Romans 1:1-17 The Gospel: the only way to righteousness and salvation
Romans 1:1-17 The Gospel: the only way to righteousness and salvation
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. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “But the righteous man shall live by faith.” Romans 1:16-17
Background
The apostle Paul begins by introducing himself as he writes this letter to the churches in Rome. It is Paul’s style to make known in a succinct manner the big idea of his writings in a form of a headline. The above passage can be considered as the headline of Paul’s big idea for this letter. The all encompassing message of the book of Romans: the gospel is the only hope for salvation and the abundant life for all humanity. In the book of Romans, Paul addresses the Jews as well as the Gentiles (non-Jews) concerning God’s salvation plan, which can be obtained through faith displayed by the lives of faithful men and women. By observing and emulating the lives of faithful men, we grow in righteousness. Faith involves a kingdom focused life goal, being committed to walk in the truth and constantly depending on Him in all circumstances. Hence, those who believe in God’s word (the gospel) and love Him will establish God’s righteousness on earth.
Observation
For I am not ashamed of the gospel.
The gospel contains God’s way of salvation for humanity. Jesus preaches the gospel saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” Mark 1:15.
The gospel in Paul’s terms also refers to the message contained in the word and especially in the Gospels. It is through these inspired words that man finds reconciliation with God and entrance into His kingdom. The Greek word for kingdom is “basileia”, which means rule and dominion. Therefore, the purpose of entering God’s kingdom is to rule the universe with Him. Man’s depravity brings violence, suffering, poverty and sicknesses into this world. But the gospel reverses the effects of man’s depravity and restores families, communities and nations through the rule of God and His sons.
Paul, despite being ostracised by the Jews of his time, does not deem the gospel as weak: I am not ashamed. While the world views the gospel as being following Jesus’s death, Paul sees the potency of the gospel through the power that transforms sinners into sons of God. The power of the gospel is revealed first and foremost in perseverance and power amidst tribulations. Even though he is shipwrecked, jailed and beaten almost to the point of death, the gospel continues to heal and change lives. In fact, Paul’s suffering impacted the Christian population positively in that it emboldens them to continue preaching the gospel despite persecutions.
For it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jews first and also to the Greek.
To be saved is to be transformed and restored as sons of God, to rule in God’s kingdom. What then is the son of God? Romans 1:4 says concerning Jesus…
“who was declared the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead, according to the Spirit of holiness, Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Therefore, a son of God is one by virtue of the fact that he/she is resurrected from the dead and given a spirit body by the Father. Jesus is the author of salvation; the first who received a glorified spirit body from the Father.
Paul emphasises the power of God (through the gospel) that is able to transform every man to receive a glorified body regardless of his race, heritage or nationality: to the Jews first and also to the Greek. In other words, any one who believes in the gospel will be transformed and restored, for the application of the gospel transcends cultural, physical, or social boundaries. What is salvation? First, it is to be adopted as a son of God. Secondly, as he grows in love, wisdom and power, he is given a spirit body and granted to seat with God in heaven to rule with Him.
For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith.
“Righteousness of God” refers to God’s attributes: divine love, wisdom and authority. And it is through this righteousness that humanity and all creation are founded on. The fall of Adam had set humanity and creation on the path of destruction. For humanity and creation to be saved, the righteousness of God must be established on earth by the rule of God’s sons. Throughout history, the righteousness of God is revealed and systematically established through men and women who possess faith. Faith is the manifestation of righteousness in good works. Faith begins with the regeneration of the heart towards God’s righteous attributes: divine love, wisdom and power.
“Faith to faith” pertains to the progressive establishment of God’s righteousness on the earth through history by men and women of faith. Through the faith of Abel, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, David, and Jesus (to name a few), the righteousness of God is progressively established on the earth. The gospel contains records of the deeds of these righteous men and women of faith.
But the righteous man shall live by faith.
This reinforces the idea that men and women who profess to be righteous, must display the evidence of righteousness by being faithful to God in all aspects of life. Faith begins with the hearing of God’s word and consummated through man’s obedience to it. We can say that a man’s righteousness commences at the turning of his heart to what is godly. When God sees faith and genuine change through his decision making and in rejecting temptations, God considers him as righteous. God cannot consider one as righteous when he has nothing to show.
This phrase is lifted from Habakkuk 2:4 at a time when Israel is under Babylonian rule. Here, the prophet Habakkuk encourages the nation to look to the future prosperity that God has promised for them; he contrasts the ways of the wicked (the perverse Babylonians) and the righteous Israel. If they would continue on the path of righteousness despite tribulations, they would one day see the demise of the evil Babylonians.
