Gospel Pride
(Romans 1:16-17)
“…I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. [17] For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written: ‘The just shall live by faith.’”
There was a certain anonymous who was asked to say a few words to a gathering in an open air meeting. At the close of his address an atheist stepped up to him and challenged him to a debate, assuring him that he would bear all the expense of renting the hall and advertising. “I accept on one condition: When you are able to bring with you – to the debate – fifty people who have been helped by your philosophy, then, I shall be ready. And, I shall commit to bring hundreds who will testify to the transformation the Gospel of Jesus Christ has wrought in their lives.” Needless to say, the challenger departed somewhat chagrined…!
I. The Gospel of our Lord is unabashedly the true and only salvation sinful man has to hope in.
(v. 16) – “…I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ…”
In spite of all the false hopes this world promises, there is no real hope outside of the true hope promised AND delivered hope of Christ the Lord! Yet, there is an obvious caveat: This hope is given only to truly, blood-bought, born-again believers! This is EXACTLY why the Lord Jesus said to the nocturnal Nicodemus (John 3:3) – “…Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” If you are not in a right relationship with God today, you cannot truly know the peace and excitement of sins forgiven and hope of life after physical death! We have heard the phrase during each year’s Christmas season: “Jesus is the reason for the season.” Yet, I contend that God the Father’s estimation – and, our true reality on this side of eternity – is this: “Jesus is the reason for EVERY season!”
So, why does this world become offended – and, sometimes hostile – by the true, heavenly Father-willed, Biblical conclusion that no one shall see the Lord outside the redemption plan of Jesus Christ? Because the Gospel message and plan is exclusive to what really happens to ALL mankind when our earthly eyes close for the last time! (John 14:6) – “…I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”
(Acts 4:12) – “Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
II. The power of the Gospel of Christ is unlimited in its ability and reach.
(v. 16) – “…it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.”
The limitless power of the Gospel of Christ is forever tied to the very Word of God. There is nothing more powerful than the Word of the Lord! (Heb. 4:12-13) – “…the Word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. [13] And, there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.”
(Matt. 8:5-8) – “…a centurion came to Him, pleading with Him, [6] saying, ‘Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, dreadfully tormented.’ [7] And, Jesus said to him, ‘I will come and heal him.’ [8] The centurion answered, and said: ‘Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof. But, only speak a Word, and my servant will be healed.’”
(1 Peter 1:23-25) – “…having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the Word of God which lives and abides forever, [24] because ‘all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, and its flower falls away, [25] But, the Word of the LORD endures forever.’ Now, this is the Word which by the Gospel was preached to you.”
1) The Word of God can bring about healing. (Psalms 107:20) – “He sent His word and healed them…”
2) The Word of the Lord can save from defeat and destruction. (Psalms 107:20) – “…and, delivered them from their destructions.”
(Augustine) – “The Bible is shallow enough for a child not to drown, yet deep enough for an elephant to swim.”
(Lastly…)
III. The Gospel of Christ gives us an example for our authentic uprightness (the doctrine of God’s righteousness).
(Rom. 1:17) – “For in it (the Gospel of Jesus Christ) the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith…”
This is exactly why we MUST have the correct understanding of the Person and attributes of the triune Godhead! This is why it is imperative we protect the orthodoxy of true, Biblical Christianity and true, Biblical theology! Our conclusions on the personality of our heavenly Father will shape our views and philosophy of how we lead our own lives! Our view of God will shape our earthly views! If we see the Lord as distant and un-concerned with mankind, then it is natural for us to be worldly minded and heavily invested in this sinful world. If we see God as a heavenly ogre who is only personally in touch with man only when man requires discipline, then we conclude that God operates as a sadistic over-lord. But, if we see God – in all three Persons (the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit) – as truly the eternal and worthy definition of that which is holy; if we see the Lord as merciful and ready to manifest His grace upon us, then we are seeing the Lord as His Word has defined Him to us!
Bob Woods (of Pulpit Digest) tells the story of a couple who took their kids – 11 year old son and a 7 year old daughter – to Carlsbad Caverns. As always, when the tour reached the deepest point in the cavern, the guide turned off all the lights to dramatize how completely dark and silent it is below the earth’s surface. The little girl, suddenly enveloped in utter darkness, was frightened and began to cry. Immediately was heard the voice of her brother: “Don’t cry. Somebody here knows how to turn on the lights.” In a real sense, that is the message of the Gospel: Light is available, even when darkness seems overwhelming!
