Calling is that act of God by which men are invited to accept, by faith, the salvation provided by Christ.—The Scriptures distinguish between: (_a_) _The general, or external, call_ to all men through God’s providence, word, and Spirit. _Is. 45:22_—“_Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is none else_”; _55:6_—“_Seek ye Jehovah while he may be found; call ye upon him while he is near_”; _65:12_—“_when I called, ye did not answer; when I spake, ye did not hear; but ye did that which was evil in mine eyes, and chose that wherein I delighted not_”; _Ez. 33:11_—“_As I live, saith the Lord Jehovah, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live; turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?_” _Mat. 11:28_—“_Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest_”; _22:3_—“_sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the marriage feast: and they would not come_”; _Mark 16:15_—“_Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to the whole creation_”; _John 12:32_—“_And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto myself_”—draw, not drag; _Rev. 3:20_—“_Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear my voice and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me._” (_b_) _The special, efficacious call_ of the Holy Spirit to the elect.