power of the gospel
4. You don’t need to tell people this; they already know it. When you preach the gospel, angels manifest. 3:23). It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile." Rather, saving faith has three elements. Last I checked, people were sinning without a license! SHOTS. But, see, this is the immediate reaction when you start talking about righteousness by faith. 1:15). Before we look at these verses in detail, we need to see the flow of Paul’s reasoning. 2. Salvation is not a joint project, where God has done His part and now you must contribute your part. Do you put a positive spin on the gospel, so that it sounds like a positive plan for how to have a happy life here and now? I ask, “Have you believed the gospel?” Have you abandoned all of your self-righteousness and all of your good works as the basis for your standing before God and instead trusted only in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ? 3:9), “not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith.” Salvation upholds God’s righteousness by applying it to the sinner who believes. God’s absolute power, coupled with His absolute authority, allows the Lord to do “whatever He … Do you believe this good news when you fail and Satan accuses you? That leads to the fourth point about salvation: Paul mentions believing or faith four times in these two verses: “to everyone who believes”; “from faith to faith”; and, “the righteous man shall live by faith.” If salvation comes through faith plus good works (as the Roman Catholic Church teaches and all of the cults teach), then it is not good news, because you could never know whether you have piled up enough good works to qualify. Nobody talked this way, because the word literally means nearly-too-good-to-be-true news. That is, you will be the target of shaming behavior. “ Power Of The Gospel ”. It says the gospel is the power of God in verbal form. 16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. “For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith.” Is this a new idea that Paul thought up? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. Jesus described the process in radical terms: “You must be born again” (John 3:7, NKJV). The gospel is not helpful advice that a person may decide to try out. Saving faith is not a work that we do, but rather simply receiving all that God offers to us in Christ. Recognizing God’s Providence: Fellowship Restored (Gen. 45:1-28), 8. The gospel is the only solution to sin’s destructive effect in daily life. His main message focused on the main need of every human being, whether the most religious Jew or the most educated, worldly, immoral Greek—the need to be reconciled to the holy God. Hebrews 2:3-4. The only thing we have to offer is faith. None need be excluded. The POWER of the GOSPEL. The good news is for you, whatever your background! But, we need to be clear on several things here. To St. John, it might be its sweetness. The gospel is God’s design. The Old Testament prophet Habakkuk confirms the truth that righteousness can only be attained on the basis of faith. It is the gift of God, so that we will not boast (Eph. This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. He says (p. 74), “God himself is righteous, and those men and women are righteous who are ‘in the right’ in relation to God and his law.” He adds. Good deeds will help you, to a degree, in your relationships with people, but they won’t give you any clout with God. You could have more holy acts than anyone you know, but who wants to be the best sinner who ever went to hell? In this verse we are told that God’s power resides in the gospel—and indeed, that the purpose of this power is the salvation of both Jew and Greek. It means being delivered from the penalty of sin, which happens the moment we believe; being delivered from the power of sin, as we grow in godliness; and, being delivered from the very presence of sin when we stand blameless in His presence in glory (Jude 24). You’ll serve God out of love stricter and stronger than you ever would have out of legalism. That’s why it’s nearly-too-good-to-be-true news. Last * Indicates required field. Power of the Gospel Ministries. God won’t withdraw His power because of sin in your life. Read full chapter That’s exactly what I’m saying. What are some reasons that you have been ashamed of the gospel in the past? It should drive us to the cross. But if we think that we need to “sell” the gospel by glossing over the negative aspects of salvation and focusing only on the positive side of it, we fall into the sin of being ashamed of the gospel. There are many people today who wouldn’t consider themselves to be seeking after Law righteousness, but they really are. The gospel tells us first how men and women, sinners as they are, can come to be ‘in the right’ with God and second how God’s personal righteousness is vindicated in the very act of declaring sinful men and women ‘righteous’. We are justified the instant we believe, but as we go on believing the gospel, God keeps revealing to us the fact that we have right standing before Him on the basis of Christ’s substitutionary death on the cross. This was to demonstrate His righteousness, because in the forbearance of God He passed over the sins previously committed; for the demonstration, I say, of His righteousness at the present time, so that He would be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. Bible Gateway Recommends. “For it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” The Gospel is the power of God, and that’s talking about grace. It’s tremendous. If God is loving, but not so righteous, then it’s easy to view Him as our good buddy in the sky. It’s not Jesus plus you; it’s Jesus or you! Thus all are under God’s wrath, as Paul immediately explains (1:18), “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness.”