The term "effectually" is often used in theological discussions to describe the powerful and successful working of God's will, particularly in the context of salvation and prayer. In the Bible, the concept of effectuality is closely tied to the efficacy of God's actions and the certainty of His purposes being fulfilled.

Biblical Usage and Context

1. Effectual Prayer: The idea of effectual prayer is highlighted in James 5:16 , which states, "The prayer of a righteous man has great power to prevail." This verse underscores the belief that the prayers of those who are righteous before God are not only heard but are also powerful and effective in bringing about God's will. The effectiveness of prayer is not based on human merit but on the righteousness imparted by faith and the alignment of the prayer with God's will.

2. Effectual Calling: In Reformed theology, the concept of "effectual calling" refers to the work of the Holy Spirit in bringing individuals to salvation. This is distinct from the general call of the Gospel, which is extended to all, as the effectual call is specific and results in the transformation and regeneration of the individual. Romans 8:30 illustrates this process: "And those He predestined, He also called; those He called, He also justified; those He justified, He also glorified." This sequence demonstrates the certainty and effectiveness of God's salvific plan.

3. Effectual Working of God's Power: Ephesians 3:7 speaks of the "effectual working" of God's power in the life of the Apostle Paul: "I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace, given me through the working of His power." Here, the term conveys the idea that God's power is not only present but actively and successfully accomplishing His purposes through His servants.

4. Effectual Faith: The Apostle Paul often speaks of faith that is active and effective in the life of believers. In 1 Thessalonians 2:13 , Paul writes, "And we continually thank God because, when you received the word of God that you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as the true word of God, which is now at work in you who believe." This passage highlights the effectual nature of the Word of God in producing faith and transformation in the lives of believers.

Theological Implications

The concept of effectuality in Scripture emphasizes the sovereignty and omnipotence of God. It reassures believers of the certainty of God's promises and the effectiveness of His actions in the world. The effectual nature of God's work is a source of comfort and assurance, affirming that His purposes will be accomplished despite human weakness or opposition.

In summary, the term "effectually" in a biblical context refers to the successful and powerful working of God's will, particularly in areas such as prayer, calling, and the operation of faith. It underscores the belief in a God who is both willing and able to accomplish His divine purposes in the lives of individuals and in the world at large.1. (adv.) With effect; efficaciously.

2. (adv.) Actually; in effect.

1754. energeo -- to be at work, to work, to do
... Word Origin from energes Definition to be at work, to work, to do NASB Word Usage
accomplish (1), brought about (1), effective (2), effectually worked (2 ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1754.htm - 8k

Are the Elect Only Effectually Called?
... Question 68: Are the elect only effectually called? Answer: All the elect,
and they only, are effectually called; although others ...
/.../anonymous/the westminster larger catechism/question 68 0 0 are the elect.htm

What Benefits do they that are Effectually Called Partake of in ...
... Question 32: What benefits do they that are effectually called partake
of in this life? A32: They that are effectually called do ...
/.../the westminster shorter catechism/question 32 0 0 what benefits do.htm

Effectual Calling
... of grace works grace. By this call the heart is renewed, and the will is
effectually drawn to embrace Christ. The outward call brings ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/2 effectual calling.htm

Secondly, the Motives by which the Christian Religion Enforces the ...
... the Christian religion affords us, is a most powerful and necessary motive to frail
and sinful creatures, to encourage and support them effectually in the ...
/.../xi proposition xi secondly the.htm

Thirdly, the Peculiar Manner and Circumstances with which the ...
... In fine, what can more effectually perfect the religion of nature, than the gathering
together the worshippers of the true God into one body; the causing them ...
/.../xii proposition xii thirdly the.htm

The Word
... which effectually worketh in you that believe.' 1 Thess 2:13. What is meant by the
word's working effectually? ... How may the word be read effectually? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/the ten commandments/4 3 the word.htm

Exhortations to those who are Called
... IF, after searching you find that you are effectually called, I have three exhortations
to you. ... 3. You who are effectually called, honour your high calling. ...
/.../watson/a divine cordial/exhortations to those who are.htm

Effectual Calling
... efficient. The ministers of God are only the pipes and organs; it is the
Spirit blowing in them, that effectually changes the heart. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a divine cordial/effectual calling.htm

Preface
... Farther, since we do not always so much stand in need of new information, as to
have, what we already know, more effectually impressed upon the mind; there are ...
//christianbookshelf.org/newton/messiah vol 1/preface.htm

Prayer and Obedience (Continued)
... abide with us, and be in us. Cheerful obedience to God, qualifies us to
pray effectually. This obedience which not only qualifies ...
/.../bounds/the necessity of prayer/x prayer and obedience continued.htm

Effectually (2 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (adv.) With effect; efficaciously. 2. (adv.) Actually;
in effect. Multi-Version Concordance Effectually (2 Occurrences). ...
/e/effectually.htm - 7k

Effectual (8 Occurrences)
... English Versions of the Bible in 1 Corinthians 16:9 Philemon 1:6. the Revised Version
(British and American) dispenses with "effectual," "effectually," in the ...
/e/effectual.htm - 11k

Loins (72 Occurrences)
... and is considered as specially needful of covering, even under primitive conditions
of life (Job 31:20), and where painful disease most effectually unfits a ...
/l/loins.htm - 33k

Worketh (49 Occurrences)
... ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word
of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also ...
/w/worketh.htm - 19k

Idolatry (14 Occurrences)
... It was their great national sin, which was only effectually rebuked by the Babylonian
exile. That exile finally purified the Jews of all idolatrous tendencies. ...
/i/idolatry.htm - 21k

Repel (1 Occurrence)
... or an assailant. 2. (vt) To resist or oppose effectually; as, to repel an
assault, an encroachment, or an argument. 3. (vi) To act ...
/r/repel.htm - 7k

Effect (173 Occurrences)
... English Versions of the Bible in 1 Corinthians 16:9 Philemon 1:6. the Revised Version
(British and American) dispenses with "effectual," "effectually," in the ...
/e/effect.htm - 40k

Effeminate (1 Occurrence)

/e/effeminate.htm - 7k

Baptismal (1 Occurrence)
... in its rejection of the idea that baptism is the instrumental cause of regeneration,
and that the grace of regeneration is effectually conveyed through the ...
/b/baptismal.htm - 24k

Call
... It is internal, and is the result of the enlightening and sanctifying influence
of the Holy Spirit (John 16:14; Acts 26:18; John 6:44), effectually drawing men ...
/c/call.htm - 11k

Does praying Scripture have greater effectiveness than other prayers? | GotQuestions.org

Effectually: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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