The gospel

The gospel

(James Smith, “Christ Exalted, Saints Comforted, and Sinners Directed” 1855)

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“For we know, brethren beloved by God, that He has chosen you; because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction.” 1 Thessalonians 1:4-5

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.

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