The gospel reveals a Savior, in whom we must trust;
a Sovereign, whom we must obey;
a Priest, on whose atonement we must rest;
a Prophet, from whom we must learn;
a Friend, in whose love we must confide;
a Brother, from whom we may expect;
a Father, whose authority we must revere;
an Apostle, whose mission we must copy; and
an Advocate, to whom we must commit our cause.
The gospel flows from the free love, rich grace and abundant mercy of our God;
is founded in the Savior's person, mediation and death;
becomes effectual through the revelation, operation and application of the Holy Spirit.
By it He begets faith, imparts love and excites hope;
and when accompanied by His blessing, the gospel is received in demonstration and power.
The gospel produces penitence, and godly sorrow for sin;
begets hatred to sin, and love to holiness;
weans from the world, and wafts the affections to heaven;
makes us zealous for God, and the good of immortal souls;
delivers us from the power of darkness, and translates us into the kingdom of Jesus;
crucifies the flesh, and liberates the spirit;
unites Christians in love, and raises us above the fear of death;
fortifies us against persecution, and makes us rejoice in suffering for Immanuel's name;
humbles the spirit, and dignifies the man;
destroys covetousness, and makes us benevolent;
roots out pride, and implants meekness;
transforms us from the world, and conforms us to God;
begets hatred to impurity, and makes us chaste;
throws down idolatry, and leads us to worship God;
conquers SELF, and exalts Christ;
softens the hard heart, and produces kindness;
delivers from sin, Satan and the world;
and devotes body, soul and spirit to the Lord.
[James Smith]
1 Thessalonians 1:4-5 ... Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God. For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.
✫❤•°*”˜˜”*°•.❤✫...•°*”˜˜”*°•.❤✫...•°*”˜˜”*°•.❤✫
