How is the word made effectual to salvation?
The Spirit of God maketh the reading, but especially the preaching of the word, an effectual means of convincing and converting sinners, and of building them up in holiness and comfort through faith unto salvation.
Proofs
- The Spirit of God maketh the reading, but especially the preaching of the word, an effectual means of convincing and converting sinners, and of building them up in holiness and comfort through faith unto salvation. (Nehemiah 8:8; Acts 26:18; Psalm 19:8; Acts 20:32; Romans 1:15–16; 10:13–17; 15:4; 1 Corinthians 14:24–25; 2 Timothy 3:15–17)
Additional Exposition
Section 1
Is the word of God profitable for conviction?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: It is quick and powerful, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, (Hebrews 4:12)
And for conversion?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul, (Psalm 19:7)
Section 2
Doth the word beget faith?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Faith comes by hearing, (Romans 10:17)
And holiness?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: That they also might be sanctified through the truth, (John 17:19)
And comfort?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of my heart, (Jeremiah 15:16)
Is it a means of enlightening our understandings?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes, (Psalm 19:8)
And of restraining our corruptions?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: By the words of thy lips I have kept me from the paths of the destroyer, (Psalm 17:4)
And of perfecting our graces?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: It is able to build us up, (Acts 20:32)
And of preparing us for heaven?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: To give us an inheritance among them that are sanctified, (Acts 20:32)
But is it so by any inherent virtue or efficacy of its own?
Answer: No.
Proof: For it is the power of God unto salvation, (Romans 1:16)
Practical response
Should the word of God be read for these purposes?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: They read in the book of the law distinctly, (Nehemiah 8:8)
And preached?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Then will I teach transgressors thy law, (Psalm 51:13)
Should it be preached purely?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Teach them the things which become sound doctrine, (Titus 2:1)
And plainly?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, (1 Corinthians 2:4)
And prudently?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Rightly dividing the word of truth, (2 Timothy 2:15)
And affectionately?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: I ceased not to warn every one with tears, (Acts 20:31)
And boldly?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: These things command and teach, (1 Timothy 4:11)
And diligently?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all long suffering and doctrine, (2 Timothy 4:2)
And may we hope that the word thus preached will be crowned with success?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: When the law of truth was in his mouth—he did turn many away from iniquity, (Malachi 2:6)