For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth ....

Romans 1:16

Introduction: In the scriptural verse above, the Apostle Paul was very emphatic: ‘I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ’. At this time, the Jews had cast him off, regarding him as a backslider from the faith. He was persecuted, despised, and driven from place to place. He was even treated as the filth of the world, and the offscouring of all things, for the sake of the gospel (1Cor. 4:13). Yet, he declared that he was not ashamed of the gospel.

See, people should be ashamed of their crime, their offenses, their indiscipline and the foolishness of their conduct. But no one needs to be ashamed of what is right and what will contribute to his eternal welfare and to the greater good of his fellow-men. And, if there’s anything like that in this entire world, it is the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The author of the gospel faith Himself, Jesus Christ of Nazareth, is the single most important personality the world has ever known, not merely in these two millennia, but in all human history. Therefore, Paul had a firm conviction of the truth of this gospel, having experienced so much of its power and so much of its efficacy. He was so far from being ashamed of it; rather, he gloried in it for what it is: the power of God unto salvation!

What Is The Gospel of Jesus Christ?

Gospel literally means the “good news.” Thus, the gospel of Christ is the glad annunciation that now our sins may be pardoned, our souls may be saved and total freedom may be obtained through the finished work of Christ on the Cross. Even though this truth was to the Jews a stumbling-block, and to those that will perish foolishness, yet it is still the only hope of salvation to everyone that believes (1 Cor. 1:18). This was the good news Jesus Christ the Messiah brought for all humanity (John 8:36).

The gospel is the mighty dynamite of God at work. It is called the power of God, and it is “mighty to the pulling down of strongholds” (2Cor.10:4-5). God uses the gospel to exert His power in the salvation of people, and it is the instrument by which all the obstacles to man’s redemption are taken away.

Important Condition to Benefiting from the Gospel

Apostle Paul plainly indicated here that the gospel power brings salvation to those who believe. And, that is the important condition to benefiting from the gospel. Jesus Christ said, “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned” (Mark 16:16).

To ‘believe’ describes the reception of a truth in such a way as to allow it to make positive impression on the mind, and thus lead us to act under its influence. Very obviously, the gospel is not discriminatory: it is to all people who would believe it, whatever may be their character, religious background, educational level, age, career, financial or social status. Once you trust in the Lord, gospel power swings into action and its blessings is bestowed upon you, freely and fully.

Yes, believing the gospel provokes the revelation of the arm of the Lord, and our faith in the gospel is the only valid pathway to the promised glory of God (Isa. 53:1; John 11:40). Albeit, we must keep it in mind that the salvation of those who believe is the goal of the gospel: “it is the power of God unto salvation”.

The gospel conveys total salvation to all those who receive and believe it. It brings complete deliverance from sin and death, and from all the foes and dangers that beset man. And, its power is applicable in overcoming every combination of wickedness, subduing every mighty form of evil.

Now, Do You Believe?

The power of the gospel is not in any mouth, but in God’s Word (Jer. 23:29; John 6:63). And, that power goes forth with the word to save and to deliver the oppressed from misery, woes and ruins, which are the natural consequences of our iniquity. But, please note again: it is to those, and those only, that believe. Hence, the critical question of destiny is: “do you believe the gospel”?

The gospel says you can be saved and begin to receive supplies for your daily needs from invisible realms of glory in Christ Jesus, if you would just believe (Mark 16:16-17; Phil. 4:19). The gospel says you could enjoy total health in the now, and be free from troubles and sorrow, if you would believe (1 Pet.2:24; Gal. 6:17). Furthermore, the gospel says you can neutralize every stronghold of Satan, and his weapons formed against you, if you only believe (2 Cor.10:4-6; Isa.54:17; Num.23:23). In fact, the gospel even says you are a bonafide citizen of the heavenly Jerusalem while still here on earth, and that the blood of Jesus Christ is your advocate against every forms of satanic litigations, if you would dare to believe (Heb. 12:22-24).

Friends, do you believe the gospel? If yes, then rise and be saved! Rise and be healed! Rise and prosper! Rise and be evermore victorious, over sin, Satan, sicknesses, diseases, oppression, affliction, fear, poverty and lack,  in Jesus Name. Amen.

• Bishop Taiwo Akinola,

Rhema Christian Church,

Otta, Ogun State, Nigeria.

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