Reformation
These have been redeemed from mankind. Revelation 14:4 ESV
The Gospel is not only something to be heard. It is something that itself acts. It accomplishes what it declares. Where the Gospel is preached, something happens. Sins are forgiven. The conscience is made good. A person who once stood uncertain before God is given peace.
That work is not always visible. The Gospel does not draw attention to itself in the way people expect. It works first where the problem is—in the heart weighed down by sin. That is why it can be easy to overlook. We can’t see sins being forgiven. Yet, the absence of sight does not mean the absence of power.
Martin Luther knew that struggle. He labored under guilt, trying to find certainty through effort. What he could not produce, the Gospel finally worked in him. The Word of forgiveness did not suggest improvement. It declared reconciliation. That declaration did the work of opening the gates of heaven wide for him.
The same Gospel continues to work in the same way. It does not become effective by adapting itself. It remains what it is—the announcement that Christ has redeemed sinners. And through that Word, God does what no human effort can do. This Gospel does its work through ordinary means. He places His Gospel into human mouths, pours it out on tiny heads, and feeds souls starving for forgiveness and righteousness. Yet the same power works effectively in all who believe its message.
Where Christ crucified for sinners is proclaimed, the Gospel is active—redeeming, restoring, and giving life.
Gracious Lord, let Your Gospel continue its work in us, and give us peace through Christ. Amen.