The Marrow of Divinity, Religious treatise · Chapter 24
CHAP. XXIV. Questions, and Cases of Conscience about our holy Calling, or Vocation.
Quest. OF how many sorts is the Calling of God?
Answ. First, the particular calling, which is to serve God in some particular Vocation: so the Word is used, Heb. 5.4. Rom. 1.11.
Secondly, the general calling which is to serve God in all parts of holinesse, with promise of eternal reward through the merits of Christ.
Quest. Of how many sorts is this general Calling?
A…sw. 1. External. 2. Internal. 3. Both external and internal.
Quest. What is the external Calling?
Answ. Its the work of Gods grace in his Word offering Christ, and calling upon all sorts of men to reform their wayes, and to receive Christ, and to yeeld obedience to the Will of God, with promise of salvation if they obey.
Quest. What is the inward calling?
Answ. Its the action of God both by his Word and Spirit, calling out his Elect by name particularly, and perswading them to separate from the world, and receive the Covenant of Gods grace in Christ, and to devote themselves to holinesse of life.
Quest. Why is our conversion termed our calling?
Answ. First, because the meanes whereby God works upon us, ordinarily is his Word, or the voice of his servants calling upon us for amendment of life.
Secondly, because through the mighty working of the Spirit of Christ, the voice of Gods servants speaking out of the Word, is directed to our hearts in particular with such life, and power, that thereby our dead hearts are quickned and we receive the words of the Minister, as the very voice and Word of Christ.
Thirdly, because God would hereby note unto us the easinesse of the work, he can do it with a word speaking, and in an instant convert a sinner.
Quest. But how may our effectual calling be discerned, seeing wicked men may be affected with the Word?
Answ. It may be discerned by the effects of it, whereof some appear immediately, other some a longer time after.
Quest. What are those effects?
Answ. First, a true sight of, and willing confession of our sinne-guiltinesse, joyned with a detestation of all sin, and dislike of our wayes which are not good.
Secondly, a willing separation from the world, both in our affections, by a weanednesse from those earthly things which before we doted on: and a forsaking the needless society of the wicked.
Thirdly, an unfeigned forsaking of all sin, with a purpose never to return to it again, desiring earnestly to partake of Christs righteousness both imputed and imparted.
Fourthly, a love of God and his glory above all things, Rom. 8.28.
Fifthly, a Spirit of prayer, Joel 2.32.
Sixthly, a willingness to be ruled by the Word in all things.
Quest. Wherein doth Gods wonderful mercy appear in our calling?
Answ. By the consideration of the things whereunto we are called, which are,
1. To his marvellous light, 1 Pet. 2.9.
2. To the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ, 1 Cor. 1.9.
3. To a wonderful liberty from the servitude of sin, Satan, the world, and the ceremonial Law, Gal. 5.13.
4. To the grace of Christ, Gal. 1.6.
5. To an estate of immunity, and free pardon, Rom. 5.31.
6. To all safety, Isa. 41.1, 2, 3. Rom. 8.28.
7. To Christs glorious Kingdome, 2 Thes. 2.14. 1 Thes. 2.12. 2 Pet. 1.3. 1 Pet. 5.10.
Quest. How may we walk worthy of our calling?
Answ. First, if we be humble, and not wise in our own conceits, Rom. 11.25, 30, 31.
Secondly, if we be very thankful to God for his rich grace unto us in our calling, and the rather
1. Because its no common favour, but a special grace bestowed upon us: For no man comes to Christ, but whom the Father draws, Joh. 6.44.
2. God hath done it without respect to our works, or desert on our part, 2 Tim. 1.9.
3. Because of the means, and manner of our calling: all the three persons of the Trinity concur in it, and its an holy calling, 2 Tim. 1.9.
4. Because of the priviledges to which we are called: as to be sonnes, and heires with Christ, 1 Cor. 1.7. to a Kingdome and glory, 1 Thes. 2.12. 2 Thes. 2.14.
