Text: Romans 1:16-17
The Gospel is God’s Power to Save
- The gospel and salvation are inseparable from one another (Romans 1:16)
- Paul defines “the message of truth” as “the gospel of your salvation” (Ephesians 1:13)
Paul’s Message Was Christ-Centered
- The message that Paul preached was centered on Christ (1 Corinthians 2:1-2) – this will, of course, include Jesus’ work in redemption as He sacrificed His life on the cross
- A Christ-centered message also tells of Jesus as the way (how we are to live – Matthew 28:20), the truth (the absolute divine standard – John 18:37), and the life (salvation – Acts 4:12) (John 14:6)
Both Exclusive and Inclusive
- In one sense, the way of Christ is exclusive (Matthew 7:13-14)
- In another sense, it is inclusive – open to all (Mark 16:15-16)
Salvation is for Those who Believe
- The gospel is “the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16) – believes what?
- To be saved, we must know & believe who Jesus is (John 8:24; Acts 2:36-38)
Salvation is for Those who Obey
- The gospel reveals the righteousness of God (Romans 1:17) – this produces faith (Romans 10:17)
- Faith produces obedience (Romans 1:5; 16:26; James 2:17)
- Obedience to the gospel is essential to salvation (2 Thessalonians 1:8)