call (general, special, effectual).

The act by which God extends to humans an invitation to enter into a saving relationship. The idea of a “general” call arises from scriptural texts that suggest that God’s invitation goes out to all peoples through the testimony of general revelation, that is, as present in God’s handiwork and providential care for creation. The “special” call refers to the Spirit of God working specifically in the heart of an individual as the preaching of the gospel provides the person with an opportunity to exercise faith in Christ. Finally, the “effectual” call refers to the Spirit’s application of grace such that an individual receives forgiveness of sin and eternal life (PDTT, 22-23).