The word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe. 1 Thess. 2:13
A proclamation of grace from an earthly king has reduced the most desperate and hardened rebels to lay down their arms and promise true allegiance. But, though the word of God is a proclamation of grace, glad tidings of pardon; though replete with the most tender expostulations, and the most endearing invitations; yet, so great is our perverseness, so daring our obstinacy, that, if left to ourselves, we should remain deaf to every call, and continue hardened in our rebellion against the most high God till we fell victims to his justly deserved wrath. For unbelief shuts up every avenue of the soul against the light, truth, peace, and love of the word of God. But, O amazing love! lie in the dust, O my soul! adore the power of our all-conquering Saviour. The gracious Spirit makes gracious words effectual. Hence faith esteems every portion of the Gospel as the food, life, and joy of the soul. By the Spirit's agency the word begets faith; and then works effectually in believing hearts.
They speak unadvisedly, who call the word of God a dead letter. Indeed, Paul saith, "the letter killeth." But this can never prove God's word to be dead. That which is dead itself cannot kill. We should distinguish between the letter of the law, which killeth all flesh, and the Gospel of grace, that worketh life and salvation in all who believe. When we read the word of God, we should never consider it distinct from the essential and personal Word, Jesus. He is emphatically styled "The Word of God." Rev. 19:13. He who executed all the purposes of the word of truth, works effectually in the hearts of the children of faith.
Hence the once despised and lightly esteemed Nazarene is known, believed in, and loved, as most precious, the chief among ten thousand; yea, as altogether lovely. God's precious promises in him, once wholly disregarded, are now richly prized. They are beheld as sweetly ranged and profusely scattered through every page of the lively oracles. The Spirit's holy gifts and sanctifying graces are pleaded as God's blessed charter of free grace. All his sovereign edicts, and absolute declarations of grace and salvation, instead of being proudly cavilled against, are bowed down to with humility. In the word of our King there is power. Sin and Satan are dethroned in the heart, and Jesus rules and reigns in the soul. Thus the word of God is quick and powerful. Thus it works effectually to salvation. Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Rom. 10:17.
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