Read: Romans 1:16-17

I am not ashamed of the gospel. (v. 16)

The gospel of Jesus Christ arouses ridicule, opposition, even hatred. A little religion, especially if it’s kept private and quiet, is one thing; it’s even quite respectable. Entire university departments are devoted to the study of religion.

But the gospel is another matter. At the center of the gospel, as Romans explains it, is the message of the cross, which proclaims that human sin has cut us off from God, and human religion can’t bring us back again. Only the death of God’s own Son can make us right with God. That message offends human pride and human wisdom, and it’s very tempting to soft-peddle it in order to avoid embarrassment. Oh yes, I know what it’s like to be ashamed of the gospel. Don’t you?

But Paul was not ashamed because he knew from experience that “it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (v. 16). The gospel is not about the power of God; it is the power of God for the specific purpose of saving us from sin, death, judgment, and hell.

But to experience this power, we must receive the gospel with faith. Paul says that the gospel is the power of God for salvation, not to everyone, but “to everyone who believes.” If you don’t believe it, the gospel is nothing to you. Many today assume that those who don’t believe the gospel will nevertheless be saved somehow. I don’t think the apostle would agree.

—David Bast

Prayer: May I always glory in the gospel.