Chapter 10 of the Westminster Confession is entitled “Effectual Calling”, and it begins with the following: “All those whom God hath predestinated unto life, and those only, He is pleased, in His appointed and accepted time, effectually to call, by His Word and Spirit, out of that state of sin and death, in which they are by nature, to grace and salvation, by Jesus Christ; enlightening their minds spiritually and savingly to understand the things of God, taking away their heart of stone, and giving unto them a heart of flesh; renewing their wills, and, by His almighty power, determining them to that which is good, and effectually drawing them to Jesus Christ: yet so, as they come most freely, being made willing by His grace.”
I do not believe these writings because they were written so long ago by the Reformers. I do not follow the teachings of men. I only believe these things to the extent that they adhere to the inspired Word of God. I believe these things because they systematically teach doctrine derived from scripture alone.
1. Scripture Alone. Meaning that we look to the Bible alone as the highest source of authority in a Christian’s life. This is not the only authority as we do submit to government and other authorities. However, we will not follow these authorities if they go against the clear teaching of the Bible. We also do not look to Rome or any other Church body to tell us what the Bible clearly states. 2. Faith Alone. This means that we believe a Christian is justified—that is to be made right with God—only through faith in Christ. 3. Grace Alone. This teaching states that sinners are saved only through the unearned gift of God’s grace. It is not of works, lest any man should boast. 4. Christ Alone. This statement emphasizes the exclusive role which Christ has in our salvation. We are not saved through a Church system, a list of good works, penance, or any other man-made way of atonement. Christ alone is the only way. And 5. To the Glory of God alone. The purpose of creation, salvation, God’s eternal decrees, everything you can think of, and most especially our goal as Christians is the glory of God that God may be all in all as the Bible says in 1 Cor. 15:28.
