No Shame in the Gospel: It Is the Power of God!
Romans 1:16-17 NLT
16 For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes—the Jew first and also the Gentile. 17 This Good News tells us how God makes us right in his sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. As the Scriptures say, “It is through faith that a righteous person has life.”
Message
When Jesus came to the earth, His own people rejected and killed Him. However, He was raised from the dead by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 1:4). After ascending to heaven, Jesus, as He promised (John 14:16-17, 15:26, 16:7), sent the Holy Spirit to be with them forever (John 14:16). The Holy Spirit burns away the sins of those who repent and believe, and they are reborn (John 3:5) and become new creations (2 Corinthians 5:17). This is truly the good news! Should anyone feel ashamed to share the Good News with others (16a)? Not at all! The Good News is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes (16b).
The Good News tells us how God makes us right in His sight (17a).
This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. As the Scriptures say, “It is through faith that a righteous person has life (Habakkuk 2:4).” (17b).
Imagine that God considers us believers ‘perfect’ and ‘faultless’ children of God thanks to Jesus’ sacrifice to forgive our sins! It is not because we lived perfect lives according to the Law but because we are forgiven by grace in Jesus! That belief (faith) in His grace is what makes us right with God. Amen.
