What does the effectual calling signify in Christian doctrine?

The effectual calling in Christian doctrine signifies God's sovereign initiative in drawing the elect to salvation. This concept emphasizes that the call to faith and repentance is not merely a general invitation, but a specific and effective action by God that results in the regeneration of those whom He has chosen.

In this context, effectual calling implies that when God calls an individual, it is accompanied by the power of the Holy Spirit to enable that person to respond positively to His grace. Therefore, it highlights the belief that salvation is ultimately orchestrated by God rather than being solely dependent on human choice or effort.

The other choices, while relevant to various aspects of Christian theology, do not capture the specific nature of effectual calling. For example, a divine promise to all believers lacks the distinction of individual drawing, a historical event in salvation refers to significant moments in salvation history rather than the continuous process of individual redemption, and the moral responsibility of humanity addresses human response but does not encapsulate the divine initiative represented in effectual calling.