Loved ones, Paul wrote, "I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ for it is the power of God unto salvation…" (Romans 1:16). Imagine anything so powerful that it can take away every sin that has ever been committed! (Not that every sin will be blotted out, but every sin could be.)
Just what is this power that is so great? You say, "The Gospel." True, but what is the Gospel? Several times in the New Testament the word "gospel" is used for the message which the apostles preached. In fact, Jesus said, "Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel" (Mark 16:15). The word literally means "Good News." The Gospel of Christ really is good news.
While the Gospel is a message of good news, the power is not merely in the telling of the good news. The saving power of the Gospel is the event itself. Christ's death for our sins, His burial, and resurrection are the core facts of the Gospel (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). The benefits of the Gospel must be appropriated to be effective. Power that is unused is of no value.
Of course, people will remain unaware of the good news until we tell it. Jesus said, "Men do not light a lamp and put it under a basket" (Matthew 5:15). It is elevated to where it will light the room. Neither do we conceal the Gospel. It must be told.
Some discount the power inherent in the Word and call it a “dead letter.” The writer of Hebrews said, “For the word of God is quick (living), and powerful… (4:1-2). The Word is powerful because it connects us to the power.
Electric lines do not generate power, but they do connect us to the power plant. Without them all the power plants in the world would never light our homes nor run our electric appliances. Even with the lines, if we do not flip the switch, we still have no power.
God has not only provided the power, He has told us how to utilize it. Romans 5 tells us that our faith is our access into His grace. Hebrews 11 demonstrates the fact that acceptable faith is one that does something — something God says to do. The Gospel has commands to be obeyed. Failure to obey the Gospel results in eternal destruction (2 Thessalonians 1:6-9). God is so good. Love you – Samuel - 3 May 26
