The Power of The Gospel

Paul declares in Romans 1:16 that he was not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ. The reason for this was, "It is the power of God to salvation." When the Gospel is taught, there is no doubt that we must let the Gospel do the work, but there is still work we must do. Let me illustrate. Not long ago, I took up the game of golf. Now if you don't know anything about golf, it is harder than it looks. One important tip I received was, "Let the club do the work. If you will do this, you will swing much better." Now what does that mean? Can I leave that club in the bag and expect the ball to be hit? Can I take the club out and just hold it? No I must still swing the club. If I don't, the ball will never be put into play! The same thing is true of the Gospel of Christ. It is indeed the power of God to salvation, but it must be used. Until we take up the sword of the Spirit and use it, sin will not be defeated and souls will be lost. How can one use the Gospel of Christ?

First, we can use it to persuade men to be saved. Some people will object and say that we need not persuade men, that the gospel alone will do this. It is true that we need not use the enticements of this world. The term "persuade" means, "to prevail upon or win over, to persuade, bringing about a change of mind by the influence of reason or moral considerations." (Vine's Dictionary of N.T. Words p. 179). We have the example of Paul when he tried to persuade King Agrippa and the others who were listening to become Christians. (Acts 26). In 2 Corinthians 5:11, he used the gospel to endeavor to persuade men to be saved and live responsibly before God, in view of the judgment day. It is true that we can offer nothing of ourselves to people, but we can offer them the gospel of Christ with all the blessings that come with it.

Furthermore, we can live consistently with the gospel. Jesus said, "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." (Matt. 5:16). Paul admonished Timothy to, "Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you." (1 Tim. 4:16). The life of a Christian should be a reflection of the life of our Savior (1 Pet. 2:21; 1 Jn. 2:6). When Christians live consistently with the teachings of God and continue to obey the Lord, they will be seen and God will be glorified. But professed Christians living inconsistently with God's will hinder the cause of Christ. Paul instructed Titus to "adorn the doctrine of God" by "in all things showing yourself {to be} a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing integrity, reverence, incorruptibility, sound speech that cannot be condemned, that one who is an opponent may be ashamed, having nothing evil to say of you. Exhort servants to be obedient to their own masters, to be well pleasing in all {things}, not answering back, not pilfering, but showing all good fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things." (Tit. 2:7-10). What do our friends and neighbors see in our lives?

Finally, there are blessings in Christ of joy and peace that one can experience. Paul said, "Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!" (Phil. 4:4). Peter likewise said, ". . . whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see {Him}, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory." (1 Pet. 1:8). The life of the sinner is miserable in comparison to the life of a Christian. Sin's pleasure lasts for just a short time (Heb. 11:24-25), while the peace of God and the joy that comes with it last for an eternity (1 John 2:17). Christians can rejoice in the Lord regardless of the circumstances. God did not intend for man to be miserable. That is why He gave the Gospel, and this joy is one that is offered to all men if they will simply obey the Gospel of Christ (Rom. 5:1-2).

Indeed, the Gospel is God's power to save, and in it He has provided the means and the motivation for people to be obedient to it. How are you using the gospel of Christ?

By Randy Cavender

Return to the General Articles page

Home / Bible studies / Bible Survey / Special Studies / General Articles / Non-Bible Articles / Sermons / Sermon Outlines / Links / Questions and Answers / What Saith The Scriptures /Daily Devotional / Correspondence Courses / What is the Church of Christ / Book: Christian Growth / Website Policy / E-mail / About Me /