0366. THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST.

THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST.

"I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth" (Rom_1:16).

I. What this Gospel is. The Gospel of Christ is the good news cf peace with God, through the blood of His Cross. Not only is the message good, but the Messenger Himself is full of grace and truth. The law was given with many symbols of terror, but grace came with an agonising heart. The Gospel embraces the life, death, and resurrection of Christ as the Saviour of the world.

II. Paul’s Estimate of the Gospel. "I am not ashamed." He doubtless remembered the words of the Lord Jesus in Mar_8:38.

1. He was not ashamed to believe it. Never since the day he met the Lord and surrendered himself to Him, saying, "What wilt Thou have me to do?" (Act_9:6).

2. He was not ashamed to confess it. He was determined to know nothing else among men (1Co_2:2). Ready also to preach it at Rome (Luk_11:15).

3. He was not ashamed to suffer for it. Suffering for the Name of Christ was part of his heritage in Him (Act_9:16). A list of his sufferings are detailed in 2Co_11:23-28. If any man would live godly he must suffer.

III. Why he was not ashamed of it. "For it is the power of God."

1. It is the power of God. It is the going forth of the mighty Word of Him who coated the heavens and the earth by the same Word. It is the medium through which the omnipotence of God works in mercy and in love.

2. It is the power of God unto salvation. The same power that created of old is now directed through the Gospel to the salvation of the lost. Salvation has been a more costly work to God than creation. Surely there is power enough here to meet the need of all. "Is not My Word a fire and a hammer?" (Jer_23:29).

3. It is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth. Every one that believeth comes within the scope of this uplifting, saving power. Many are so bewitched by the pleasures of sin that they heed not the saving news from Heaven (Gal_3:1). The freeness and graciousness of this Gospel is the glory of it, yet for this very cause many are ashamed of it, because it rebukes their pride and ignores self-righteousness.

Autor: James Smith