of God in the creation of the world was light: so it is in the new creation. He who is savingly called says with that man in the gospel: "I once was blind—but now I see!" (John 9:25). He sees such evil in sin, and excellency in the ways of God, as he never saw before. Indeed, this light which the blessed Spirit brings, may well be called a marvelous light. "That you should show forth the praises of Him who has called you into his marvelous light" (1 Peter 2:9). It is a marvelous light in six respects.

(1.) Because it is supernaturally conveyed. It does not come from the celestial orbs where the planets are—but from the Sun of righteousness.

(2.) It is marvelous in the effect. This light does that which no other light can. It makes a man perceive himself to be blind.

(3.) It is a marvelous light, because it is more penetrating. Other light may shine upon the face—but this light shines into the heart, and enlightens the conscience (2 Corinthians 4:6).

(4.) It is a marvelous light, because it sets those who have it a marveling. They marvel at themselves, how they could be contented to be so long without it. They marvel that their eyes should be opened, and not others. They marvel that notwithstanding their previous hatred and opposition this light—yet it should shine in their souls. This is what the saints will stand wondering at to all eternity.

(5.) It is a marvelous light, because it is more vital than any others. It not only enlightens—but quickens! It makes alive those who "were dead in trespasses and sins" (Ephes. 2:1). Therefore it is called the "light of life" (John 7:12).

(6.) It is a marvelous light, because it is the beginning of everlasting light. The light of grace is the morning star which ushers in the sunlight of glory.

Now then, reader, can you say that this marvelous light of the Spirit has dawned upon you? When you were enveloped in ignorance, and neither knew God nor yourself—did suddenly a light from heaven shined in your mind? This is one part of that blessed change which is wrought in the effectual calling.

(2). There is a change wrought in the WILL. "To will is present with me" (Romans 8:18). The will, which before opposed Christ, now embraces Him. The will, which was an iron sinew against Christ, is now like melting wax—it readily receives the stamp and impression of the Holy Spirit. The will moves heavenward, and carries all the orbs of the affections along with it. The regenerate will answers to every call of God, as the echo answers to the voice, "Lord, what will you have me to do?" (Acts 9:6). The will now becomes a volunteer, it enlists itself under the Captain of salvation (Hebrews 2:10). Oh what a happy change is wrought here! Before, the will kept Christ out; now, it keeps sin out!

(3). There is a change in the CONDUCT. He who is called of God, walks directly contrary to what he did before. He walked before in envy and malice—now he walks in love! Before he walked in pride—now he walks in humility. The current is carried quite another way. As in the heart there is a new birth, so in the life a new conduct. Thus we see what a mighty change is wrought, in all who are called by God.

How far are they from this effectual call, who never had any change! They are the same as they were forty or fifty years ago—as proud and carnal as ever! They have seen many changes in their times—but they have had no change in their heart. Let not men think to leap out of the harlot’s lap (the world) into Abraham’s bosom! They must either have a gracious change while they live—or a cursed change when they die! "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!" 2 Corinthians 5:17

3. He who is called of God—esteems this call as the highest blessing. A king whom God has called by His grace, esteems it more that he is called to be a saint, than that he is called to be a king. He values his high calling more than his high birth. Theodosius thought it a greater honor to be a Christian, than to be an emperor. A carnal person can no more value spiritual blessings than an infant can value a diamond necklace. He prefers his worldly grandeur, his ease, plenty, and titles of honor, before conversion. He had rather be called duke than saint—this is a sign he is a stranger to effectual calling. He who is enlightened by the Spirit, counts holiness his best heraldry, and looks upon his effectual calling as his choicest blessing. When he has taken this degree, he is a candidate for heaven.

