Effectual calling (oreffective calling[1]), inCalvinistChristiansoteriology, is a stage in theordo salutis in which God calls a person to himself. It is connected with, but different fromexternal calling, in which a person hears thegospel message.
Wayne Grudem suggests that it is a summons from theKing of the universe that has "such power that it brings about the response that it asks for in people's hearts."[1] Grudem appeals to the story ofLydia: according toActs 16:14, "The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message" (NIV).[2]
