The Work of the Holy Spirit
God called you by our gospel, for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Thessalonians 2:14
Yesterday, we celebrated the Feast of Pentecost. During the Feast of Pentecost, the Holy Spirit was poured out upon the disciples, giving them unique gifts that helped in the work of spreading the gospel. This week, we will examine the gifts that the Holy Spirit has poured out upon us through His work. Today, we consider His work of calling. This calling is done by the gospel in Word and Sacrament. As the Apostle Paul points out to the Thessalonians, the Holy Spirit has chosen the means of the proclamation of the gospel to call us to faith. Like Paul, we also can proclaim the gospel by which the Holy Spirit calls others to faith.
Paul also points out that the call’s purpose is “for the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.” This purpose is to bring us to faith in Jesus Christ as our Savior. By nature, we are sinners. There is absolutely nothing that we could do to change our relationship with God. However, God graciously provided a way of salvation through Jesus Christ. The calling of the Holy Spirit not only invites us but actually brings us to faith in Jesus Christ as our Savior. The result is that we obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ with all its blessings. Because of this change in our relationship with God by faith, the calling of the Holy Spirit is also called conversion, regeneration, and quickening. Conversion means to be turned 180 degrees, regeneration is being reborn, and quickening is to be made alive. All these describe what happens when the Holy Spirit calls us by the gospel.
Come, oh, come, Thou quickening Spirit, God from all eternity!
May Thy power never fail us; Dwell within us constantly.
Then shall truth and life and light Banish all the gloom of night.
The Lutheran Hymnal 226:1