The Grace Of God, The Word Of God, And The Gospel Of God

1 Peter 1:23-25

In these few verses of Scripture, the Holy Spirit distinctly teaches us three things which we need to lay to our hearts, three things which need to be understood and remembered by all who seek to do good to the souls of men. (1). The new birth is the work of God alone. Sinners have life only by the gift and operation of God’s sovereign, irresistible grace and power. The new birth is not an offer from God, but the operation of God. (2). The instrument by which God performs this sovereign operation of grace is the Word of God. God does not save sinners apart from the means he has ordained. “Faith cometh by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. Of his own will begat he us with the Word of truth.” (3). The Word of God is preached only when the gospel of Christ is preached. All truly biblical preaching is gospel preaching. Christ crucified is “all the counsel of God”. The solitary message of Holy Scripture is the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Don Fortner