“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 for faith, [a] as it is written, ‘The righteous shall live by faith.’” (Romans 1:16-17)
Be bold to share the gospel with people because it is the only way for a person to be right with God!
God’s righteousness is revealed in the gospel because Jesus’ death on the cross would not have been necessary if his standard of righteousness was lower. If God could have remained true to his righteous nature and forgiven us, he would certainly have done that. But no person on earth has ever had a level of righteousness acceptable to God. “… for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, …” (Romans 3:23-24).
God’s righteousness is revealed in the gospel because Jesus’ righteousness is given to us when we put our trust in what he did for us at the cross. Our guilt before God goes over to Jesus and his righteousness comes over to us. Jesus’ pure nature tastes all the grossness of my sin and I stand pure before God in Jesus’ righteousness. Only the love of God would reach that far.
And this transaction occurs “from faith to faith.” As I share what Christ has done for me, my faith enters another person’s heart as they turn in faith to God. Who can you speak to today about what God has done for you?
Prayer
Lord, strengthen my faith in You with Your grace and mercy, and let my faith shine before all I meet, so that don’t see me, but see Your glory! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Stay encouraged!
Pastor Mike
