“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ; for it is the power of God unto salvation to everyone that believes, to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, "The righteous shall live by faith." (Rom. 1:16-17)
Our text speaks of the ‘good news’ of salvation from sin. God asserts that the Gospel of Christ is his only chosen means of salvation. God reveals his righteousness from “faith for faith” (V. 17) in this text. Jesus is the sacrifice that enables men to be released from their sins.
Our text verses also teach that the gospel does not save unconditionally. Our compliance to the gospel calls upon God’s saving power. Paul was made an apostle to preach this gospel to “bring about obedience of faith.” (Romans 1:5) Salvation comes only to those who believe its message.
The plan of salvation belongs to God but we must react to the gospel by belief. Some do not believe. Some think it foolish. Those who do not believe remain unsaved. “I know very well how foolish it sounds to those who are lost, when they hear that Jesus died to save them. But we who are saved recognize this message as the very power of God.” (1 Cor. 1: 18, TLB).
We defy scripture if we try to split obedience out of belief. The command of our eternal God is to bring about “obedience” of faith.” (Rom. 16:26) James tells us that our faith is “completed” by our works, (James 2:22)
Many today try to evade the saving power of the gospel by offering gimmicks and big promotions to entice people. Larger attendance may be the short-term result of potluck dinners, bingo parties and musical entertainment. In reality all this does is reduce the church to nothing more than a social club. Its membership is disrespectful of righteousness and laden with worldliness.
Worldliness is man’s way of charming people. The gospel of Christ remains the power of God unto salvation. Fewer may react to God’s way, but when they do they receive more than a good time and a full belly. They receive forgiveness of sins. This is something that man’s way cannot offer!
One cannot shun the gospel of Christ and still expect salvation from sins!