112. ROM 1:16. THE POWER OF THE GOSPEL TO SAVE
Rom_1:16. The Power of the Gospel to Save
By Dr. S. H. Tyng, Minister of the Protestant Episcopal Church. New York, U. S.
"It is the power of God unto salvation, to every one that believeth."’97Rom_1:16.
This is the reason which the apostle gives, why he was not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus. Of an instrument of such power and so much good among men, he might well glory wherever he went.
In the eyes of the self-righteous Jews, the gospel of Jesus was a stumbling-block, because it allowed nothing to human merit. And with the conceited Greeks it was accounted foolishness, because it paid no deference to the claims of human reason. But notwithstanding it was inconceivable to those who confided in their own wisdom, that the salvation of man should be effected by any means apparently so unsuited to the end, St. Paul hesitated not to affirm, in the face of all opposition, that the gospel would be powerful for the production of the end which was intended, that it would operate as the power of God unto salvation to every one who believed.
I. Consider the Gospel as the great Instrument of Salvation in what it does for us
1. The law held us in bondage; this bondage the gospel has broken.
It has provided for us a sacrifice, which can answer every claim of the law, and has given a new and glorious hope. Hence God can exercise mercy to those whom the law has condemned, without setting aside in any degree the authority or sanctions of his law.
2. Satan held us in captivity; from his power the gospel rescues us.
The Lord Jesus has destroyed him who had the power of death. The death of Jesus has been the instrument by which Satan’s kingdom has been demolished, and the Saviour’s empire has been established throughout the world.
3. The power of the gospel for us is exhibited in the accepted sufficiency of the Lord Jesus.
In his prevailing intercession for us as our great High Priest, and in the crowning of the subjects of his redemption for his sake.
4. It is exhibited on earth in the providence which causes all things to promote the salvation of sinners.
Continual progress of truth. Conquests over error, &c. Justifying of innumerable multitudes of sinners, &c.
5. It is exhibited in hell, in the restraint which it has put to the power of Satan.
His designs of malice limited. His subjection to the Lord Jesus as the head over all, &c. The power of the gospel is displayed,
II. In that gracious Operation which brings back every individual sinner to Holiness and Peace.
The gospel displays its power unto salvation,
1. In the awakening and conversion of sinners.
Soul naturally refuses subjection to God Under power of Satan. Without concern for himself In a state of conflict with God, and opposed to the grace of Jesus. The gospel is mighty, in pulling down these strongholds, &c. Is made the savor of life, and new-creates the sinner
2. In the free justification of a sinner before God.
It comes to the penitent transgressor as a ministration of righteousness, as a word of reconciliation and peace. It opens the prison doors, and bids the captive go free.
The power of the law was for destruction, the power of the gospel is a lifegiving power. It takes away the burden of guilt, it silences every accuser, it fills the believer with the confidence of hope, and it forbids every weapon to prosper, which is formed against him.
The gospel displays its power,
3. In its progressive sanctification of nose whom it has converted to God.
It is the great and only instrument of making men holy; Joh_17:17. In the gospel we behold, "as in a glass, the glory of the Lord," &c. 2Co_3:18.
4. In upholding and preserving those who are brought to a knowledge of the truth.
It is the great instrument of keeping every child of God, through faith, unto salvation. It is styled an incorruptible seed, an abiding seed in the heart; and brings forth permanent and increasing fruit.
The gospel exhibits its power,
5. In the final crowning of the saints in glory.
Countless armies shall assemble before Him, with his mark upon their foreheads; all the fruits of his redemption, plucked out of the jaws of the lion; begotten again through his word, to the enjoyment of a lively hope, an everlasting possession, and permitted to dwell in the presence of the Lamb forever.
Application
The text teaches us,
1. The proper ground of hope.’97If you took upon your own characters, you find yourselves utterly weak and unworthy. You have nothing which you can offer to God. But in the gospel of Jesus there is sufficient and abiding hope. There the divine power presents itself to your acceptance, as all-sufficient for your wants; and invites you to lean upon it, as a staff which can never be broken.
2 The way of divine acceptance: "To every one that believeth." You are simply to accept the provisions of the gospel: and as Noah, believing God’s word, sought refuge and protection in the ark; and as the persecuted Israelite, trusting the Divine command, found a shelter in the city of refuge; so you must flee to the work which the Lord Jesus has finished, and plead nothing but that for your acceptance before God. We see,
3. To whom all the praise is to be given for the work of salvation.’97In this work man is nothing. He brings to it no merit, no strength, no claim of any kind. The whole glory belongs to Christ. He is the great object, of universal praise; all the angels of God worship him; all the spirits of just men made perfect ascribe honor unto him; and from our hearts he asks the same tribute of thanksgiving and honor. Learn,
4. That the same power the gospel has to save, it has to destroy. ’97It increases the misery and condemnation of those who reject it. It has an irresistible energy, it comes with an overwhelming force upon those who have despised its mercies; with a destructive weight it falls upon such, to grind them to powder, to consign them over to everlasting ruin, and to bind them in chains of eternal darkness and death.
Autor: JABEZ BURNS