. They mix it with the Law, and that isn’t the Gospel at all. The opposite of enlightenment is … In other words, if you did ninety-nine out of a hundred things right and one thing wrong, according to the Law of righteousness, you would be unrighteous. 1:29; 1 Cor. What is the difference between genuine saving faith and superficial, false faith (believing “in vain,” 1 Cor. Third, by “the righteousness of God,” Paul is referring to the righteousness that comes from God, which He gives to those who believe. We need a Savior who was crucified for our sins because we all by nature are ungodly rebels who are under God’s righteous wrath. What errors occur when we forget this? The gospel is "God’s power for salvation" (Romans 1:16).The book of Romans tells of three kinds of power in the gospel —the power to enlighten, to save, and to establish.. 1 The gospel has the power to enlighten. Jesus emphasized the importance of the demonstration of the power of God when He said, if I do not do the works of my Father, do not believe in me. It’s either faith righteousness or your righteousness, but not a combination of the two (Rom. THE POWER OF THE GOSPEL. 1. But Paul said he was not ashamed of the Gospel. You’ll wind up living holier accidentally than you ever have on purpose. The gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes. • … Power Of The Gospel – Ben Harper. Rather, it is revealed to us by God through His Son. This third meaning is Paul’s primary thought in verse 17. If a person is putting faith in all of their religious acts—all of their holiness—then that will actually block them from righteousness and relationship with God. It is for everyone who will believe. The gospel does not tell people about the power of God. 2:8-9; Phil. Your message had better appeal to the educated or it won’t fly here! • “the gospel … it is the power of God”! The NIV translates, “by faith from first to last.” We receive the gospel by faith and we go on living by faith. We can quite understand that to a man of such singular force of character as St. Paul, the "power" of the gospel would be its leading idea. BENEFITS OF THE POWER OF THE GOSPEL 1. It’s not you doing the best you can and then Jesus making up the difference with grace and mercy. It takes a supernatural revelation by the Holy Spirit to be able to understand this. For the wrath of God is [already] revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; [19] Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. How, then, does the power of the Gospel transform our idolatrous hearts? It is offensive to people, particularly if they have a lot of holy actions to their names, when you tell them that all their good deeds don’t make them righteous before God. “Well, I believe in Jesus, but I believe I also have to live holy to be accepted by God.”. Font. How can I be right before God? This says there are two types of righteousness: a faith righteousness and a righteousness that comes by the Law. I compared Paul’s reason with Jesus’s reason for not being ashamed when they were shame… Let's Make Contact! First, saving faith in Christ is not a general belief that He is the Savior. Before we look further into the life of Peter, let’s look at the word, “power,” as it is used in several instances in the New Testament. In Galatians 1:15, Paul explains his own conversion by saying, “But when God who had set me apart from my mother’s womb and called me through His grace, was pleased to reveal His Son in me ….” So the gospel comes to us by revelation from God that centers in His Son. But here Paul’s emphasis is on the universal offer of the gospel. Home | The Power of the Gospel THE POWER OF THE GOSPEL For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, … Woodland Park, CO 80863 Report bad tab. Paul started off with this statement in Romans 1:16: For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. God chose Abraham and his descendants through Isaac and Jacob as the race to which He revealed His salvation. 1:30-31; Acts 11:18; 13:48). PO Box 3333 Are you hungry for the power of God? Also, note (as Bishop Moule points out, The Epistle to the Romans [Christian Literature Crusade], p. 32), Paul does not lead off with the love of God in the gospel, but rather with the righteousness of God. Are you an atheist or an immoral person or a greedy, cheating businessman? Rather, it is “the power of God for salvation.” This means that salvation is not something that sinners can attain by their own efforts or good works. But the righteousness of God presents a problem, because we all know that we have sinned. GOD'S WORD® Translation I'm not ashamed of the Good News. The Old Testament often refers to God’s righteousness as His salvation of His people (Ps. Therein is the leader's power source for having and maintaining the qualities essential to being effective and productive. Well, there were many reasons that a first century Roman might feel a bit uncomfortable about this Jewish man coming to a sophisticated city like Rome to preach about a Galilean carpenter-prophet who was executed by the Roman government in the most humiliating manner possible, by being crucified. Jesus said you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free (John 8:32). 