267. Power, Holy Spirit, Assurance
1 Thessalonians 1:5 For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.
The Gospel is words, but, significantly, it is much more than words. The Gospel contains words that have power: something real is happening. The Gospel is the power of God unto salvation. A life-changing power comes with the proclamation of the Gospel. It really forgives sins, brings salvation, and gives God’s life to the hearer who believes the words. The Gospel is the only power that can make a difference in life and behavior. It generates the motivation to actually change and follow up repentance with good works. This kind of power is not seen like the power of lightning or fireworks, but it packs just as much power. The Law and the preaching of morality and improvement of life have no power to change anything. The Law can only convict and condemn. The Law prepares the heart to positively and joyfully apprehend the Gospel. It seems right to us to find the right way and walk in it, but trying to obey is an exercise in futility. It doesn’t work, and it only leads to more frustration. The Gospel has power; the Law does not.
The Gospel comes in the Holy Spirit. With the Gospel the Holy Spirit comes along and enters the heart to create and grow faith. The Spirit living in our spirit causes us to do good things, and He makes good things happen. The words of Jesus are Spirit and they are Life. The life-giving Spirit comes with the Gospel and the Gospel energizes life. The Gospel nourishes the energy and activity of the Spirit. The spirit needs to be fed, not starved; it needs to be stirred up, not allowed to lie dormant. For this recharging we go to church to receive forgiveness and hear the Gospel. When we believe this promise we will not grieve or neglect the Holy Spirit.
The Gospel also comes unto us in much assurance. We need the assurance of God’s love, mercy, grace and power. There are so many promises we need to believe because we do not see them. When the Gospel comes it give great assurances to all the doubts, fears, worries, anxieties and troubles that plague us daily. Gospel assurance overcomes.