Truth
The gospel causes man to live like Christ and to be glorified like Him
The power of the gospel is displayed not in the removal of eternal punishment per se… But in regenerating man’s heart and his tendencies towards evil. Only then is punishment removed. God is glorified when man begins to turn from wickedness towards righteousness. The power of the gospel is seen in transforming the hearts of men. Therefore, if a man’s heart is not transformed to love the truth and to live according to it, the gospel did not benefit him. Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him,
“If you continue in My word, then you are truly disciples of Mine.” John 8:31 (NASB)
But the prevalent teachings of the Jews in Jesus’s days assert one’s salvation as derived from Judaist teachings and strict observances of Moses’s law, everything except a changed life. To the Jews, it is about a being associated with the heritage of the patriarchs, a right understanding of the scriptures, all but freedom from darkness. The Jews, in response to Jesus said, “We are offspring of Abraham and have never been enslaved to anyone. How is it that you say, ‘You will become free’?” John 8:33.
The error of the Jews mirrors the current attitude of Christendom: God loves the world so much so that He will adopt impenitent sinners into the kingdom as long as he believes in the power of the cross to forgive sins. If a minister comes along and preaches what Jesus taught in His days, will he be accepted? Will they say, “We are baptised in Jesus’s name and have been going to church and mission trips. How is it that you say you will become free?'”
The reason Paul encountered waves after waves of persecution was because of his refusal to accept the teaching of the Jews. Paul suffered by the same reason that Jesus suffered in His days. In the same way that Jesus is not ashamed of being executed as a criminal, Paul is not ashamed to suffer countless death sentences. Because the world is governed by Satan and his agents, living a gospel lifestyle inevitably involves suffering and sacrifices.
Therefore, the gospel calls believers not to glamourise or abuse the power of God but to stay faithful to the truth. Jesus’s life attests to the fact that without a life of righteousness, there is no resurrection – the cross must come before the crown. Jesus died fighting to establish righteousness on the earth. The righteous men and women of faith will likewise follow in His footsteps. The gospel story is a demonstration of faith, of fighting for the cause of the kingdom amidst persecutions and death.
Faith comprises three attitudes you can’t do without.
a. Faith involves taking responsibility over oneself and the resources that God has given.
Being responsible for oneself and diligently doing his part, is a prerequisite to effective working faith. Without taking personal responsibility, one can never receive divine assistance. In other words, God will never help a lazy and irresponsible person. Human effort and personal responsibility is the prerequisite to receiving divine grace and assistance. A woman who has been haemorrhaging internally does all she can in securing a cure for her sickness. For 12 years, she spends all she has where she suffers in the hands of physicians. However, her faith is evident in her relentless diligence, in using her resources and in seeking out Jesus. Her faith is finally rewarded when she catches up with Jesus and in touching His garment she is healed immediately (see Mark 5:25-34).
b. Faith is having a continual dependence on God knowing that He alone guarantees your success.
God knows where your limitations are and will help you do what you by your own strength cannot. Faith involves having a clear understanding of where human responsibility ends and where God’s responsibility begins. Even if one believes that indefinite perseverance would ultimately lead one to experience success, it is impossible for one to keep persevering without involving God as part of the equation. There are those who are reluctant to depend on God because they see themselves as unworthy to merit God’s grace. There may also be those who prefer to do things in their own way and will not want to submit themselves under God’s purview.
c. Faith involves having a Kingdom vision.
To have faith is to possess a vision that is bigger than your life and family; a working goal that contributes to the establishment of God’s righteousness on earth, which translates to a society that is founded on justice and mercy. There is no question that nearly every profession in this world can play a part in making society a better place for all. However, there are many who are only concerned about their own welfare, who will make use of the organisation to further their self-centred ambitions. The name “survivor” is what you will tag on any one who is capable of doing anything for self-preservation. A person without a Kingdom focused vision will eventually lose everything he possesses on earth.
Reference to Jesus’ teachings
Jesus said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I go to the Father. Whatever you ask in My name, that will I do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it. If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.” John 14:12-15
In the above passage, Jesus establishes that the righteous are those who believe in Him; they are those who love Him and keep His commandments. This righteous mindset (of love and obedience) enables believers to pray effectively and to do mighty works that change the world: the works that I do, he will do also. Put in a nutshell, those who love God and obey His commandments will eventually establish God’s righteousness on earth. For the Spirit will empower them to overcome life’s challenges through prayer and divine help: “If you ask Me anything in My name, I will do it.”
Application
1. Ask God what your future holds for you and your family. He will respond to you while your words are still in your mouth. The bible promises a bright future for everyone who believes in the faithfulness of God. Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.” As long as you are willing to surrender your life to Him and walk in righteousness, He will lead you into that glorious future.
2. Give thanks often especially in the face of challenges. Because of Jesus Christ, God has ordained you for righteousness and glory. The act of giving thanks opens our hearts to receive divine grace to help in the time of need.
Dear Lord, I thank you for ordaining my life for prosperity and glory. Use me to build Your Kingdom on earth and empower me to overcome my fears and limitations. In Jesus’s name I pray. Amen.