08 Effectual Calling in Three Parables

EFFECTUAL CALLING IN THREE PARABLES
TEXT: Mark 4:21-34

SUMMARY: In the three parables that follow the seed and the sower, Jesus illustrates the mystery of salvation both in the individual and in the world.

I. A PARABLE OF AN ENLIGHTENING CALL, vv. 21-25.
Westminster (& Baptist) Shorter Catechism, Question 31:
Q: How does the Spirit apply to us the redemption purchased by Christ?
A: The Spirit applies to us the redemption purchased by Christ, by working faith in us, and thereby uniting us to Christ in our effectual calling.

1689 London Baptist Confession, "Of Effectual Calling": Those whom God hath predestinated unto Life, 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 an 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.

A. God is Light, v. 21.
B. The Light Shines in Darkness, v. 22.
C. The Elect Comprehend the Light, vv. 23-25.

II. A PARABLE OF AN EMERGING SALVATION, vv. 26-29.
A. The Scattering of Seed, v. 26.
B. The Germination of Seed, v. 27,
C. The Maturing of the Seed, vv. 28-29.

III. A PARABLE OF AN ENLARGING INFLUENCE, vv. 30-34.
A. A Small Beginning, v. 31.
B. A Steady Progression, v. 32a.
C. A Glorious End.