Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: ‘The righteous will live by faith’.”
— Romans 1:16-17 NIV
The gospel reveals the righteousness of God. The apostle Paul emphasized that this righteousness is accessible through faith, underlining the essential truth that salvation comes not by human effort, but by trusting in God. The apostle Paul was not ashamed of the gospel. He had witnessed its power many times. He knew that nothing but the power of God could save a sinful soul. Paul demonstrated unwavering confidence in the gospel message, and he was not ashamed to proclaim it. Why was Paul so fearless about preaching the gospel? Because he recognized its significance and transformative power. Through his experiences, Paul had witnessed firsthand the impact the gospel could have on people’s lives.
Paul understood that the gospel is not just a message; it is the righteousness of God revealed. It is through the gospel that salvation becomes possible, and this divine power is unlike anything else in existence. Besides, there is no other force or means capable of rescuing a person from the grip of sin, apart from what God has revealed about His power in the gospel. The gospel is unique and is essential in bringing people into a right relationship with God. It not only teaches us how to walk by faith and not by sight, but the righteousness that God revealed also demonstrates His desire for humanity to live in accordance with His will.
God’s Power Revealed in the Gospel
Humanity stands condemned before God. We are helpless and hopeless apart from God. But God has given us another precious gift called faith, and to receive anything from Him, you must possess it. The Bible says faith is acquired by repetitively hearing the Word of God. That is why every soul should read the Bible.
We can only be right with God through the righteousness provided by Christ. The Bible teaches that Christ became sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him (2 Corinthians 5:21). Without the sacrifice of Christ, we would be helpless and without hope, nd condemned before God. Human effort alone cannot overcome this standing of condemnation. It is only through God’s gracious provision, revealed in the gospel, that people can find the righteousness required for godly living.
You can receive the gift of God’s righteousness today; all you need to do is say, “Lord, I repent of my sins. Come into my heart and live with me. I accept Your gift of righteousness, and I give You my burden of sin.”
Dear God, You said in Your Word that You made Your Son, who knew no sin, to become sin for me. He traded places with me so that I could live righteously in Him. Please help me, Lord, beginning this day, to live by faith.
