III. THE POWER OF THE GOSPEL

It saves the soul, verse 2. This was the purpose of the gospel, Gal 1:4, I John 3:5, 8.

1. The gospel is to be believed. They received it, believed it, 1-2.

2. The faith in the gospel brings us to a standing in Christ. The army in Ezekiel 37 stood up upon its feet. Salvation raises us up to stand upon redemption ground, Ps 40:2, Gal 5:1. The word stand is translated interestingly in other Scriptures: Establish, Romans 3:31, I Cor 13:1; Holden, Rom 14:4; Present, Jude 24; Appointed, Acts 17:31. Oh what a standing is mine!

3. The salvation of the gospel is a present possession. Are saved. 

4. Proof of a true possession of the grace of Christ is perseverance.  By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain, verse 2. To keep in memory means to hold fast what I preached. Perseverance is the only sure proof of being alive in Christ.