How is the word made effectual to salvation?

Which Bible passages support this answer?

The Westminster Assembly attached these Scripture proofs to answer 89. Read them together and ask what each one shows about the answer.

1. Nehemiah 8:8

   They read from the book of God’s law, explaining it and imparting insight. Thus the people gained understanding from what was read. (NET)

2. 1 Corinthians 14:24-25

   ²⁴But if all prophesy, and an unbeliever or uninformed person enters, he will be convicted by all, he will be called to account by all. ²⁵The secrets of his heart are disclosed, and in this way he will fall down with his face to the ground and worship God, declaring, “God is really among you.” (NET)

3. Acts 26:18

   to open their eyes so that they turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, so that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a share among those who are sanctified by faith in me.’ (NET)

4. Psalm 19:8

   The Lord’s precepts are fair and make one joyful. The Lord’s commands are pure and give insight for life. (NET)

5. Acts 20:32

   And now I entrust you to God and to the message of his grace. This message is able to build you up and give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. (NET)

6. Romans 15:4

   For everything that was written in former times was written for our instruction, so that through endurance and through encouragement of the scriptures we may have hope. (NET)

7. 2 Timothy 3:15-17

   ¹⁵and how from infancy you have known the holy writings, which are able to give you wisdom for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. ¹⁶Every scripture is inspired by God and useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, ¹⁷that the person dedicated to God may be capable and equipped for every good work. (NET)

8. Romans 10:13-17

   ¹³For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. ¹⁴How are they to call on one they have not believed in? And how are they to believe in one they have not heard of? And how are they to hear without someone preaching to them? ¹⁵And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How timely is the arrival of those who proclaim the good news.” ¹⁶But not all have obeyed the good news, for Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our report?” ¹⁷Consequently faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the preached word of Christ. (NET)

9. Romans 1:16

   For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is God’s power for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. (NET)

What does this answer mean?

The Spirit of God makes the reading, and especially the preaching, of the word effective. Through it he convinces and converts sinners and builds believers up in holiness and comfort, through faith, to salvation. The Spirit gives the word its power.

What can we ask our children?

1. Who makes the Bible powerful in our hearts?
2. What does the Spirit do through preaching?
3. Why does the answer give special place to preaching?