The Gospel comes in power and the Holy Spirit, with much

In this passionate declaration, Ray Comfort speaks of the transformative power of the Gospel, a force not of mere words, but of power, the Holy Spirit, and assurance. He proclaims that when one calls upon the name of the Lord, a profound change takes place, as though the very core of a person is remade. This transformation is not subtle or hidden—it is a shock, a spiritual awakening so deep that it alters the course of life itself. Beyond this miraculous inner renewal, he promises an even greater gift: everlasting life, a destiny beyond the limits of the mortal world.

The origin of these words lies in the heart of the Christian faith and the teachings of Scripture. Comfort echoes the message of the apostles, particularly the writings of Paul, who declared that the Gospel came “not in word only, but in power, and in the Holy Spirit, and in much assurance” (1 Thessalonians 1:5). In ancient times, this message spread like fire across the Roman Empire, igniting the hearts of the broken and oppressed. It was not through wealth, armies, or politics that Christianity grew, but through the undeniable transformation of individuals who had encountered the living God. Comfort’s words are a continuation of this same truth, spoken into the modern age.

Consider the story of Saul of Tarsus, later known as the apostle Paul. Once a persecutor of Christians, he was struck down on the road to Damascus by a blinding vision of Christ. In a single moment, his life was overturned: hatred was replaced with love, and his mission to destroy became a mission to save. This is the very shock of transformation that Comfort speaks of—a change so sudden and powerful that it defies explanation except by divine intervention. Paul’s life became a testament to the Gospel’s power, and his writings continue to inspire countless souls today.

The inner transformation described here is not merely emotional but spiritual, a rebirth that reshapes desires, thoughts, and purpose. Throughout history, individuals such as Saint Augustine have experienced this radical renewal. Augustine, once a man consumed by worldly pleasures, encountered the Gospel and was utterly changed, becoming one of the greatest theologians of the Church. His journey shows that when God moves within the heart, even the darkest past can be redeemed and turned into light for others.

Ultimately, Comfort’s words are both a promise and a challenge. They call upon every listener to seek not only external change, but the deep, soul-altering work that only the Holy Spirit can bring. To call upon the name of the Lord is to surrender, to allow divine power to sweep through the heart like a cleansing fire. And in return, God offers the greatest treasure of all: eternal life, a hope that stretches beyond the boundaries of time and death. Let this teaching endure for future generations: the Gospel is not merely to be heard, but to be experienced, for in its power lies the secret of everlasting joy.