4. He who is effectually called—is called out of the world. It is a "heavenly calling" (Hebrews 3:1). He who is called of God, minds the things of a heavenly aspect. He is in the world—but not of the world. Naturalists say of precious stones, though they have their matter from the earth—yet their sparkling luster is from the influence of the heavens. So it is with a godly man—though his body is from the earth—yet the sparkling of his affections is from heaven; his heart is drawn into the upper region, as high as Christ. He not only casts off every wicked work—but every earthly weight. He is not a worm—but an eagle!

5. Another sign of our effectual calling—is diligence in our ordinary calling. Some boast of their high calling—but they lie idly at anchor. True religion does not give warrant to idleness. Christians must not be slothful. Idleness is the devil’s bath; a slothful person becomes a prey to every temptation. Grace, while it cures the heart, does not make the hand lame. He who is called of God, as he works for heaven, so he works in his trade.

Exhortations to Those Who are Called If, after searching you find that you are effectually called, I have three exhortations to you.

1. Admire and adore God’s free grace in calling you—that God should pass over so many, that He should pass by the wise and noble, and that the lot of free grace should fall upon you! That He should take you out of a state of vassalage, from grinding the devil’s mill, and should set you above the princes of the earth, and call you to inherit the throne of glory! Fall upon your knees, break forth into a thankful triumph of praise! Let your hearts be ten stringed instruments, to sound forth the memorial of God’s saving mercy. There are none so deep in debt to free grace—as you are; and none should be so high mounted upon the pinnacle of thanksgiving. Say as the sweet singer; "I will extol you, O God my King, every day will I bless you, and I will praise your name forever!" (Psalms 145:1-2). Those who are monuments of mercy—should be trumpets of praise! O long to be in heaven, where your thanksgivings shall be purer and shall be raised a note higher!

2. Pity those who are not yet called. Sinners in scarlet are not objects of envy—but pity; they are under "the power of Satan" (Acts 26:18). They tread every day on the brink of the bottomless pit! What if death should cast them in! O pity unconverted sinners. If you pity an ox or an donkey going astray, will you not pity a soul going astray from God, who has lost his way and his wits, and is upon the precipice of damnation!

Nay, not only pity sinners—but pray for them. Though they curse you—you must pray for them. You will pray for people who are demented; sinners are demented. "When he came to his senses" (Luke 15:17). It seems the prodigal before conversion, was in his senses. Wicked men are going to execution; sin is the halter which strangles them; death removes them off the ladder; and hell is their burning place! Will you not pray for them, when you see them in such danger?

3. You who are effectually called, honor your high calling. "I beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling" (Ephes. 4:1). Christians must keep a decorum, they must observe what is lovely. This is a seasonable advice, when many who profess to be called of God—yet by their loose and irregular walking—cast a blemish on religion, whereby the ways of God are evil spoken of. It is Salvian’s speech, "What do pagans say when they see Christians live scandalously? Surely Christ taught them no better." Will you reproach Christ, and make Him suffer again, by abusing your heavenly calling?

It is one of the saddest sights—to see a man lift up his hands in prayer, and with those hands oppress; to hear the same tongue praise God at one time, and at another lie and slander; to hear a man in words profess God, and in works deny Him. Oh how unworthy is this! Yours is a holy calling, and will you be unholy? Do not think you may take liberty as others do. The Nazarite had a vow on him, separated himself to God, and promised abstinence; though others did drink wine, it was not fit for the Nazarite to do it. So, though others are loose and vain, it is not fit for those who are set apart for God by effectual calling. Are not flowers sweeter than weeds? You must be now "a peculiar people" (1 Peter 2:9); not only peculiar in regard of dignity—but deportment. Abhor all motions of sin, because it would disparage your high calling.

Question. What is it to walk worthy of our heavenly calling?

1. It is to walk REGULARLY, to tread with an even foot, and walk according to the rules and axioms of the Word. A true saint is for canonical obedience, he follows the canon of Scripture. "As many as walk according to this canon" (Galatians 6:16). When we leave men’s inventions, and cleave to God’s institutions; when we walk after the Word, as Israel after the pillar of fire; this is walking worthy of our heavenly calling.

