Vanhoozer writes,
“A word of forgiveness can be ignored, or it can be accepted.” (FT, 157)
Does this mean there is no irresistible, “effectual call?” If this statement is anything more than simply informing us of what can happen depending upon whether or not one is elect or non-elect (and there is no reason to impose such an awkward connotation upon these words from their context), then, on Calvinism, they are incoherent with regard to any person hearing this “word of forgiveness,” for there are only two types of people in the world – the elect and the non-elect. First, how can a “word of forgiveness” from God be honestly spoken to any but the elect? Furthermore, the elect certainly cannot ignore a divine word of forgiveness. It will be effectual in them. Secondly, a word of forgiveness certainly cannot be genuinely spoken to the non-elect. They have not been predestined to receive it. Furthermore, the non-elect certainly cannot accept the word of forgiveness. It does not apply to them, and God will not cause it to be effective in them. So, in that Vanhoozer is speaking about a potentiality – that anyone hearing the word of forgiveness can either ignore it or accept it – he is certainly speaking inconsistent with his theological doctrine of an irresistible, effectual call and the distinction between the elect and non-elect.
The Truth of the Gospel 