“For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.” I Thessalonians 1:5

There are manifold blessings in hearing the gospel preached. When we hear it, really hear it, it’s the most unique experience this side of Heaven. So, what does it mean to “really hear” the gospel?

First, Paul’s use of the plural pronoun here doesn’t mean it’s his gospel in the sense of origin. Paul says there is only one gospel and if anyone preaches anything else but the true gospel then let them be accursed (Galatians 1:8-9). Rather, he is referencing the preaching and participation of the gospel. Jude says it well when he referenced that “common salvation:

“Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.” Jude 3

The common nature of salvation is that we it belongs to each of us! The gospel is both from and of our Lord. The true gospel “…hath brought life and immortality to light” (II Timothy 1:10). Together we rejoice in this, and it becomes ours!

Second, the understanding of the gospel goes well beyond mere mortal understanding. Our logical minds cannot plumb the depths of the gospel in any way. With just the natural mind it becomes a fairytale; a made up story. Therefore, the gospel must come in the power of God. “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” Romans 1:16

That power of God in the preaching of the gospel comes through the Holy Ghost. Imagine, if you will, witnessing the Holy Ghost at Pentecost, when Peter preached that amazing sermon! Well, that same Holy Ghost is what delivers the same gospel message today! If the preacher preaches the gospel, it’s by the power of the Holy Ghost. If we hear the gospel, it’s by the power of the Holy Ghost! (And the hearing goes beyond the natural ears and penetrates to our souls.)

Lastly, there is assurance in preaching and hearing the gospel. We receive an absolutely and most certain confidence, by faith, when the Spirit takes that gospel message and bathes our souls in it! There is nothing like it in this world! It tells us of our Homeland. It reveals that Christ finished the work, rose from the grave, and rules and reigns on His throne in Heaven! The gospel tells us He is coming to raise our bodies from the grave and glorify us!

“Blessed assurance! Jesus is mine!”