Q89. How is God’s Word made effective for salvation?
The Spirit of God makes the reading, and especially the preaching, of the Word an effective way to convict and convert sinners, and to build up believers in holiness and comfort, through faith, leading to salvation.
Scripture Proofs — King James Version
Nehemiah 8:8
“So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading.”
1 Corinthians 14:24–25
“But if all prophesy, and there come in one that believeth not, or one unlearned, he is convinced of all, he is judged of all: And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on his face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth.”
Acts 20:32
“And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of his grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.”
2 Timothy 3:15–17
“And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.”
Parent Guide
Discuss this question together
Discussion Questions
- 1
Who makes the reading and preaching of God’s Word effective?
- 2
Why can two people hear the same sermon and one be changed while the other is not?
- 3
What could you do to prepare your heart before hearing God’s Word read or preached?
Illustration
Rain falls on a sidewalk and on a garden. The sidewalk stays hard and the water runs off. The garden soil soaks it in and things grow. The same rain falls on both. The Holy Spirit softens hearts so God’s Word can sink in and produce fruit.
Application
Because the Spirit is the one who makes God’s Word come alive in your heart, pray before church or before reading the Bible: "Holy Spirit, open my ears and soften my heart to hear what God is saying." You cannot make yourself understand on your own, but you can ask God to help.