What happens when God opens a heart to the gospel?

The opening of a heart by God is a transformative event leading to true understanding and acceptance of the gospel. This is exemplified in Acts 16:14, where Lydia’s heart was opened to attend to Paul's message. The act of God opening a heart signifies regenerating grace, whereby the individual is enabled to perceive spiritual truths and respond appropriately in faith. This process aligns with the teaching that faith comes by hearing the Word of God (Romans 10:17). The resultant change is not merely intellectual assent but a heart-felt commitment to Christ, leading to outward expressions such as baptism and a desire to engage in the community of faith, as demonstrated by Lydia's subsequent actions.