"Predestination and Effectual Calling" by Peter Martyr Vermigli is a profound theological exploration of two central themes of Reformed theology, meticulously examining the doctrines of predestination and the calling of God. In this detailed work, Vermigli discusses the intricacies of these doctrines through a clear exposition of biblical texts and logical reasoning, providing a rich resource for both theologians and lay readers interested in the depths of God's sovereign grace.
The book is structured into detailed chapters, each considering different aspects of predestination and calling. Vermigli starts with a thorough examination of predestination, grounded in Romans Chapter 9, where he unfolds the doctrine by discussing its nature, definition, and the controversial issues surrounding it. He addresses the effects predestination has on humanity, its implications on the concept of free will, and whether it imposes any necessity on human actions.
Vermigli continues with an exploration of God's calling and grace, illuminating how God's call is not merely an invitation but an effectual action that inevitably leads to the conversion of those whom He has predestined. This is further linked to discussions on faith, the certainty thereof, and the theological nuances of fear and security, which oppose true faith.
