Who’s Called and Who’s Not Called to Salvation

The following is my response to a dear brother who had a question about being called by God to salvation:

“Regarding the "called" In Matthew 22:14, the likely explanation is that Jesus is referring to God's general call to all the unsaved. I believe these are represented in the Parable of the Sower (Matt. 13:3-7). Each of them heard the word (gospel) but for various reasons refused it.

There is also what theologians regard as the "effective call" (Rom. 8:28). The result of this call brings forth fruit (Matt. 13:23). It prompts "faith for salvation" (1 Peter 1:5). The effective call is not "irresistible grace." There's no such thing (Acts 7:51).

Predestination is also a factor. See Romans 8:29-30; Ephesians 1:5, 11. The word for not predestinating the unsaved is "preterition," meaning God "passed over" them. In Scripture, for example, these people would be Cain, Goliath, Judas, Herod, etc. God doesn't force anyone to be saved. Neither can anyone force God to save anybody (Rom. 9:18).

While divine sovereignty and human responsibility are real, their connecting point has been a perpetual mystery throughout church history. As you know, ultimately everything is up to God.

SIDE NOTE: God didn't intend for man to go to hell. He made it for the devil and his angels (Matt. 25:41). When Adam sinned, God extended hell to include all unrepentant sinners.

God, by His own choice, extended saving grace to those He predestined to salvation.

Blessings!