Those who, as the Lutherans, believe that Christ's body is omnipresent to his church, of course, maintain that his ascension consisted not in any local change, but in the withdrawal of his former sensible intercourse with his disciples.
It is certain, however, that his human soul and body did ac- tually pass up from earth to the abode of the blessed, and that his entire person, as the Grod-man, was gloriously exalted. He ascended as Mediator, triumphing over his enemies, and giving gifts to his friends, Eph. iv., 8-12 ; to complete his mediatorial work, John xiv., 2, 3 ; as the Forerunner of his people, Heb. vi. 20 ; and
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THE MEDIATORIAL KINGSHIP OF CHRIST.
to fill the universe with the manifestations of his glory and power, Eph., iv.; 10.
30. What is included in Christ's sitting at the right hand of the Father ?
See Ps. ex., 1 ; Mark xvi., 19 ; Eom. viii., 34 ; Eph. i.; 20, 22 ; Col. iii., 1 ; Heb. i., 3, 4 ; x., 12 ; 1 Pet. iii., 22.
This language is evidently figurative, yet it very expressively sets forth the supreme glorification of Christ in heaven. It pre- sents him as the G-od-man, and in his office as Mediator exalted to supreme and universal glory, felicity and power over all princi- palities and powers, and every name that is named, Heb. ii., 9 ; Ps. xvi., 11 ; Matt, xxvi., 64 ; Dan. vii., 13, 14 ; Phil, ii., 9, 11 ; John v., 22 ; Kev. v., 6. Thus publicly assuming his throne as mediatorial Priest and King over the universe for the benefit of his church.
Seated upon that throne he, during the present dis- pensation, as Mediator, effectually applies to his people, through his spirit, that salvation which he had previ- ously achieved for them in his estate of humiliation.
CHAPTER XXV.
EFFECTUAL CALLING.
1. What is the New Testament usage of the words tcaXhv (to call), KXrjaig (calling), and xXwrog (the called) ?
Kake.iv is used in the sense, 1st, of calling with the voice, John x., 3 ; Mark i., 20 ; 2d, of calling forth, to summon authorita- tively, Acts iv., 18 ; xxiv., ii. ; 3d, of inviting, Matt, xxii., 3 ; ix., 13 ; 1 Tim. vi., 12. Many are called, hut few chosen. 4th. Of the effectual call of the Spirit, Eom. viii., 28-30 ; 1 Pet. ii., 9 ; v., 10. 5th. Of an appointment to office, Heb. v., 4. 6th. In the sense of naming, Matt, i., 21 ; nXr\ai(; occurs eleven times in the New Testament, in each instance it signifies the effectual call of the Holy Spirit, with the exception of 1 Cor. vii., 20, where it is used as synonymous with business or trade. — See Rom. xi., 29 ; 1 Cor. i., 26, etc., etc. — Robinson's Lex.
K?^rjr6g occurs ten times in the New Testament. It is used to signify, 1st, those appointed to any office, Rom. i., 1. 2d. Those who receive the external call of the word, Matt, xx., 16. 3d. The effectually called, Rom. i., 7 ; viii., 28 ; 1 Cor. i., 2, 24 ; Jude i.; Rev. xvii., 14.
The very word enit\r}oia (church) designating the company of the faithful, the heirs of all the promises, signifies, etymologically, the company called forth, the body constituted by "the calling."
2. What is included in the external call ?
1st. A declaration of the plan of salvation. 2d. A declara- tion of duty on the part of the sinner to repent and believe. 3d. A declaration of the motives which ought to influence the sin- ner's mind, such as fear of hope, remorse or gratitude. 4th, A
334 EFFECTUAL CALLING.
promise of acceptance in the case of all those who comply with the conditions. — Dr. Hodge.
3. How can it he proved that the external call to salvation is made only through the word of God ?
The law of Grod, as impressed upon the moral constitution of man, is natural, and inseparable from man as a moral responsible agent, Kom. i., 19, 20 ; ii., 14, 15. But the gospel is no part of that natural law. It is of grace, not of nature, and it can be made known to us only by a special and supernatural revelation.
This is further evident, 1st, because the Scriptures declare that a knowledge of the word is essential to salvation, Kom. x., 14-17 ; and, 2d, because they also declare that those who neglect the word, either written or preached, are guilty of the eminent sin of rejecting all possibility of salvation, Matt, xi., 21, 22 ; Heb. ii., 3.
4. On what principle is this external call addressed equally to the non-elect as well as to the elect ?
That it is addressed indiscriminately to both classes is proved, 1st. From the express declaration of Scripture, Matt, xxii., 14. 2d. The command to preach the gospel to eveiy creature, Mark xvi., 15. 3d. The promise to every one who accepts it, Eev. xxii., 17. 4th. The awful judgment pronounced upon those who reject it, John hi., 19 ; xvi., 9.