Effectively Applying Our Effectual Calling – Thomas Watson (9 of 9)

By Daren Dirksen

Published July 30, 2025

This time-tested treatise on God’s love is carefully written for the believer going through any circumstance. But, more specifically it is for those in storms of fear or loss.  Watson and other pastors had been kicked out of their churches while being faithful to the Bible.  In such fearful situations, Watson concludes this glorious and careful work by pointing out that for those who are effectually called, there are three points of application.

First, respond by admiring and adoring God’s free grace in calling you! This ought to naturally send you to your face in adoration and grateful worship even in difficult trials. Second, pity those who are not yet called.  However, we should not stop with pity alone. The only thing between the lost and the bottomless pit is death and so godly pity should always be accompanied by prayer. If the lost are still breathing, then there is still hope. So, pray to the only savior and the Lord of Lords!  Third, honor your high calling by walking worthy of your King (Eph. 4:1). God forbid that we make Christ suffer again with worldly and sinful words, attitudes, and behaviors.  On the contrary, the walk that is worthy of our calling will be wise, joyful, influential on those around you, and single-minded.

Appropriately, the last thing Watson points out is the last phrase in this majestic verse.  He reminds us that all of this is “according to His purpose”.  These four words are the foundation and fountainhead of our faith and spiritual blessings (Eph. 1:11). Watson again reminds us that God’s purpose is the cause of our salvation and the grounds of our assurance. In four words, the scripture plucks up the root of man’s free-will which many confused teachers sadly give the ultimate glory to (Rom. 9:16).  As scripture plainly says that it is God, “Who has saved us, and called us, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace. (2Tim. 1:9). What a medicine this is for our soul!

The healthy response to such good medicine will be to gratefully take the balm of growth in sanctification and holiness.  As Paul writes, “God has chosen you to salvation through sanctification” (2 Thess. 2:13). Salvation and sanctification will go together.  Sanctification in one’s life is a great ground for our assurance!  Watson concludes his book exhorting us to be assured. He states,

“By the stream, we come at last to the fountain. If we find the stream of sanctification running in our souls. We may by this come to the fountainhead of election. When a man cannot look up to the firmament, yet he may know the moon is there by seeing it shine upon the water; so, though I cannot look up into the secret of God’s purpose, yet I may know I am elected, by the shining of sanctifying grace in my soul.”

How comforting to know that whatever you go through he will never leave or forsake you because He has a purpose shining through for you that is beautiful. May we find God’s word written on our heart, and as a result be assured, as we walk through all we go through giving our fears to Him.

Are you or someone you know going through a fearful and difficult time?  Hear the words of an endurantist who took the time to write this book on one verse from Romans 8 regarding  God’s love to those hurting.  As Watson points out; “How may this cure the trembling heart! What, though the sea roars, though the earth be unquiet, though the stars are shaken out of their places, you need not fear. You are called, and therefore are sure to be crowned.” What a great meditation on a majestic verse. May it be a divine medicine for our souls.