Not all the efforts of men can accomplish what God does with a word: give life to a sinner. Life for a sinner waits on a word from God, Himself. This word from God is nothing less than the gospel impressed upon the heart by God, "and this is the word which, by the gospel, was preached unto you."–1 Pet. 1:25
"But preacher," you say, "I have heard many gospel sermons. How will I know when God has spoken the word of life to me?" That is a very good question which has a very simple answer. You will know that God has said, "Live," to you by this: when He says live to you, YOU WILL LIVE! His call is omnipotent and sovereign. There are none to whom God says, "Live," that do not come alive. Now, what does it mean to live; how will this life reveal itself?
1. You will understand and believe the gospel of God's grace. What was once a mystery and unbelievable to you will become clear and certain in your heart. "Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth." 1 Tim. 2:4)
2. You will call on the Lord to save you. "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved." (Rom. 10:13) If God calls on you to live, you will call on Him to save.
3. You will know and love God. "And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent." (John 17:3)
4. You will gladly call Jesus Lord with your mouth and submit to Him as Lord in your heart. "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved." (Romans 10:9) Sinners called to life by God do not need to be forced to confess Christ as Lord, they are glad, even insistent to call Him Lord and find their greatest happiness in bowing to Him in their hearts.