"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." - Romans 1:16
A nationally televised newscast recently featured a debate between two pastors concerning the practice of Eastern mysticism. One pastor claimed that the normal Christian needs the help of Eastern mysticism, because it helps bring a person into harmony with one’s self; this leads to a sense of completeness for the Christian. Responding with Scripture, the other pastor affirmed that the gospel message brings reconciliation to God; this in turn guarantees the completeness of the Christian.
The exchange clearly demonstrated differing views of the gospel. For the first pastor, the good news was understood to be a matter of exercise and meditation, achieving a sense of wholeness and inner harmony. For the other, the good news was understood to be a matter of the power of God, bringing about faith in God, repentance from sin, and eternal life. In effect, the second pastor echoed the bold claim of Romans 1:16: “I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation.” The power that Paul speaks of here is not mystical, it is objective; it is not the management of daily stress, but the work of God that radically changes how people think and act.
Paul elaborates on the power of gospel by describing its impact on those who trust in Jesus:
The power of the gospel convinces believers of the truthfulness and effectiveness of its message:
1 Corinthians 1:18 "For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God."
The power of the gospel brings believers to assurance of genuine salvation:
1 Thessalonians 1:5 "For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance . . ."
The power of the gospel distinguishes for believers faithful ministers from false teachers:
1Corinthians 4:19,20 "But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord wills, and I will know, not the word of those who are puffed up, but the power. For the kingdom of God is not in word but in power." 2 Timothy 3:1,4-5 "But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2 For men will be . . . lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power."
The power of the gospel strengthens believers to suffer for Christ:
2 Timothy 1:7,8 "For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me His prisoner, but share with me in the sufferings for the gospel according to the power of God,"
The power of the gospel enables believers to understand spiritual realities:
Ephesians 1:18, 19 "the eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power."
Jonathan Edwards reminds us in the most certain terms that the power of God in the gospel is evidenced in the lives of God’s children:
“Christ is not in the heart of a saint as in a sepulcher, as a dead savior that does nothing; but as in his temple, one that is alive from the dead. For in the heart where Christ savingly is, there he lives, and exerts himself after the power of that endless life, that he received at his resurrection. Thus every saint who is the subject of the benefit of Christ’s sufferings is made to know and experience the power of his resurrection.” (Religious Affections, 3.12)
The power of the gospel changes people’s lives. Has it changed yours?