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Westminster Larger Catechism – Lord’s Day 18

Q & A 66
Q What is that union which the elect have with Christ?
A The union which the elect have with Christ is the work of God’s grace *1, whereby they are spiritually and mystically, yet really and inseparably, joined to Christ as their head and husband *2; which is done in their effectual calling *3.

Q & A 67
Q What is effectual calling?
A Effectual calling is the work of God’s almighty power and grace *4, whereby (out of his free and special love to his elect, and from nothing in them moving him thereunto) *5 he doth, in his accepted time, invite and draw them to Jesus Christ, by his Word and Spirit *6; savingly enlightening their minds *7, renewing and powerfully determining their wills *8, so as they (although in themselves dead in sin) are hereby made willing and able freely to answer his call, and to accept and embrace the grace offered and conveyed therein *9.

Q & A 68
Q Are the elect only effectually called?
A All the elect, and they only, are effectually called: *10 although others may be, and often are, outwardly called by the ministry of the Word *11, and have some common operations of the Spirit *12; who, for their wilful neglect and contempt of the grace offered to them, being justly left in their unbelief, do never truly come to Jesus Christ *13.

Q & A 69
Q What is the communion in grace which the members of the invisible church have with Christ?
A The communion in grace which the members of the invisible church have with Christ, is their partaking of the virtue of his mediation, in their justification,14 adoption *15, sanctification, and whatever else, in this life, manifests their union with him *16.