The Gospel of Jesus Christ has both divine and eternal benefits for all who believe in him for salvation. It is the only avenue by which men of the earth can be saved from the pits of eternal hell. Further, Jesus is the only access to such redemption, for he declared without apology, (Jn 14:6), “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” He also taught the multitudes that he is the only Good Shepherd to the sheepfold of salvation (Jn 10:9), “I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.” Amen!
Paul knew this truth all too well as he had experienced the power of such salvation in his own conversion (Acts 9). As a result of receiving these eternal blessings, he lived out his calling of God as an Apostle and preacher of such truth to the Gentile world. He was proud and overjoyed to receive the gospel and be granted the privilege to spread it, thus, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel…” I like manner, so should we as Christians. In every opportunity given us by God we should proclaim a salvation that rescues humanity. They should witness the glorious Gospel of our deliverance in our daily living.
What motivation should we have to do this? Paul shares the reason, for the Gospel, “…is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes…” In other words, Paul reminds us:
- The Gospel “reveals” the saving power of God. This is only seen in the Person and work of Jesus Christ.
- The Gospel impact on our lives differs from the wisdom and kingdoms of men. Man’s way to salvation is earthly and temporary that leads to destruction. It is like jumping out of a plane with a parachute the will not deploy on que. In contrast, the message of the Gospel is not just words, but has power to save us.
- The Gospel rescues us from the guilt of sin and deliver us to righteousness in Jesus.
- The Gospel rescues us from enslavement to sin and gives is freedom in Jesus.
- The Gospel tears down the high walls of our sin that reaches heaven that alienates us from God. It grants us reunification (oneness) with our Creator and fellowship with him forever (cf., Jn 17:20-23).
Bottomline, through grace and truth, the Gospel delivers us from the wrath to come, into the eternal salvation. To be saved, means we are emancipated from the greatest evil (sin and death) of this fallen creation, and transferred to the greatest good of God. Speaking of this act of mercy by the Father, Paul taught (Col 1:13-14), “He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, (14) in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”
Because of what God has done, we should shout his praises on the mountain tops. We should not be ashamed of Jesus and his truth regardless of the world’s hatred of it and their rejection of us. For the Gospel is not for one group, but is available to all nations, tribes and tongues in the world. Let us be proud and overjoyed about Jesus as Paul was. Remember, what we love is what we shall declare and live out without apology! Amen.
Blessings,
Dr. Jason S. Price, Th.D.
www.springoflivingwaters.com