Romans 1:16-17 New
International Version
16 For I am not
ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to
everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.
17 For in the gospel
the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from
first to last,[a] just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”[b]
[a] Or is from faith to faith [b] Hab. 2:4
The Gospel
: From Faith to Faith
The book of Romans, was a letter written by Paul
in his third mission trip while he was in Corinth . In Paul's letter, the first
part of Paul's letter presents the Gospel which is the whole world is under sin,
but that God can take our sins through his Son, Jesus. Paul later goes on to explain
in his letter sanctification and justification as well as problems between Jews
and Gentiles.
Paul tells us the Gospel is the power of God.
This gospel allows us to be transformed because it is God's power. It is not our
power or man's power which will only bring small changes.
Even when the world looks dark and dismal, the
Gospel will win. Even when we fail and the church seems inept, the Gospel will succeed.
God's saving power never fails.
This saving power is for everyone who believes.
It is for the strongest and weakest, the smartest and dullest, and the most righteous
and least righteous. Paul reminds us that the Gospel is for everyone. This also
includes people who have not accepted Jesus, yet. Even those whom we do not like.
When we face our enemy, we need to remember this.
Before we were rescued by Jesus' saving grace, we were God 's enemies, we need to
remember that the Gospel for them, too.
