“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes.” (v.16)
Paul sets the tone of his letter to the Romans here in verse 16 concerning “the gospel” (good news) of Christ. The “good news” he presents to them without shame is, “the gospel of Christ contains the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes.” The key words being “everyone who believes.” Paul’s message of grace is so simple that this is where many are vulnerable to error. They begin to think there is something else they should do, some works they should perform.
Paul goes on to tell us in verse 17 that, “the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith” and that “the just should live by faith.” Faith then is not only the starting point of salvation, but also the staying power as well. Meaning, once we as Christians have received Christ by faith, we walk through this life with Him in faith as well.
I believe Paul showed us the reason for the depth of his faith in Christ when he wrote, “I am a debtor both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to wise and to unwise” (v.14). Why? What did they do for him? Nothing, Jesus did! The sacrifice of the Son of God on his behalf was so overwhelming to Paul, that he felt he owed it to everyone to make sure they heard of God’s redeeming love. His sense of indebtedness to Christ made him a debtor to all who needed the Savior.
Jesus said to His disciples, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel” (Mark 16:15). Therefore, if we are truly grateful for what He has done for us, we like Paul have not only an obligation but a commission to share “the gospel of Christ” with all those around us (without shame). May God grant us the boldness to do just that.
The Truth: “If anyone is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when He comes in His Father's glory with the holy angels." (Mark 8:38)
Paul sets the tone of his letter to the Romans here in verse 16 concerning “the gospel” (good news) of Christ. The “good news” he presents to them without shame is, “the gospel of Christ contains the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes.” The key words being “everyone who believes.” Paul’s message of grace is so simple that this is where many are vulnerable to error. They begin to think there is something else they should do, some works they should perform.
Paul goes on to tell us in verse 17 that, “the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith” and that “the just should live by faith.” Faith then is not only the starting point of salvation, but also the staying power as well. Meaning, once we as Christians have received Christ by faith, we walk through this life with Him in faith as well.
I believe Paul showed us the reason for the depth of his faith in Christ when he wrote, “I am a debtor both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to wise and to unwise” (v.14). Why? What did they do for him? Nothing, Jesus did! The sacrifice of the Son of God on his behalf was so overwhelming to Paul, that he felt he owed it to everyone to make sure they heard of God’s redeeming love. His sense of indebtedness to Christ made him a debtor to all who needed the Savior.
Jesus said to His disciples, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel” (Mark 16:15). Therefore, if we are truly grateful for what He has done for us, we like Paul have not only an obligation but a commission to share “the gospel of Christ” with all those around us (without shame). May God grant us the boldness to do just that.
The Truth: “If anyone is ashamed of Me and My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will also be ashamed of him when He comes in His Father's glory with the holy angels." (Mark 8:38)
