I never cease to be amazed at how the simple preaching of the gospel can radically change lives for an eternity. What a profound statement—radical change through simple preaching.
This is not mere religious talk. Those of us who have been in the faith awhile have witnessed the life-changing power of preaching more times than one. Paul the apostle boasted these words: “I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes….” (Romans 1:16, NASB).
The key to what Paul is saying here resides in the phrase “to everyone who believes.” That is, in order for the gospel to become the power of God with salvation for its end, those who hear it must believe.
Unless the hearing of the gospel is mixed with faith, one will not experience the saving power of God.
To some people, this sounds too simple. That’s especially true for those who consider themselves to be extreme cases. They tend to think that because they are in such terrible spiritual condition, they need a more rigorous salvation process.
But remember what the apostle says above: “to everyone who believes.” In other words, no one is the exception. Everyone—no matter how bound they are—if they believe the gospel, it is the power of God for salvation. This may be a simple truth, but nothing is weak about it because we are talking about “the power of God.”
The Indispensability of the Gospel
If it seems to you that I am making a big deal about Romans 1:16, you are right that I am. If it seems as though this entire blog post is essentially a short commentary on that verse, you are right again. Why? Because I believe it’s vital that the church not get off message. I understand that our culture has changed over time. I understand the need to adapt. But one thing will never change. That is the powerful truth that resides in Romans 1:16.
According to this verse, the catalyst in the salvation process is the preaching of the gospel of Christ. It is the only message that the power of God works in conjunction with. That means those of us who have been called to preach must be faithful to that call. The salvation of the lost is what’s at stake. For “if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost” (2 Corinthians 4:3, KJV).
Some churchgoers tend to think that if a preacher is highly animated in delivering his message, that makes it a powerful message. But a preacher’s message is powerful only when his preaching is true to the gospel.
Some people are more difficult to reach for Christ than others are. But, again, no one is beyond the saving power of God. The gospel of Christ is the power of God for salvation—to everyone who believes.
Copyright © 2022 by Frank King. All rights reserved.