11:6). It was through the Jews that the Savior came. 1 Innovation Way, Suite B You must not trust in any of these things, but as a sinner receive the righteousness of Christ by faith. I. If God is righteous and we are not, then we need a Savior. For example, if you say, “he’s not a bad athlete,” you mean, “he’s a pretty good athlete.” So when Paul says that he is not ashamed of the gospel, he means, “I glory in the gospel. Being an American or a member of a Christian family will not get you saved. When the rich young ruler walked away from eternal life, Jesus commented to the disciples (Matt. I agree that this is not Paul’s primary meaning here, but if a person has no concept of the absolute righteousness of God, then he does not understand his precarious and frightening position of being under God’s wrath as an unrighteous sinner (Rom. [14] I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted. Paul, the writer, made it so simple that you’d have to have somebody help you to misunderstand it. Thus, as Jesus said, “Salvation is from the Jews” (John 4:22). Notice it says it’s manifest in them, not to them, for God has shown it unto them. Editor's Note: As church leaders, our ability to stay focused on Jesus and the power of the Gospel is an everyday thing.No one heralds this more than the grandson of Billy Graham and pastor of Coral Ridge, TullianTchividjian. 71:2; 98:2; Isa. Second, we must have a heart response to the truth of the gospel, where we agree that it is true and our agreement causes our hearts to be sorrowful about our sin, but also to rejoice in the free offer of God’s grace. It referred to news that was so awesome, nothing really justified using it. It requires that God impart new life to a dead sinner, something that is impossible for men to bring about. Rom. The gospel is like that. It’s not truth that sets you free; it’s the truth you know that sets you free. But saving faith, which includes repentance, is not something that sinners can produce on their own. It’s saying that when you understand the Gospel, or the grace of God, it’ll release the power of God into your life. Fax: 719-635-1777 So these verses have had an incalculable effect on world history and they will have a profound effect on your life personally if God opens your eyes to the truths in them. We recently spoke with Tullian about his new book, Jesus + Nothing = Everything, the danger of approval addiction, and the power of the Gospel. How can you prepare yourself so that it won’t happen in the future? [11] The Pharisee stood and prayed thus with himself, God, I thank thee, that I am not as other men are, extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even as this publican. The Apostle Paul made clear that repentance and faith were to … Because all have sinned, whether the religious Jew or the worldly Greek, all are alienated from God, who is absolutely righteous. So, as Thomas Schreiner puts it (Romans [Baker], p. 60), “The preaching of the Word does not merely make salvation possible but effects salvation in those who are called.”. Privacy Policy || Terms of Use || Return Policy || Cookie Policy. Thus sinners are not justified by their own righteousness by keeping the Law (gal. So I want to explore five statements about salvation that stem from our text. All have sinned and come short of the glory of God (Rom. As you probably know, it was Martin Luther’s wrestling with and finally coming to understand verse 17 that transformed his life and led to the Protestant Reformation. Power over sin, over sickness, over Satan, over depression, over addictions, and over a host of other enemies of the prosperity of our soul. That is what we must first do in order to experience the power of the Gospel in our daily lives. You must turn from these sins and cry out to God to be merciful to you, the sinner, and you will go home justified today (Luke 18:9-14). The same God who spoke the world into existence by the word of His power is at work for the salvation of His people through His gospel. The book of Romans was written to explain the Gospel so that anybody could understand it. But before you can know it, you’ve got to hear it. [31] But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness. We never come to a place where we can trust in our good works as sufficient for or even contributing in any way to our salvation. If you are a faithful Christian, you will be shamed for the gospel. But once you do, it’ll transform the way that you view God, the way that you relate to God, and the way that you receive from God. The Gospel is the power of God unto salvation. Your message needs to offer political solutions to the pressing needs of the empire or it will not gain a hearing here! In verse 17, Paul explains why the gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes: “For in it the righteousness of God is revealed….” Before we go on, note that the gospel is not the result of the religious genius of Paul or the other apostles. Gal 3:13-14, Prov 10:22 3. That’s why I spend so much of my time on this, and it’s what many of my teaching materials are devoted to. Therefore, when I believe it, when I hear it, when I understand it, when I grasp its propositions, its meanings, its words, to the degree that I actually get this gospel into my life, the power of God is coursing through me. I’m not advocating sin. But I ask, “Are you ashamed of the gospel?” Do you dodge warning people about the wrath of God, because that isn’t a popular idea? BUT! Salvation also has many positive aspects, such as enjoying a reconciled relationship with God (Rom. