How is the word made effectual to salvation?

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The Spirit of God maketh the reading, but especially the preaching of the word, an effectual means of enlightening, convincing, and humbling sinners; of driving them out of themselves, and drawing them unto Christ; of conforming them to his image, and subduing them to his will; of strengthening them against temptations and corruptions; of building them up in grace, and establishing their hearts 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 enlightening, (Nehemiah 8:8; Acts 26:18; Psalm 19:8)
  • convincing, and humbling sinners; (1 Corinthians 14:24–25; 2 Chronicles 34:18–19, 26–28)
  • of driving them out of themselves, and drawing them unto Christ; (Acts 2:37, 41; 8:27–30, 35–38)
  • of conforming them to his image, (2 Corinthians 3:18)
  • and subduing them to his will; (2 Corinthians 10:4–6; Romans 6:17)
  • of strengthening them against temptations and corruptions; (Matthew 4:4, 7, 10; Ephesians 6:16–17; Psalm 19:11)
  • of building them up in grace, (Acts 20:32; 2 Timothy 3:15–17)
  • and establishing their hearts in holiness and comfort through faith unto salvation. (Romans 16:25; 1 Thessalonians 3:2, 10–11, 13; Romans 15:4; 10:13–17; 1:16)