Category Archives: Gospel Living

“Right with God, RIGHT NOW!”

It is no small Savior that we worship. It is no small gospel that we offer. It is no tiny cross that we proclaim. Jesus has set the captives free through His perfect life, death, and resurrection. For all who come to Him there is rest, peace, forgiveness, and eternal life. It is certain, it is sure, for He has saved His people. Not one of all those whom the Father gave to the Son shall be lost.

This reality was certainly not lost on the “Prince of preachers,” C. Haddon Spurgeon. Listen to His words:

“Ah! what a mercy it is that it is not your hold of Christ that saves you, but his hold of you! What a sweet fact that it is not how you grasp his hand, but his grasp of yours, that saves you.“

In Romans 5:10-11, the Apostle Paul goes so far to say that we are saved by the life of Jesus:

“For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. More than that we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.”

In Romans 5 Paul contrasts the work and results of two men, Adam, the first Adam, and Jesus, the last Adam. The first Adam disobeyed God and brought upon us judgment, condemnation, and death. His actions are greatly affecting us even now. Through him we are even conceived in sin.

However, there is another Adam, the Lord Jesus, who perfectly obeyed the Father. He did so not only for Himself, but for a new humanity. His sheep, given to Him before the foundation of the world. So, His actions resulted in justification, abundance of grace, and righteousness for many. Jesus perfectly fulfilled His calling and covenant.

Paul goes on to say in this chapter that not only are we saved by Jesus’ life, but we are made righteous through His obedience. So, rather than assessing ourselves as to how well we are behaving and living as if our righteousness were rooted in our actions and works, we should ask ourselves, “Where is my righteousness?” Well, according to Paul, my righteousness is seated at the right hand of God. This is the basis of my being right with God, RIGHT NOW! This is why I can obey God with joy and confidence.

“The Powerful Tool For Powerful Living”

The story was told about a man who wanted to build a cabin in the woods. The place that he chose to build was far off the beaten path. He wanted that sense of privacy and remoteness and he found the perfect spot. So, he went to the local hardware store and purchased all of the latest power tools. With great excitement he loaded up all of his newly purchased treasure trove of tools and made his way to the woods. After arriving at his chosen spot and as he began to unload his tools, etc., he realized that something was very wrong. There was no power. How can you use power tools that have no power source?

God never intended for the Christian life to be led through our own abilities, gifts, or through sheer will power. Think of all the tools that He has given us as means of growth and change. He has given us His Word, corporate and personal worship, fellowship, prayer, etc. Can we participate in these means without availing ourselves of God’s power? Can we participate in the forms of godliness without power? Some would say “we can fake it, till we make it”… but, just as power tools cannot run without power Christians cannot live the Christian life without the power of God.

There were many options for the Apostle Paul in terms of which form of the Greek word for power that he would use. He chose the word dunamis to describe the nature of the gospel’s power. Why this word among the many he could have used? Well, dunamis is power, natural ability, inherent power residing in a thing by virtue of its nature, or power which a person or thing exerts or puts forth. The gospel is the inherent, omnipotent power of God operating in the salvation of a lost soul that accepts it.

Here we have an interesting insight into the meaning of this word. The gospel is INHERENTLY the power of God that works and operates and accomplishes God’s purpose. The gospel carries the very power of God. So, it truly is more than a mere story or message. It is a vital weapon. It is the power source of God!