There’s still one thing that’s certain in this unsettled world in which we live, and that is the gospel of Jesus Christ. It remains true and that will not, and cannot, change. Here is an exposition from the New Testament book of Romans which was written by a Jewish man named Paul. Paul experienced a powerful conversion after the risen and exalted Jesus Christ spoke to him out of heaven. (Acts 9:1-31)
Romans 1:16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
This gospel (good news) is offered to everybody and that includes both Jew and Gentile (non-Jewish, heathen, nations). It really does not matter where you live, what color you are, or what language you speak. Paul was not ashamed to give the gospel to the people, and he was not ashamed to tell people that Jesus Christ was the only way for both Jew and Gentile. Salvation is found in Jesus Christ, and in HIM alone, and to say anything else is to soft soap the gospel. To hold back this vital truth is to be ashamed of the gospel.
Romans 1:17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
Salvation comes by faith, and it is not for sale. The same apostle Paul spoke about the LOVE of God and the fact that Christ died for us “while we were yet sinners” (Romans 5:8) and that we are “justified by HIS blood”. (Romans 5:9) Salvation is available to every single person on planet earth, no matter what their past may be. If the Lord can save a man like Paul (formerly Saul), then the Lord can save you too. Do not forget that Paul was formerly a severe persecutor of Christians, even unto their death. (Acts 8:1, 22:4,20) In other words, Paul could be called a murderer, because he was a participant in the murder of Christians. Without the mercy of God, Paul was an unsaved wretch who was no different than anybody else in the world. A person can be homeless and dying of AIDS, yet God still offers that person salvation through Jesus Christ.
That is the beauty of this glorious gospel of Jesus Christ, because God offers it to everybody. Look at the man named David Berkowitz (the “Son of Sam” killer) from New York City. I was living in New York in 1977 and I remember that summer like it was yesterday. The city of New York was paralyzed with fear because nobody knew where “Son of Sam” was going to strike next. David Berkowitz was eventually arrested and is now serving out his life term in prison. But something happened in David’s life many years later. The Lord gloriously saved that man in his prison cell after he read from the scriptures and called upon the Lord for mercy. That is the power of God unto salvation!
We can look at the horror of his crimes and declare that he deserves to be in prison (and he does), but we often forget that every one of us deserves the wrath of God without the mercy offered in Jesus Christ.
Romans 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
This is the part of the Bible that few want to hear about and sadly few pastors are willing to preach about. If the scriptures tell us that God’s wrath is against all ungodliness, then it must be true. This truth amplifies the mercy of God that is found in Jesus Christ. In fact, the apostle John wrote this about God’s wrath:
John 3:36 He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
This scripture is telling us in the simplest manner that every person that is a believer in Jesus Christ has everlasting life. It also tells us that those who do NOT believe in Jesus Christ have the wrath of God abiding upon them (already). We can see that the deciding factor between those who have everlasting LIFE and those who have God’s WRATH upon them is the person of Jesus Christ!
Romans 1:19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.
Romans 1:20 For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:
The scriptures tell us that there will be no excuse for anyone because God has revealed Himself to all by His creation. I find it both sad and humorous when I hear people mock the gospel and the Biblical account of creation. The absolute beauty of God’s creation makes me wonder how anyone could think that way. The Psalmist David had this to say regarding God’s creation:
Psalms 19:1 The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.
What does the Bible have to say about the incredible beauty of human life especially a baby in the womb.
Psalms 139:13 For thou hast possessed my reins: thou hast covered me in my mother’s womb.
Psalms 139:14 I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.
Listen to those beautiful words of the Psalmist. A human life is an absolute miracle and anyone who has ever seen a newborn child can testify to that, especially the mother who carried that child in her own womb!
Romans 1:21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
Romans 1:22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
This answers the question as to how people can reject the counsel of God that is found in the scriptures. When a person fails to recognize and glorify God, their heart becomes darkened, and the Bible describes that as foolishness. Basically, a person is turning their back on God, their very creator, the very one who wants to save them from destruction.
Romans 1:23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.
People will often turn, and worship created things including animals instead of giving the worship to God, the only one who deserves our worship and praise.
Romans 1:24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves:
Ultimately it is a judgment because God allows them to go their own way. It is a downward spiral that will lead a person into all sorts of debauchery. Here is an example of that from the Bible:
And he let it fall in the midst of their camp, round about their habitations. So they did eat, and were well filled: for he gave them their own desire; They were not estranged from their lust. But while their meat was yet in their mouths, The wrath of God came upon them, and slew the fattest of them, and smote down the chosen men of Israel. For all this they sinned still, and believed not for his wondrous works. (Psalms 78:28-32)
Romans 1:25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.
They exchanged the truth of God for a LIE! They glorified the creation of God instead of giving the glory to God Himself. Be Blessed in Jesus Christ.