“POWER OF THE GOSPEL”
Romans 1:16
- A devotional Bible Study by Rev. Don Schink, © 2010
Romans 1:16
- A devotional Bible Study by Rev. Don Schink, © 2010
“I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.” (NIV)
Paul has no fear or shame in sharing the gospel. He knew the profound effect that it has had in his own heart and life. No one can be ashamed of the gospel and be truly committed to Christ. The committed Christian, along with Paul, will say, “I am not ashamed of the gospel.” In reality, Paul meant that he was really proud of the gospel and its profound impact in his own heart and life. He had come to realize that it is an honor to be able to teach and preach the gospel. His reliance was not upon his own resources but on the sanctifying power of the Holy Spirit.
The gospel is the power of God. The gospel itself is God’s unique, incomparable power at work. God is the Source of our salvation. He saves us through the message of the Cross. In 1 Corinthians 1:18, we read, “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God.”
Paul wrote to the Thessalonians, as seen in 1 Thessalonians 2:13, “And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is at work in you who believe.” The power is in the word of God.
This powerful message was to have a profound impact on the world! When the Galatians began sliding back in to legalism, Paul rebuked them, as seen in Galatians 3:1-3, “You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified. (2) I would like to learn just one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by observing the law, or by believing what you heard? (3) Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort?” In Galatians 3:11, Paul went on to say, “Clearly no one is justified before God by the law, because, “The righteous will live by faith.””
The gospel brings salvation. Salvation means “deliverance.” As such, we are rescued from sin and from the wrath of God. We also receive the Holy Spirit and the realization of eternal life in Christ. It brings healing, holiness and wholeness.
This salvation has its beginnings in what is known theologically as “prevenient grace.” That is, the grace of God brings a spiritual awakening of His presence and conviction of sin when the gospel message is shared. The purpose is to prepare one’s heart to receive the gospel. Once one has accepted Christ as his or her personal Savior, one becomes justified by faith. To be justified by faith, involving true confession and repentance of one’s sins, is to be “Just as if I’d never sinned.” Why? Because the Bible shows that God chooses to forgive and forget, not holding our sins against us any longer.
In Ephesians 1:7, The Bible says, “In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.” In 1 John 1:9, we read, “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” We do not have to fear for our salvation if we have sincerely repented and forsaken the sins of our past. The power of God’s Word cleanses and purifies us, justifying us by His love and grace.
In John 2:3-6, The Bible says, “We know that we have come to know Him if we obey His commands (4) The man who says, “I know Him,” but does not do what He commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him. (5) But if anyone obeys His word, God’s love is truly made complete in him. This is how we know we are in Him: (6) Whoever claims to live in Him must walk as Jesus did.” We go on with Him in obedience out of “an attitude of gratitude” as to Who He is and what He has done in our hearts and lives. We gladly do so and we are not ashamed to go on and to share the gospel (good news) of Jesus Christ with others!
For questions or comments, please email me at: PastorDonNM@gmail.com
