The Power of God for Salvation (Romans 1:16 [17])

[For] I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. [¹⁷For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, "The righteous shall live by faith."] —Romans 1:16-[17]

As I contemplated writing this article, I have to admit that I was intimidated. Reading Bible commentaries confirmed that I cannot explain or expound on these verses nearly as well as previous writers. Is it possible that I could plumb some new spiritual depth about these crucial verses in this great theological letter to the Romans? Not likely. But each Christian has a testimony of “the power of God for salvation,” and that's what God calls us to share.

The opening verses of the first chapter of Romans are saturated with gospel and faith. Paul writes about his eagerness to fulfill his mission of spreading this gospel to all peoples, no matter their background or station in life.

As I read these verses that I memorized decades ago in high school, I realize that the confidence Paul has, I far too often lack. Why is that? Because I’m too consumed with what people will think of me. As an introvert, it's hard for me to speak in situations that feel uncomfortable or intimidating. This "fear of man" often rivets my eyes on myself, rather than where the focus should be.

When I think about the gospel—that it's “the power of God for salvation for everyone who believes”—how can I keep silent? Do I love others? Then I cannot keep the gospel to myself. Do I desire their salvation? Then I must speak. Do I truly believe that God has revealed this marvelous plan of salvation and that it is open to everyone? Then I should have the same confidence Paul had, the confidence he encouraged in others. As he told his protege, Timothy, “Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord…” (2 Timothy 1:8), and “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).

I should do my best to learn the Word of God, study it, meditate on it, memorize it, put it into practice, and obey it. And when I focus on God’s Word and the powerful gospel it contains, I will love the Savior more, rejoicing in my own salvation that He sacrificially supplied, and it will more naturally overflow from my life to others.

Brothers and sisters, when we keep our eyes on Jesus rather than ourselves, then our confidence will be like Paul’s, who wrote,“…But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me” (2 Timothy 1:12).

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For Reflection

1. What are the implications of the gospel in your life and the lives of others? Think about those you'll come in contact with today. Do they know the Savior? Do they know that you do?

2. As you hear news of distressing events in this troubled world, do you merely get sad or angry, or do you pray for the gospel to reach those you may think unreachable or even undeserving?

3. Pray for greater love for Jesus and love for others. Ask God to give you boldness as you focus this week on gospel truth in His Word.