Good News for All

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY….  “I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes….” Romans 1:16 ESV

The gospel is a message of “inclusiveness.” While current culture has a variety of views as to what it means to be “inclusive” we can see that the simple message of the gospel has always been one that is for all people or all categories, for all time.

Paul was not afraid to declare this message of hope to Jews, gentiles, the rich, the poor. Regardless of how people may categorize each other, the Bible sees every person the same.

Scripture declares, “all have sinned.” (Romans 3:23) And then see the immediate declaration that all can be redeemed and forgiven by God’s grace. “[All] are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith.” (Romans 3:24,25 ESV)

The need of all is the same. The answer to that need for all is the same. That was why Paul was committed to preaching the gospel to everyone. As he opens the Book of Romans, he declares,

“I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish. So I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome.” (Romans 1:14,15 ESV)

Paul was not concerned about the “wise” viewing the gospel as to simple or the “barbarian” viewing it as only for the educated. Paul wasn’t ashamed of the gospel, because it contains universal truth. The adage that has been used to describe this concept is, “the ground is level at the cross.” All who come to Christ recognize that they are sinners in need of a savior.

Paul was not ashamed of the gospel because he knew of its power. He had experienced himself in a unique and dramatic way. Whether the power of the gospel is like a gentle breeze or a blinding sun, it is that which transforms a life and in an instant of time brings peace, joy and a new life.

Paul was not ashamed of the gospel, because it was his calling and passion. Paul was a “man on a mission.” But he realized that he was not alone. As one who was “under obligation” to the gospel, he was also one who knew the need for community.

“For I long to see you, that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you— that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith….” (Romans 1:11,12 ESV)

Paul was not ashamed of the gospel because of what it reveals to people about God. “For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.” (Romans 1:17 ESV)

God’s “right-ness” and justice was satisfied with the death of Christ on the cross. As a result, faith in Jesus brings God’s righteousness to the repentant heart.

Prayer for today…. Lord, help us to be those who “are not ashamed” of the gospel. It is Your message of hope and power and life. Thank you that the gospel is “one size fits all.” May we view ourselves as “under obligation” not out of some imposed burden, but out of the change which has transpired in our own life.