Principles of Gospel Power
contrary unto the holiness required of us,—which is the divine word; compared therefore unto food, which is the means of preserving natural life, and of increasing its strength: "As new-born babes desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby."
Hereon the apostle proceeds, in verse third, to declare the condition whereon our profiting, growing, and thriving by the word doth depend; and this is an experience of its power, as it is the instrument of God whereby he conveys his grace unto us: "If so be that ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious." See 1 Thess. 1:5. Therein lies the first and chief principle of our ensuing demonstration, and it is this:
— Principles of Gospel Power Principle I. All the benefit and advantage which any men do or may receive by the word, or the truths of the gospel, depend on an experience of its power and efficacy in communicating the grace of God unto their souls.
This principle is evident in itself, and not to be questioned by any but such as never had the least real sense of religion on their own minds.
Besides, it is evidently contained in the testimony of the apostle before laid down.
Hereunto three other principles of equal evidence with itself are supposed, and virtually contained in it.
Principle II. There is a power and efficacy in the word, and the preaching of it, Rom. 1:16, "I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation."
It hath a divine power, the power of God, accompanying it, and put forth in it, unto its proper ends: "For the word of God is quick and powerful," Heb. 4:12.
Principle III. The power that is in the word of God consists in its efficacy to communicate the grace of God unto the souls of men.
In and by it they "taste that the Lord is gracious;" that is its efficacy unto its proper ends. These are salvation, with all things requisite thereunto; such as the illumination of our minds, the renovation of our natures, the justification of our persons, the life of God in holy worship and obedience,—all leading unto our eternal enjoyment of him. These are the ends whereunto the gospel is designed in the wisdom of God, whereunto its efficacy is confined.
Principle IV. There is an experience to be obtained of the power and efficacy of the word.
In that place of the apostle it is expressed by "tasting." But there is something antecedent unto their tasting, specially so called, and something consequent unto it, both inseparable from it; and therefore belonging unto the experience whereof we speak.
Wherefore,— 1. The first thing required hereunto is light; that is, a spiritual, supernatural light, enabling us to discern the wisdom, will, and mind of God in the word, in a spiritual manner; without which we can have no experience of its power. Hence the gospel is hid unto them that perish, though it be outwardly declared unto them, 2 Cor. 4:3. This is the only means which lets into the mind and conscience a sense of this efficacy. This, in the increases of it, the apostle prays for on the behalf of believers, that they may have this experience, Eph. 1:16–19,
3:16–19; and declares the nature of it, 2 Cor. 4:6.