Question #31 WSC

Lately we (my family) have been going through a book that goes through all of the Catechism questions, and explains each question, using scripture. Tonight we did question #31, "What is effectual calling?" And the answer to the question states that, "Effectual calling is the work of God's Spirit, whereby convincing us of our sin and misery, enlightening our MINDS in the knowledge of Christ, and renewing our wills, He doth pursuade and enable us to embrace Jesus Christ, freely offered to us in the Gospel." Wow.

A few nights ago we watched a movie, and it talked about the Renaissance, and the turn to Aristotle's teachings. A man by the name of Tomas Aquinas, brought back Aristotle's teachings, of the corrupted will, but non-corrupted mind. The problem with this, is that we made the individual things (man, creation) independent and autonomous. We then lost the meaning of man, morals, values, and law.

Man has thought of many ways to be right with God, but because man's mind is corrupt he will never understand how to be saved. It is because man's mind is sinful and he cannot understand spiritual things. Read 1 Corinthians 2:12 and 1 Corinthians 2:14. Verse 12 says that we can understand now because we have the Spirit. Verse 14 says that it is foolishness to the natural man (unsaved sinners). Read 2 Corinthians 4:4. It says that the god of this age, Satan, blinds unbelievers; so they might not see the light of the Gospel, and the glory of Christ, who is the image of God. But read 2 Corinthians 4:6. Last verse guys. In effectual calling the Spirit shows us our need for a savior. He enlightens our MINDS!! He shows us that there is a way for salvation, through JESUS CHRIST!!!! YEA!!!!!! I am EXCITED!!!!!!

-Kole