5. Because Gods gifts and calling are without repentance, Rom. 11.29. Isa. …4. 7, &c. Jam. 1.17.
Thirdly, if we are careful to maintain good works, Tit. 3.8. Its the end of our calling, Luk. 1.74, 75.
Fourthly, if we are fully contented when we are sure that God hath thus called us, Isa. 29.23, 24.
Fifthly, if we rest in the doctrine we have learned, and have been taught, and are not carried about with every winde of doctrine, Eph. 4.11, &c.
Quest. Why should we be so solicitous to know our calling?
Answ. First, because it instates us into all the promises of God.
Secondly, it purifies our hearts and lives, Acts 15.9.
Thirdly, it supports our hearts in the midst of all afflictions, and tentations wherewith we are assaulted, Eph. 6.16. Heb. 10.19, 20, 22. 1 Joh. 5.4, 5.
Fourthly, it puts life into all our duties, both of Religion and Righteousnesse, Gal. 5.6.
Fifthly, it opens a spring of grace in our hearts, John 7.38.
Mr. Byfield on Peter.
Quest. Doth a Christian alwayes know that he is called?
Answ. Sometimes a Christian staggers a little, either not being an experienced Christian, or through sight of corruptions and tentations: but setting these aside, a Christian knows his calling, and will live by his Rules: for its not only a calling, but it works a disposition: and therefore if we finde it not, we must attend upon the meanes of the Gospel, which is called the Kingdome of Heav…n, and it will bring us into a good estate, and shew us our estate also, which being once made known to us, we may assure our selves it will remain with us for ever; which also may be gathered from this, in that its an high calling, and nothing can break any one link of that chaine made by God, Romanes 8. 29, 30.
Dr. Sibbs on Phil.
Quest. How may it be proved that a Christian may certainly know his vocation or calling?
Answ. First, because its the Office of the Spirit of God, which the faithful have received to certifie them of those things, which God hath freelie bestowed upon them, 2 Cor. 2.12 Rom. 8.15.
Secondly, Gods children are commanded to make their calling and election sure, 2 Pet. 1.10. neither is this a legal, but an Evangelical Precept.
Thirdly, the grace which they have received of God, hath the nature and force of an earnest, in respect of the inheritance that is promised them, Eph. 1.14. and 4.30. seeing therefore it assures us of that which is to come, it selfe cannot be uncertain: for nothing can make that certain, which is uncertain it self.
Fourthly, the certain knowledge of the grace of God bestowed upon us, is required as a necessary foundation to that joy, and gratitude that God expects from us, 1 Pet. 1.6, 8.
Fifthly, a conscience purified from dead works, doth necessarily infer a certain knowledge of grace, Heb. 10.20. Rom. 8.26. and 9.2.
Sixthly, this is expresly affirmed of the faithful, and that from such reasons as are common to all the faithful, 2 Cor. 13.5. 1 John 3.14. and 4▪ 16. and 5.20.
Quest. By what signes may this certainty of our vocation be confirmed to us?
Answ. First, By the constant inclination of our wills to God as to our chiefest good. Psalm 119.57. For no man can place his chiefest happiness in the fruition of God, except he be called out of the world, and converted from the Idols which he had formerly set up in his heart.
Secondly, by a purpose and readiness of mind to hearken to God in all things, 1 Sam. 3.10. Act. 9.6. Psa. 40.8, 9. For hereby we answer to the Call of God. Psa. 26.7, 8.
Thirdly, By an earnest longing after the Word of God, 1 Pet. 2.2. for by this Word we are called, and regenerated, 1 Pet. 1.23.
Fourthly, By our sincere love to them who are begotten to God by the same meanes, 1 Joh. 3.41.
Quest What meanes are we to vse that we way be made partakers of this holy calling?
Ans. Though God is many times found of those that sought him not, yet there are several duties to be performed by us ordinarily, if we will be made partakers of this heavenly calling: as.
1. We must prize Gods word above all earthly treasures, Psa. 119.14. For none will seek the Kingdome of God till he under-valew all things in comparison of it Mat. 10.37. Luk. 14.26.
