Essays

"...we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction." (1 Thess 1:4, 5)

You have been born anew, not of perishable seed but but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God...� (1 Peter 1:23,25)

As in the above passages, note that the Holy Spirit does not save people in a void, but, as we cast forth the seed of the gospel, He quickens people through the Word of truth. The Holy Spirit, germinates the seed, so to speak, making us alive in Christ though the Word. The seed of the gospel does not work on its own, it requires the prior blessing of God applying the benefits of Christ to the hearers.

"Everyone who believes that Jesus is the Christ has been born of God" (1 John 5:1 )

But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive [quickened us] with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions– it is by grace you have been saved. Ephesians 2:4-5

It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is of no avail. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life. But there are some of you who do not believe." (For Jesus knew from the beginning who those were who did not believe, and who it was who would betray him.) And he said, "This is why I told you that no one can come to me [i.e. believe in me] unless it is granted him by the Father." John 6:63-65