The Gospel Is Taught in Word and in Power
1 Thessalonians 1:5
5 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.
Elder Bruce R. McConkie wrote:
“The true gospel consists of two things: The Word, and The Power. Anyone can have the word; the books in which it is written are universally available. But the power must come from God; it is and must be dispensed according to His mind and His will to those who abide the law entitling them to receive it. The word of the gospel is the spoken or written account of what men must do to be saved. . . .
“But actual salvation comes only when the power of God is received and used; and this power is the power of the priesthood and the power of the Holy Ghost. These must operate in the lives of men; otherwise their souls cannot be cleansed; they cannot be born again; they cannot become new creatures of the Holy Ghost; they cannot put off the natural man and become Saints; they cannot be sanctified by the Spirit.”
(Doctrinal New Testament Commentary, 3 vols. [1965–73], 3:42–43.)