2. We must bestow our principal care, and labor in the attaining of it, Joh. 6.27. Pro. 2.4. and 8.17. the reason is because that esteem can never be solid, and serious, which hath not endeavors added to it.
3. We must with all diligence, and care applie our selves to the use of those means which God hath sanctified to cōmunicate his grace to us by, Pro. 1.34. we must wait, as the impotent did at the pool of Bethesda, Joh. 5.3, 4, 7. and the reason is, because God who is the author of grace, hath appointed, and makes effectuall those means, whereby he will convey his grace to us.
4. Yea, we must set such a rate upon them that we must be content to sell all to purchase this pearl, Pro. 23.23. Mat. 13.43, 45. For though God requires nothing of us, but freely bestowes life upon us, Isa. 45.1.2. yet we ought to forsake all unlawfull things in act, and all naturall good things in affection, and disposition, that we may get the grace of God.
Quest. What Motives may stir us up to embrace the calling of God?
Answ. First, If we seriously consider who it is that calls us, Its the omnipotent God, to whom we are bound to hearken in all things, though we Know not what will follow Heb. 11.8.
Secondly, If we seriously consider what it is that we are called to: Its no small, and trifling thing, but to life, and eternall glory 1 Pet. 5.10. Eph. 1.13.
Thirdly, If we seriously consider what it is that we are called from, wich is nothing but sin, and death, Act. 26.18. Luk. 3.7.
Fourthly, if we seriously consider the moving cause of this our calling, which is no other but the incomprehensible grace of God towards those which were his enemies. Rom. 8.10. 2. Cor. 5.20. and truly we are desperately hardened if such goodness will not work upon us, as, 1 Sam. 24.17, 18, 19.
Fifthly, If in the humility of our hearts we compare our selves with others to whom this calling is denied, 1 Cor. 1.26.
Sixthly, If we seriously consider what a grievous sin it is to neglect this calling of God, much more to despise it, Mat. 22.7, 8. Luk. 4.24.
Seventhly, If we consider what miseries God may justly lay upon us for the same, Pro. 1.24. &c.
Ames. Cas. Consc.
Quest, How else may our vocation, or calling be described?
Answ. Its an effect of Gods election, whereby Christ, God and man, doth by his Kingly authority call, and invite us whilst we live here unto the participation of the inestimable benefit of our Redemption, that thereby we may attain unto life everlasting.
Quest. How manifold is this calling?
Answ. 1. Its twofold. 1. Common and general, whereby all indifferently, good and bad, elect and reprobate, are outwardly invited by the Ministry of the Word to embrace the benefit of Redemption wrought by Christ: This is ineffectual to reprobates, because they refuse to come, when invited to the Kings Supper, Luke 14.24.
Secondly, Effectual calling is proper to Gods Elect, when as to the outward Ministry of the Word, wherein grace and salvation is offered to all believers, Christ joynes the inward operation of his holy Spirit, which opens our deaf eares, enlightens our blinde understandings, and softens, and sanctifies our hard and corrupt hearts, so as we attentively hear, truly understand, and by a lively faith apply the doctrine of grace and salvation, which is preached unto us, whereby we are also separated from the world, given unto Christ and he to us, where upon follows that neare union whereby we being ingrafted into his body, mystically do become his members, and he our head, Mat. 22.3, 8. Rom. 8.30. Act. 13.48. Joh. 6.45. Act. 16.14.
Quest. What are the parts of our effectual calling?
Answ. First. Our separation from the world, of which formerly we were true members, that from henceforth we should be of Gods houshold, and family, Joh. 15.19. Eph. 2.19. and this he doth, not for any merit of ours, but of his free grace, Jsa. 65.1. Ephe. 2.1.3.12. 1 Cor. 6.11. 1 Pet. 4.3. Isa. 53.6. 2 Tim. 1.9.
Secondly, that reciprocal donation, whereby God the Father gives Christ, his only Son, truly and effectually to all his Elect, to be their Head, Redeemer, and Saviour, and also whereby he gives his Elect to Christ to be his Members, that so they may be redeemed and saved by him, Isa. 9.6. John 3.16. Rom. 8.32. John 17.6. and 10.29.
