Topical Bible: The Power of God: Exhibited in Making the Gospel Effectual

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The power of God is a central theme throughout the Bible, manifesting in various forms and purposes. One of the most profound demonstrations of this power is in making the Gospel effectual in the lives of believers. The Gospel, the good news of Jesus Christ, is not merely a message of words but a divine force that transforms lives, convicts hearts, and brings salvation to those who believe.

Divine Origin and Authority

The Gospel's power originates from God Himself. In Romans 1:16, the Apostle Paul declares, "I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, then to the Greek." This verse underscores that the Gospel is not a human invention but a divine proclamation with the authority to save. The power of God is inherent in the Gospel, making it effective in accomplishing His purpose of redemption.

Conviction and Conversion

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in making the Gospel effectual. In John 16:8, Jesus explains, "And when He comes, He will convict the world in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment." The Spirit works in the hearts of individuals, convicting them of their sin and their need for a Savior. This conviction leads to repentance and faith, essential components of conversion. The power of God, through the Holy Spirit, transforms a person's heart, enabling them to respond to the Gospel message.

Regeneration and New Life

The power of God is also evident in the regeneration of believers. In Titus 3:5, Paul writes, "He saved us, not by the righteous deeds we had done, but according to His mercy, through the washing of new birth and renewal by the Holy Spirit." This regeneration is a supernatural act where the believer is born again, receiving new life in Christ. The Gospel is effectual in bringing about this new birth, a testament to God's power to create and renew.

Sanctification and Growth

The Gospel's effectual power extends beyond initial conversion to the ongoing process of sanctification. In Philippians 2:13, Paul encourages believers, "For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good pleasure." The power of God continues to work in believers, shaping them into the likeness of Christ. This sanctifying work is a lifelong process, demonstrating the Gospel's enduring power to transform and mature believers in their faith.

Perseverance and Assurance

The power of God ensures the perseverance of the saints. In 1 Peter 1:5, believers are described as "shielded by God’s power through faith for the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time." This divine protection assures believers of their eternal security, grounded in the power of God to keep them steadfast in their faith. The Gospel is effectual in providing assurance and hope, rooted in the unchanging power of God.

Proclamation and Witness

Finally, the power of God is exhibited in the proclamation of the Gospel. In Acts 1:8, Jesus promises, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." The disciples, empowered by the Holy Spirit, boldly proclaimed the Gospel, resulting in the spread of Christianity throughout the world. The effectiveness of their witness is a testament to the power of God working through the Gospel message.

In summary, the power of God is magnificently displayed in making the Gospel effectual. From conviction and conversion to sanctification and perseverance, the Gospel is a dynamic force that transforms lives and fulfills God's redemptive purposes. Through the Holy Spirit, the Gospel continues to be a living and active power, drawing people to Christ and sustaining them in their faith.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Romans 1:16
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God to salvation to every one that believes; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Corinthians 1:18,24
For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but to us which are saved it is the power of God.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Various Experiences in Gospel Work
... led to renounce the wrong spirit that Mr. Wyrick had already exhibited in prayer ...
A little later God seemed to withdraw some of his sustaining power and let ...
/.../cole/trials and triumphs of faith/chapter xiv various experiences in.htm

Friends, or Quakers.
... "To conclude: Although we have exhibited the several ... own effort, but is the free
gift of God in Christ ... the men, but separately, and without the power of making ...
//christianbookshelf.org/hayward/the book of religions/friends or quakers.htm

The Heart of the Gospel
... He took our infirmities, but he never exhibited an infirmity ... substitute for guilty
man was in the power of the ... O man, who art thou that repliest against God?". ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 32 1886/the heart of the gospel.htm

The Irish Articles of Religion. AD 1615.
... of Christ is not only signified and offered, but also truly exhibited and communicated ...
of his Father; at which time, by the almighty power of God, the living ...
/.../the irish articles of religion.htm

The Date of the Beginning of Noonday.
... work of the Spirit of God to be exhibited but under ... as the historian says, "Like
an angel of God exceeding all ... to be the true setting up of the beast power. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/orr/the gospel day /chapter i the date of.htm

Of the True Church. Duty of Cultivating Unity with Her, as the ...
... is to be observed, that he always exhibited himself to ... Gospel was not in word, but
in power (1:Thess ... only makes himself a fellow-worker with God, but attributes ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 1 of the true.htm

The Law Given, not to Retain a People for Itself, but to Keep ...
... the posterity of David, Christ was exhibited to the ... ceremonies would have given nothing
to God's ancient people but empty show, if the power of Christ's ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 7 the law given.htm

General Conference of 1824
... us, and never were they with greater fidelity exhibited in out ... of religion, yet the
work of God has gradually ... to do what was in their power toward supplying ...
/.../chapter 7 general conference of.htm

All Joy in all Trials
... what it is to praise God for the power to move ... that are heavily afflicted come to
bless God for everything ... tried woman, or she would not have exhibited so much ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 29 1883/all joy in all trials.htm

Of Justification by Faith. Both the Name and the Reality Defined.
... deny not that that which was openly exhibited to us ... testimony and honor conferred
on them by God, takes it ... previous to the Law, they had no power of justifying ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 11 of justification by.htm