How do we know that God has begun a good work in us?

To discern whether God has begun a good work in an individual, one must first look for the effects of the gospel in their life. Paul writes in 1 Thessalonians 1:4-5 that the gospel came in power and in the Holy Spirit, showing evidence that those truly called by God embrace and understand the gospel. Furthermore, the new birth signifies that Christ Himself is formed within us, working through faith as highlighted in Ephesians 2:8, which states, 'For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.' If an individual recognizes Christ as their sole hope and their life reflects faith active in love, then one can be confident that God has initiated a work within them.