READ: Job 15,16; Psalms 39; Romans 1
SCRIPTURE: Romans 1: 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, just as it is written: “The righteous will live
by faith.”
OBSERVATION: Paul’s
epistle to Rome systematically explains Christian doctrines and theology. Many
bible experts consider Romans 1:16,17 as Paul’s central theme or thesis
statement for the whole epistle. This very passage played a vital role in the
transformation of Martin Luther, who led the Reformation movement. From the
first century onwards, the Gospel of Jesus Christ greatly impacted the world and
dramatically changed men’s and women’s lives. The Gospel is not just the name
of a book or the title of a speech. As Paul says here, “it is the power of God that brings
salvation to everyone who believes.” The Gospel is synonymous with the person
of Jesus Christ. Believing a person who
was killed by Roman crucifixion might have been considered shameful. However,
Paul sees the power of the Gospel that can save everyone who believes. The
Gospel is available to all and can save anyone who believes in Jesus. In other
words, everyone needs salvation. They can be saved only by the power of the Gospel.
One may wonder why every person needs the salvation of God. As Paul explains, all
became sinners by not worshipping the Creator.
Further, the Gospel reveals the
righteousness of God that saves a sinner from judgment. Those who believe the
Gospel will receive God’s righteousness and are declared righteous. This
righteousness comes from the Lord and is received by faith alone. It cannot be
earned by any means. By faith, we receive God’s righteousness and are made
righteous in the sight of God. “The righteous will live by faith.” A person may
have spent years believing vain things and gained nothing. However, when s/he
believes the Gospel or the person of Jesus Christ, they receive life and
salvation by faith. History tells us scores of people who received transformation
in their lives after they believed in Jesus Christ. Jesus already paid the
price for this righteousness. We receive it by faith and are saved by his
grace. How do we live?
APPLICATION: In any circumstance,
I should witness for the Gospel with all boldness. I may be weak in various
ways. But the Gospel is powerful to save me and can make my relationship right with
God. My self-righteousness cannot save me, but God saves me and declares me righteous
when I believe the Gospel. I must live in God’s righteousness. As a child of
God, I will live by faith.
PRAYER: Father, thank you
for the Gospel that displays your salvific power in the world. Jesus, thank you
for the righteousness you earned for me through your sacrificial life. Holy
Spirit, strengthen me to preach the Gospel boldly and help me to live by faith.
Amen.
- Arputharaj Samuel
+91 9538328573
Day - 221
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