Thirdly, the union and communion which is betwixt Christ and Gods Elect, which followes upon the donation before spoken of, whereby Christ and they are mystically coupled together into one body, he becoming their Head, and they becoming his members, Eph. 4.15, 16. and 5.30. John 15.1. Eph. 2.20, 21, 22. 1 John 4.13. John 6.54.
Quest. What is the meanes of our effectual calling?
Answ. First, on Gods part, the preaching of the Word, which is made effectual by the inward operation of the Spirit, first to mollifie our hard hearts, and truly to humble us, by setting our sins before us, and this is done by the preaching of the Law: and so seeing our inability of working out our own salvation, we are brought out of our selves to seek for salvation in Christ, applying him, and his merits to us hy a true, and a lively faith, and this is done by the preaching of the Gospel.
Secondly, the meanes on our part, is the saving hearing of the Word, whereby our hearts are mollified, and we truly humbled, and brought out of our selves to seek for salvation in Christ, whereby faith is begot in us, whereby we apply Christ unto us, and rest upon him alone for salvation.
Quest. VVhat necessity is there of our effectual calling?
Answ. First, before our effectual calling, we are no true members of the Church, though we may outwardly thrust our selves into this society. For the Church is a Company or Congregation, which is truly called and selected out of the world: and if we be not of the Church, there is no salvation, Eph. 5.23, 25. Acts 2.47.
Secondly, if we be not truly called, we are not truly justified, nor sanctified, nor can be glorified, Rom. 8.30.
Thirdly, if we be not thus called, we cannot come to Christ, nor communicate with him in his benefits, nor receive any saving grace of the Spirit.
Quest. But why should we be so careful in attending upon the VVord.
Answ. First, because the Ministry of the Word is Gods Ordinance, instituted by him, for the gathering together of the Saints, &c. Eph. 4.11, 12. neither doth he ordinarily use any other means for our Calling and Conversion. Hence Philip was sent to the Eunuch, Acts 8. Ananias to Paul, Acts 9. Peter to Cornelius, Acts 10.5, 6.
Secondly, its God himself, who speaks by the mouthes of his Ambassadors, who come not in their own names, but in Christs stead, entreating us to be reconciled to God, 2 Cor. 5.20. and 4.7. Jerem. 1.9. Luke 10.16.
Thirdly, the titles which are given to the Word, may strongly move us to attend upon the same. Its called the Ministry of reconciliation, 2 Cor. 5.18. the Gospel of Peace, Eph. 6.15. the Word of grace, Acts 14.3.18.32. the Word of Life, Phil. 2.16. Acts 13.26. the Word of salvation: the Kingdome of God, Mat. 13.44. by which we are brought into the Kingdome of grace and glory. Heavenly seed, 1 Cor. 4.15. whence Ministers are called spiritual Fathers, 1 Cor. 3.2. Its milk for Babes, and strong meat for men, Heb. 5.12. Its a rule for our lives, Deut. 5.32. Jos. 1.8. A Lamp to our feet, &c. Psal. 119.105. the Sword of the Spirit, Eph. 6.17.
Fourthly, the Word is that heavenly light that shines to us when we are in darknesse, whereby our blinde eyes are illuminated to see, and finde the way to Heaven, Luke 1.79. Mat. 5.14. Acts 13.47.
Fifthly, its the meanes to beget faith, without which its impossible to be saved, Eph. 2.8. Heb. 11.6. John 1.12. and 3.16, 18. Rom. 10.17. 1 Tim. 4.16.
Quest. But if once we be converted, what need we hear so oft?
Ans. First, neglect of Gods Word is a manifest sign that we are not truly converted, John 8.47. and 10.3, 4, 27. they which have grace cannot but be ravished with the excellency of the Word.
Secondly, the Word is the food of our soules, whereby we are nourished, and the graces of Gods Spirit strengthened in us: and the want of it is a great judgement, Amos 8.11, 12.
