Physicians of the Soul

I render glorious my service, if somehow I might move to jealousy my fellow countrymen and save some of them. Romans 11:13c-14

A word to those shepherding the flock of God: What we do in our charge matters to God; He will hold us responsible.

John Calvin states concerning this text; Observe here that the minister of the word is said in some way to save those whom he leads to the obedience of the faith.

Calvin continues; So conducted indeed ought to be the ministry of our salvation, as that we may feel that the whole power and efficacy of it depends on God, and that we may give him his due praise: we ought at the same time to understand that preaching is the instrument for effecting the salvation of the faithful, and though it can do nothing without the Spirit of God, yet through his inward operation it produces the most powerful effects.

John Gill further expounds; The ministers of the Gospel may be said to save souls, … instrumentally, as the word preached by them is the means of regeneration, faith, and conversion, with which salvation is connected: and as they shew unto men the way of salvation, and encourage souls to believe in Christ.

Praise be to God, that it is by His strength that we discharge this service!