How does preaching serve the purpose of salvation?

The act of preaching is vital for the purpose of salvation as it is the primary means by which God communicates His truth to His people. In Acts 20:20, Paul emphasizes that he did not hold back from teaching publicly and from house to house, indicating the necessity of proclaiming the full counsel of God. Romans 10:17 states that 'faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God,' highlighting that the gospel must be preached for individuals to believe. Preaching serves to awaken faith, challenge sin, and affirm the gospel's transformative power in the lives of those who hear it, thereby fulfilling God's plan for the salvation of His elect.