Thirdly, though he have attained to knowledge enough: yet we must hear to quicken us to practice, to reform our affections, to nourish our graces: yea, its profitable to teach, to reprove, &c. that the man of God may be perfect, &c. 2 Tim. 3.16. 2 Cor. 14.3. therefore with David, we should desire to dwell in the house of God, Psal. 27.4.
Mr. Downhams Christian VVarfare.
Quest. VVhether is not our Vocation or Calling all one with our Sanctification?
Answ. No: For 1. Our Vocation is before Justification, Rom. 8.30. but Sanctification is not before Justification: therefore they are not the same.
Secondly, Sanctification is the end of Vocation, 1 Thes. 4.7. therefore its not all one with it.
Thirdly, faith is the principal thing in Vocation: the first part of it being Gods Call; the second part being our answer to that Call, or coming in at that Call, Jer. 3.22. Now faith is no part of Sanctification strictly taken, because its the means and instrument of our Justification and Sanctification, Acts 26.18. Hence our hearts are said to be purified by faith, Acts 15.9. Gal. 2.20. John 5.24. we passe from death to life by faith, therefore its no part of our spiritual life, as faith comes by hearing, and therefore hearing is no part of Faith: so Justification comes by Faith, and therefore its no part of Sanctification.
Quest. VVhat is the nature of the Call of God?
Answ. Concerning this Call, I shall lay down these Propositions.
First, our Vocation or Calling is ever by some word or voice, either outward or inward, or both: either ordinary, or extraordinary: by the Ministry of men, or by the immediate inspirations, or visions of God.
Secondly, this voice in the ordinary calling of the Elect, is not by the voice of the Law, but by the voice of the Gospel, bringing glad tidings, written by the Apostles, and preached to the world, John 20.31. 1 Cor. 1.21. with 26. The Spirit indeed inwardly accompanies the voice of the Gospel, but now none are called by the immediate voice of the Spirit without the Gospel, or by the immediate testimony of the Spirit, breathed out of free grace without the Word, Eph. 1.12, 13.
Thirdly, this voice of the Gospel, is the voice of God in Christ, or the voice of Jesus Christ, although dispensed by men, (who are but weak instruments for so mighty a work,) sent, and set in Christs stead, Rom. 1.6. John 5.29. 2 Thes. 2.12, 13. Its called Christs Call, Heb. 3.1. because Christ takes (as it were) the written Word in his own lips, and thereby pierces through the eares to the heart, through all the noise of feares, sorrows, objections against believing, and makes it to be heard as his voice.
Fourthly, the thing that Christ calls us unto, is, to come to him: Christ will now have the lost Prodigal to come home: he will have the burdened soul to come to him for ease, Mat. 11.27. Jer. 3.7, 22. and 4.1. He calls for us to come and possesse his fulnesse, Luke 14.17. 1 Cor. 1.9.
Fifthly, this Call to Come, is all one for substance with the offer of Christ, which consists in three things.
1. A Command to receive Christ, as present and readie to be given, 1 John 4.23.
2. Perswasion and entreaty, to come and accept of this offer, 2 Corinth. 5.19, 20.
3. A Promise of the thing offered if we will receive it.
Sixthly, this Call or Offer hath three special qualifications.
1. Its inward as well as outward: For thousands are outwardly called, which yet never come, because they want the inward Call, John 6.45. He that hath heard and learned of the Father comes to me, Hos. 2.14.
2. Its a particular Call, Mar. 16.15. there is a general Call, and offer of grace to every one: but when the Spirit applies generals to particulars particularly, this makes the Call particular, Isa. 43.1. John 12.5.
3. Its effectual as well as inward and particular, Luke 24.23. Compel them to come in, John 10.16. Its a calling out of purpose, Rom. 8.28. Mat. 9.12, 13. 2 Chron. 30.10, 11.
Quest. Wherein doth the necessity of this Call appear?
Answ. First, no man should come unlesse first called. For what hath any man to do with Christ, or to make himself a son of God, and heire of glory, except he be called thereto of God?
