The Gospel Is the Power of God (Romans 1:16–17) | Dr. David Jeremiah: Fully Engaged With the Gospel
The Gospel Is the Power of God (Romans 1:16–17)
Fully Engaged With the Gospel: The Power of God That Changes Lives
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The gospel reveals a power greater than creation itself. It is the power of new creation the power that redeems sinners and brings life out of death. Nothing in Scripture, apart from Christ Himself, is called the power of God in the same way the gospel is.
Consider the forces of nature. The sun burns with unimaginable heat. Tsunami waves rise with devastating strength. Stars race through the heavens. Volcanoes erupt with overwhelming force. Yet none of these are described as the power of God. But the victorious work of Jesus Christ His death, burial, and resurrection to remove our sin forever is called the power of God.
If you are a believer in Jesus Christ, then you are deeply blessed. Why? Because you have personally experienced the power of God.
The Gospel Is More Than a One-Time Decision
Many people think of the gospel only as the message we believe in order to be saved. That is true but it is only the beginning.
The gospel is not just how we begin the Christian life. It is how we live every day. We are called to be fully engaged with the gospel because it impacts every area of life our families, finances, friendships, purpose, and future.
When the power of God transforms us, we become living witnesses of how He can transform others.
We believe the gospel once for salvation, but we live out the gospel daily through faith, obedience, and service.
Paul’s Bold Declaration in Romans
In Romans 1:16–17, the Apostle Paul wrote these unforgettable words:
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes… For in it the righteousness of God is revealed… The just shall live by faith.”
These verses are among the most important in the Bible. They summarize the heart of Christianity and helped ignite the Protestant Reformation.
Paul was writing to believers in Rome, the most powerful city of the ancient world. He knew many would mock his message. Rome admired wealth, influence, military power, and human wisdom. Yet Paul declared without hesitation:
I am not ashamed of the gospel.
Why Some People Reject the Gospel
Many still reject the gospel today for the same reasons people did in Paul’s time.
1. Intellectual Pride
Some dismiss the gospel as foolishness. They cannot accept that the Savior of the world came as a humble carpenter from Nazareth and conquered sin through a cross.
2. Human Philosophy
Most religions teach that people must climb upward to reach God through good works. But the gospel teaches the opposite: God came down to reach us.
3. Social Pressure
In many places, serious Christian faith is viewed as outdated or weak. Some fear rejection more than they desire truth.
4. Moral Resistance
The gospel confronts human pride. It declares that all have sinned and cannot save themselves. Many resist the idea that they need a Savior.
But regardless of opposition, the truth remains: the gospel is still the power of God.
What the Gospel Really Means
The word gospel means good news.
It is not a message about what we do for God. It is the announcement of what God has done for us through Jesus Christ.
The gospel is this:
- We are more sinful than we realize.
- We are more loved than we can imagine.
- Jesus took our sin upon Himself.
- Jesus offers us His righteousness.
- Salvation is received by faith alone.
That is truly good news.
The Power of the Gospel
The gospel does what no human effort can ever do. It saves.
It rescues people from guilt, judgment, and spiritual death. It breaks chains of addiction, heals broken hearts, restores hope, and gives eternal life.
The greatest need in the world is not more entertainment, wealth, or technology. It is the transforming power of the gospel.
Salvation Is for Everyone Who Believes
The Bible says the gospel is for everyone who believes.
It does not matter your race, background, wealth, nationality, or past mistakes. The ground is level at the foot of the cross.
There is not one gospel for one group and another gospel for someone else. There is one gospel, one Savior, and one way to God through Jesus Christ.
Anyone who comes to Him in faith can be saved.
The Righteousness of God Revealed
One of the greatest truths in Scripture is this: the gospel reveals the righteousness of God.
That means God does not save us because of our own goodness. He saves us by giving us the righteousness of Christ.
When Jesus died on the cross, He took our sin upon Himself. In exchange, He offers us His perfect righteousness.
We stand before God accepted not because of what we have done, but because of what Christ has done.
Martin Luther and the Reformation
This truth changed history through Martin Luther.
As a monk, Luther tried every religious effort imaginable to earn God’s favor fasting, praying, confessing, sacrificing, and punishing himself. Yet he found no peace.
Then he discovered the words of Romans:
“The just shall live by faith.”
He realized salvation is not earned by works. It is received by grace through faith.
That truth launched the Reformation and continues to change lives today.
Faith: How We Receive the Gospel
The gospel is received by faith.
Faith means trusting completely in Jesus Christ His death for your sins and His resurrection for your salvation.
You cannot inherit faith through family. You cannot absorb it by attending church. You must personally receive Christ.
Salvation is God’s gift, but every gift must be accepted.
The Church’s Greatest Mission
The church has many responsibilities, but one mission stands above all others:
To carry the gospel to the world.
We must not allow distractions to replace our calling. The world is hurting, confused, and spiritually lost. People everywhere need the love, forgiveness, and hope found only in Jesus Christ.
Every believer has a role in this mission.
You may not preach from a pulpit, but your service, generosity, prayers, kindness, witness, and faithfulness all help advance the gospel.
Never underestimate what God can do through your obedience.
Do Not Be Ashamed of the Gospel
Now more than ever, believers must stand boldly for the truth.
The gospel is not outdated. It is not weak. It is not irrelevant.
It is the power of God unto salvation.
So live fully engaged with the gospel. Share it. Defend it. Believe it. Walk in it daily.
And never be ashamed of the good news of Jesus Christ.
