(1.) To cry for help, hence to pray (
Gen. 4:26). Thus men are said to "call upon the name of the Lord" (
Acts 2:21; 7:59; 9:14;
Rom. 10:12;
1 Cor. 1:2).
(2.)
God calls with respect to men when he designates them to some special office (
Ex. 31:2;
Isa. 22:20;
Acts 13:2), and when he invites them to accept his offered
grace (
Matt. 9:13; 11:28; 22:4).
In the message of the
gospel his
call is addressed to all men, to Jews and
Gentiles alike (
Matt. 28:19;
Mark 16:15;
Rom. 9:24, 25). But this universal call is not inseparably connected with
salvation, although it leaves all to whom it comes inexcusable if they reject it (
John 3:14-19;
Matt. 22:14).
An effectual call is something more than the outward message of the Word of God to men. It is internal, and is the result of the enlightening and sanctifying influence of the Holy
Spirit (
John 16:14;
Acts 26: 18;
John 6:44), effectually drawing men to
Christ, and disposing and enabling them to receive the
truth (
John 6:45;
Acts 16:14;
Eph. 1:17).
I may not see in front of me, But I can see for miles around when I look over my shoulder, and Lord, it`s clear. You`ve brought me here, So faithful every step of the way. What can I do but follow you, For You are the Way, the Truth, the Life, And You`ve promised never to leave me, My Savior, my friend, From beginning to end. 