Secondly, no man would come without the Lords Call, Mat. 20.6, 7. — No man hath hired, or called us. There must be an effectual Call to bring men home, Isa. 55.5.
3. No man could come unlesse called, John 6.44. unlesse the Father draw him, viz. by this Call. For Rom. 11.32. we are shut up under belief.
Quest. How is this Call a ground of faith?
Answ. First, its the ground by which, or wherefore it rests upon the Promise: The minde sees 1. The freenesse of mercy to a poor sinner in misery, and this breeds some hope that the Lord may pity it.
Secondly, the fulnesse and plenteous riches of mercy, and this gives great encouragement to the soul to think, that if it comes, the Lord will not deny it a drop, Psal. 130.7, 8.
Thirdly, the preciousnesse and sweetnesse of mercy, makes the soul exceedingly to long for it, Psal. 36.6, 7. and to disesteem all things to enjoy it: But when to all this, God sends a special command to come in, and to take mercy, and that for no other reason, but because its commanded, this puts an end to all feares and discouragements, and the soul answers, as Jer. 3.22. Behold, we come, &c.
Mr. Shepherds Sound Believer.
Quest. What are the parts of inward Calling?
Answ. First, the enlightning the minde to understand the principles of Religion, which though alone it be not sufficient, nor more then may be in a Reprobate, yet its the foundation of the rest, without which there is no effectual Calling.
Secondly, the opening of the heart to believe, (as Lydia's was,) when we believe every thing particularly to belong to us, and so the Promise of salvation amongst the rest.
Thirdly, a change of the whole man. This is essentially necessary to salvation: for by nature we are slaves of sin: and as long as we continue in our natural condition, we are far from salvation.
Quest. VVhat are the fruits of this effectual Calling?
Answ. First, when a man goes about the works of the same, and labours to walk worthy of it in an holy life.
Secondly, when a man highly esteems his calling, and the hope of glory that he is called to, as Paul accounted all but dung in comparison of the knowledge of Christ crucified: and the things which he highly esteemed before his Calling, afterwards he made no reckoning of them.
Thirdly, when he will suffer any thing for the same, rather then be drawn from the hope thereof.
Quest. What are the marks of effectual Calling?
Answ. They are either Negative, or Affirmative. First, Negative. As
1. Not to hear the Word, and that diligently.
2. Nor to hear joyfully.
3. Nor to reform many things, as Herod.
4. Nor to do some choice duties: as Ananias and Saphira. Secondly, Affirmative.
1. To seek above all to be at peace with God, and to have his Spirit to assure us of everlasting salvation: not to serve the times, but above all to be assured of Gods favour.
2. That we hate unfeignedly all evil: but especially the evils of the times, and of our natures.
3. To affect heartily all good: but especially those good things which the world and times disregard, and that our selves are most untoward unto.
Mr. Rogers on Pet.
Quest. VVhat other signes are there of our effectual Calling?
Answ. First, if we be effectually called, it supposes that we are chosen, and singled out from others in the world: and whom God calls he qualifies: when he called Saul to be King, he gave him a Kingly heart: so if God call us to his heavenly Kingdome, he will give us holy, Kingly, and heavenly hearts and mindes.
Secondly, mens tongues will shew what calling they are of in their discourse: A Christian will remember that he is a Christian, and will walk worthy of his Calling, and will say, with Nehemiah, Shall such a man as I do thus? speak thus? think thus?
Thirdly, this Calling is to glory: and therefore he that is called, will oft think of Heaven, and magnifie and admire Gods goodnesse to him, saying with David, What is man that thou shouldest be mindful of him?
Fourthly, if a man be thus called by God, he will finde a spiritual answering within himself to Gods Call. If God say, Thou art my son, the heart answers, Thou art my God. Behold I come quickly, (saith Christ,) Even so come Lord Jesus, saith thy heart.
Fifthly, this Calling is an high Calling; Its from Heaven to Heaven. Its from an heavenly Spirit, by spiritual meanes, to Christ in Heaven, to Saints, to spiritual employments and priviledges.
Dr. Sibbs on Phil.