No! Because, in our baptism, we have received the Holy Spirit. And the role of the Holy Spirit is to KEEP us prepared for salvation, through the four roles that Martin Luther ascribed to the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit CALLS people through the gospel. And in extreme cases, like in our fourth reading today, the Holy Spirit enables the transmission of the gospel at opportune times, like a Pentecost festival, even in foreign languages. The Holy Spirit GATHERS people into communities and congregations, for mutual encouragement, and the tackling of larger projects, like the first apostles in Jerusalem, and the early congregation of Thessalonica. The Holy Spirit ENLIGHTENS people in truth, in interpretation, and through prophecy like Paul's, not only guiding people into truth, but enabling the LOVE of truth and the rejection of delusion. The Holy Spirit SANCTIFIES people in faith, not only guiding people like the Thessalonians towards righteousness, but enabling the LOVE of righteousness. The Holy Spirit keeps believers in a state of readiness for the return of Jesus, as they follow the Spirit's direction, and stand firm.
And just as we are PRODUCTS of the work of the Holy Spirit, we are also AGENTS of that work. We are called to PROCLAIM the gospel, at whatever opportune times we have, using whatever language of word and deed will be understood. We are called to STRENGTHEN the bonds of connection in our congregation, and to foster ever-greater love for one another. We are called to PURSUE truth in the service of sharing truth, and to encourage the LOVE of truth. And we are called to EXEMPLIFY righteousness, to inspire others to investigate our way of life, and encourage faith in our Lord. While we are being prepared for salvation by the Holy Spirit, we are being used to bring others to the same salvation, so that everyone who calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.
Gracious God, we thank you for the presence of your Holy Spirit, who calls, gathers, enlightens and sanctifies us. Help us to cooperate with the Spirit working within us, so that we may stand firm and hold fast to what we have been taught, and be effective in bringing people to faith in your son Jesus Christ, in his name....