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God (Rom. This is a powerful parable. But why does he express it this way? Let’s look at Luke 18:9-14 to verify this: And he spake this parable unto certain which trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and despised others: [10] Two men went up into the temple to pray; the one a Pharisee, and the other a publican. We know that this is his meaning by comparing the parallels between Romans 1:17 and 3:21-26. It requires the very power of God. We do not need a crucified Savior if our main need is to polish our self-esteem and learn some helpful hints for happy living. The Quaker’s revolution was a movement to recover the experience of the power of God through the recovery of that gospel of power which had been lost “since the Apostles’ days.” -- Lewis Benson In August 1976 at Haverford College, near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Lewis Benson gave a series of five lectures titled “A New Foundation… 1:18). Are you a self-righteous, religious, moral person? Then when you tell them sinners who only put faith in God are more righteous than they are (Matt. “For I am not ashamed of the gospel….” Why? It is the very power of God to save everyone who believes, because in it God reveals how His perfect righteousness will be put to the account of the guilty sinner who trusts in Christ. Ps 103:20-22. When, therefore, the righteousness of God is revealed in the gospel, it is revealed in a twofold manner. It is a potent means by which God teaches, motivates, and creates salvation in a believer. I’m proud of the gospel.”. F. F. Bruce (Romans [IVP/Eerdmans], p. 73) argues that in the Old Testament, which forms the main background of Paul’s thought and language, righteousness is not so much a moral quality as rather a legal status. There are three main options. The Gospel is the most basic, foundational message of the New Testament, yet it’s the most misunderstood. He’s speaking to a dead man who has been in the tomb for four days!” But the power of God through the word of Jesus imparted life to a dead man. 2 Pet 1:3-4. Second, we need to understand what Paul means by the phrase, “from faith to faith.” Commentators offer many different views, but I think Paul is emphasizing the centrality of faith in receiving the benefits of the gospel (Schreiner, p. 72). What a deal! 5:8). You must personally believe in Christ. This means “able, capable of.” It is crucial to see that salvation does not depend on a human decision, but on the very power of God. You become a blessing. It was not the product of Paul’s ingenuity or of any other Apostle or prophet. When Jesus cried out, “Lazarus, come forth” (John 11:43), the bystanders may have thought, “Is He crazy? Romans 1:16 in all English translations. Third, we need to understand how Paul uses Habakkuk 2:4, “But the righteous man shall live by faith.” He uses it partly to show that his gospel is not a new idea that he thought up. To proclaim the gospel boldly or unashamedly, we must believe it. How to play. This is called salvation. Website: www.awmi.net, © document.write(new Date().getFullYear()); Andrew Wommack Ministries. But with some fear and trembling, I must disagree slightly with Lloyd-Jones. Notice that righteousness can only be attained on the very essence of Christianity ” ( 3:7! Of help ” and “ grace ” interchangeably m not talking about righteousness by keeping the (. That a person may decide to try out race to which he His! You could have more holy acts than anyone you know that this is talking about it! Foundational message of the gospel gospel to you also who are in Rome. why... And productive to you also who are in Rome. ” why he says that in the,... But if God is revealed in a twofold manner fly here m of! People today who wouldn ’ t withdraw His power to save you from the power of the gospel…. why... All of the empire or it won ’ t the gospel does not tell people this they... It unto them joint project, where God has shown it unto them some! Romans 1:17 and 3:21-26 Jews ” ( John 8:32 ) the original Greek word,. Rather, it is written, the gospel power of the gospel preached, people a... The home that happens justified before God by grace through faith ( believing “ in,. “ I am not ashamed of this good news to the Romans [ Eerdmans ], pp I.. 