The effects and goods of the Gospel.
The effects and goods of the Gospel.
§ 45. The effects and goods that the Gospel offers for and bestows on believers are many and varied, though all are divine and worthy of the highest valuation, for the Gospel reveals God’s plan for our salvation (Matt. 11:[25]), and for this reason it is called “the revelation of the mystery” (Rom. 16:25). It provides faith, stirs it up, and strengthens it (Rom. 10:17), and for this reason it is called “the word of faith” (1 Tim. 4:6). It brings the grace of God and reconciliation with God (John 1:17), and for this reason it is called “the word of grace” (Luke 4:22). It gives regeneration (James 1:18), and for this reason it is called “the good seed” (Matt. 13:37); the forgiveness of sins (Luke 1:77), and for this reason it is called “the good word of God” (Heb. 6:5); righteousness which stands firm in the judgment of God (Rom. 4:5), the fulfillment of the Law of Moses (Rom. 10:4), the fellowship of the divine nature (1 Pet. 1:4), the adoption of sons (John 1:12), healing from spiritual ills (Matt. 9:12), and for this reason it is called “healthy speech” (Titus 2:8). It gives spiritual life (John 15:5), and for this reason it is called “the word of life” (Phil. 2:16); joy and peace of conscience (Acts 13:48), and for this reason it is called “the Gospel of peace” (Eph. 6:15); comfort in all trials and persecutions (2 Thess. 2:16), freedom from the law of sin and death, from the curse of the Law (Rom. 8:2), the gift of the Holy Spirit (Gal. 3:2), and for this reason it is called “the ministry of the Spirit” (2 Cor. 3:8); trust in prayer (Gal. 4:6), new obedience which pleases God (Gal. 3:5), the inheritance of eternal life and salvation (John 3:36), and for this reason it is called “the Gospel of salvation” (Eph. 1:13). All of these have been recalled from above (§ 14), concerning the removal of evil things and the giving of good things; they can be illustrated and explained in greater detail with various statements of Christ and of the apostles.