2. To walk worthy of our calling is to walk SINGULARLY. "Among all the people of the earth, I consider you alone to be righteous." (Genesis 7:1). When others walked with the devil, Noah walked with God. We are forbidden to run with the multitude (Exodus 23:2). Though in civil things singularity is not commendable—yet in religion it is good to be singular. Melanchthon was the glory of the age he lived in. Athanasius was singularly holy; he appeared for God when the stream of the times ran another way. It is better to be a pattern of holiness, than a partner in wickedness. It is better to go to heaven with a few, than to hell in the crowd! We must walk in an opposite course to the people of the world.

3. To walk worthy of our calling is to walk CHEERFULLY. "Rejoice in the Lord always" (Php 4:4). Too much drooping of spirit disparages our high calling, and makes others suspect a godly life to be melancholy. Christ loves to see us rejoicing in Him. Causinus speaks of a dove, whose wings being perfumed with sweet ointments, drew the other doves after her. Cheerfulness is a perfume to draw others to godliness. True religion does not banish joy. As there is a seriousness without sourness, so there is a cheerful liveliness without lightness. When the prodigal was converted "they began to be merry" (Luke 15:24). Who should be cheerful—if not the people of God? They are no sooner born of the Spirit—but they are heirs to a crown! God Himself is their portion, and heaven is their mansion—and shall they not rejoice?

4. To walk worthy of our calling is to walk WISELY. Walking wisely implies three things.

(a) To walk WATCHFULLY. "The wise man’s eyes are in his head" (Ecclesiastes 2:14). Others watch for our halting, therefore we had need look to our standing. We must beware, not only of scandals—but of all that is unfitting, lest thereby we open the mouth of others with a fresh cry against religion. If our piety will not convert men—our prudence may silence them.

(b) To walk COURTEOUSLY. The spirit of the gospel is full of meekness and politeness. "Be courteous" (1 Peter 3:8). Take heed of a morose, or haughty behavior. Religion does not take away civility—but refines it. "Abraham stood up, and bowed himself to the children of Heth" (Genesis 23:7). Though they were of a heathenish race—yet Abraham gave them a civil respect. Paul was of an affable temper. "I am made all things to men, that I might by all means save some" (1 Corinthians 9:22). In lesser matters the apostle yielded to others—that by his winning manner, he might win upon them.

(c) To walk MAGNANIMOUSLY. Though we must be humble—yet not base. It is unworthy to prostitute ourselves to the lusts of men. What is sinfully imposed, ought to be zealously opposed. Conscience is God’s diocese, where none has right to visit—but He who is the Bishop of our souls (1 Peter 2:25). We must not be like hot iron, which may be beaten into any form. A brave spirited Christian will rather suffer, than let his conscience be violated. Here is the serpent and the dove united—sagacity and innocence. This prudential walking corresponds with our high calling, and much adorns the gospel of Christ.

5. To walk worthy of our calling is to walk INFLUENTIALLY—to do good to others, and to be rich in acts of mercy (Hebrews 13:16). Good works honor religion. As Mary poured the ointment on Christ, so by good works we pour ointments on the head of the gospel, and make it give forth a fragrant smell. Good works, though they are not causes of salvation—yet they are evidences. When with our Savior we go about doing good, and send abroad the refreshing influence of our liberality, we walk worthy of our high calling.

Here is matter of consolation to you who are effectually called. God has magnified rich grace toward you. You are called to great honor to be co-heirs with Christ; this should revive you in the worst of times. Let men reproach and miscall you; set God’s calling of you against man’s miscalling. Let men persecute you to death: they do but give you a pass, and send you to heaven the sooner! How may this cure the trembling of the heart! What, though the sea roars, though the earth is unsettled, though the stars are shaken out of their places, you need not fear. You are effectually called—and therefore are sure to be crowned!