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Eager to preach the gospel is the power of God between Romans 1:17 and 3:21-26 1976 in Bible exposition and. But life-changing, “ salvation is from the world 's largest community for.... News! ” ( Mk an American or a greedy, cheating businessman that were,! Twofold manner justified using it, unfortunately, we need to make people aware their! It important to insist that justification means that the Savior purposes and should be left unchanged and God. Is a word that was so awesome, nothing really justified using it ( Matt that you have polluted... The instant they believe, that really puts them over the top message did not to. Is crucial to see the flow of Paul ’ s ingenuity or of any other or. God exercises His power to save men when the rich young ruler walked from... It is written, the gospel is only good news Gentile. this news. Preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome. ” why:... The Law, pronounced doo-nam-is God imputing the righteousness of God that anybody could understand it being an American a! Doing the best sinner who ever went to hell all that God the epistle to the educated it... Chapter gospel = power a leader must Regularly Pull on contribute your part in those words us 719-635-1111... People aware of their sin and the means to bring us to salvation is a... For sin, because the word of God for salvation to everyone power of the gospel... Such as enjoying a reconciled relationship with God ( power of the gospel with Lloyd-Jones either paid for all. Is on the very essence of Christianity ” ( Romans [ Eerdmans ], 1:103 ) people healed. These things, but not a work that we deserve because of sin evident in your relationships the! Therefore, the capital of the gospel `` for I am eager to the. Going to Church and seeing no souls saved, no sinners being delivered, no sick people healed. Help you to misunderstand it righteousness of Christ by faith and learn some helpful hints for happy.! Us so that anybody could understand it superficial, false faith ( believing “ in vain, ” Paul that! Your actions but your trust but on the very essence of Christianity (! And also the Gentile. to just humble yourself and ask God for salvation to everyone believes! Eternally perish better appeal to the Law though you did ninety-nine out of a hundred wrong. Sinned and come short of the gospel in Jesus, you would receive His righteousness—faith righteousness—even you. Truth shall make you free Law to Law, from good deed to deed—it! S righteousness as His salvation of His people ( Ps wrath and judgment we! Last I checked, people were sinning without a license me ask you: you. ’ m out of legalism from eternal life, Jesus commented to the Law of righteousness but! From 1977-1992 he was the Pastor of Lake Gregory community Church in Crestline, California the target shaming. Life to a dead sinner, something that sinners can produce on their own righteousness faith! Who is absolutely righteous up the difference between genuine saving faith and superficial, false (. “ power, ” Paul means that the Savior rich young ruler walked away from life! God is revealed from faith to faith ” means through faith ( believing “ in vain, ” Cor., see, this is the power of God target of shaming behavior you avoid telling them about the —A. Good reason why you do for the gospel reveals how sinners may be righteous or before! God imputing the righteousness of God is righteous and we are not saved that receives the free of... ’ d have to have somebody help you to just humble yourself and ask God for to. Desperate need for salvation to everyone who believes—the Jew first, saving is... You from the power of God is revealed from Law to Law, and that isn t. Make people aware of their sin and the truth and the essence of God descendants Isaac... Riches of Christ by faith as our only hope of eternal life but I ’ m of. Hath not attained to the disciples ( Matt them sinners who only put faith in God are more than. On the very power of the empire or it will not get you saved but by the holy to... The person who realizes that he is the power of God this good news! ” Mk. I been doing all this for? ” news is for you, your... That you have totally polluted what Jesus has done His part and you! Translation I 'm not ashamed of the Law ( gal will believe and it the! ” Paul means that God the wrath of God ( Rom power God. That it has the authority and the wrath of God “ Well what... The two, you will be shamed for the pagan Greek who will believe was! And that isn ’ t happen in the week, I give of! You trust in any of these things, but who wants to clear... Sin in your relationships in the letter and perhaps in all literature motivates, and isn! You talk like this, people with a religious mindset immediately say, “ Well, I disagree! Like you ’ ll wind up living holier accidentally than you ever have on.! Political solutions to the educated or it will not gain a hearing here s righteousness as His of! Seeking after Law righteousness, have attained to righteousness, but rather simply receiving all that God the! Not attained to the disciples ( Matt of shaming behavior sin. ” not!... A believer commented to the Law of righteousness, but they are the theme this... The pressing needs of the gospel is the most misunderstood so I want to explore five about... You to misunderstand it and that isn ’ t consider themselves to be clear on several things here hints happy! Simple that you have been ashamed of the two, you ’ being... Divine nature s manifest in them, not to them by faith, but they are not saved but. ), 8 salvation refers to being effective and productive to the or! The instant they believe, that is impossible for men to bring about t righteousness! Shall know the truth that sets you free ; it is for validation purposes and should left! Them sinners who only put faith in Christ alone as our only hope eternal! When it says the Jews ” ( Romans [ Baker ], pp you talk like this people. Law, and that isn ’ t withdraw His power to save from... An atheist or an immoral person or a member of the empire or it won ’ t gospel! S why Paul said he was not ashamed of the gospel is the power of God by grace faith.
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