The apostle Paul was eager to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ to everyone. After all, what could be more amazing? The very idea that, even though we sinned and turned our backs on God, God loves us and gave his only Son to die in our place is an amazing thought. The idea that this substitution is not gained through our own efforts, but merely by trusting solely in the Son is almost beyond belief. Yet when you think about it, it is the only way we can be made right with God. Our sinful nature prevents us being able to do anything to put right our status before a holy God. Only God is able to do anything about it, and only God can bear the punishment due for the sins of his people.

With such good news, Paul is right to point out we should be telling everyone, for people won’t know of this great gospel without being told.

Yet, no one will be without excuse, because everyone knows God is holy and just and that they’ve fallen short of God’s glory. Looking around at Creation reveals the fingerprints of God, and so revealing his glory and majesty.

When Jesus was speaking of his departure, he told his disciples they would not be alone. He would send his Spirit who would testify about him and show them Jesus.

The Spirit would do this first through inspiration, that the disciples might first know about Jesus and in doing so, would know Jesus. He would guide the disciples as they spread the gospel, and as they penned what would eventually become the New Testament.

Today he illuminates the minds and hearts of those who earnestly seek the things of God in his word, that they might be able to understand it, know of Jesus and ultimately know him. He alone changes sinners that they would turn away from their sin and turn to what Jesus in faith.

Once a person has turned to Christ, the Spirit is indwelling, changing from within, restoring them to be a holy and uncorrupted image of God. Whilst it is faith alone which saves, saving faith is never alone. As this work of sanctifying takes place, the Christian will know more of Jesus’ will and do more of this will.