Romans 1:16. For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.
What is the gospel? Why do we need the gospel? Why must we preach the gospel?
Scripture reveals the fundamental cause of every problem humanity has faced since the beginning of time—sin or original sin: “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Sin is the displacement from the glory of God—a total disconnection from the Creator of life. This spiritual separation brought death to all mankind: “For the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23).
Everyone is born into this condition (Psalm 51:5), forced to live in the realm of death, curse, and hell: “As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins” (Ephesians 2:1). Worse yet, every person is born under the power of the devil, living as a child of the devil (John 8:44). This is humanity’s permanent spiritual condition apart from God.
In this fallen state, people are unconsciously following “the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air” (Ephesians 2:2). They obey the “ancient serpent,” Satan, who continues to lead the whole world astray (Revelation 12:9).
Scripture also makes the coming judgment clear: “People are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). Those who remain under the background of hell will enter eternal destruction in the fire prepared for the devil and his angels (Matthew 25:41)—not merely because of their deeds, but because of their identity as children of the devil (John 8:44).
Yet God, compelled by His unconditional love, sent His Son to die for us: “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). God placed us before His own Son. He made Him who knew no sin to become sin for us so that we may become the righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5:21). Through the blood of Christ, God has purchased us and set us free from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:2). He has demolished the power of Satan, curse, and hell that ruled us since the fall.
None of this came by our effort: “For it is by grace you have been saved… it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8–9). Even our faith is a gift from God. We contributed nothing to our salvation. Every step of our salvation was initiated by His grace and applied by His Spirit. All we can do is receive with gratitude what God has freely given.
If anyone receives and believes Jesus as the Christ, God “gives the right to become children of God” (John 1:12). When one hears the gospel, a new life with Christ begins: “If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in” (Revelation 3:20).
There is no time to delay, for “now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2). When you open the door to Christ, you will die with Him and rise with Him. He will come to live in you forever, delivering you from the background of hell and bringing you into His kingdom (Colossians 1:13). He will give you full access to God’s throne to receive mercy and grace (Hebrews 4:16).
Because you are in Christ, God delights in you (Zephaniah 3:17). You are precious and honored in His sight (Isaiah 43:4). The power of hell can no longer defeat you. Jesus prepares a table before your enemy, the devil (Psalm 23:5). So do not be afraid.
You have been anointed as a prophet to proclaim the wonderful works of God (1 Peter 2:9). You are no longer in darkness—you are light in the Lord. So rise and shine!
Prayer. Father, I thank You for the gospel that came through Your Son Jesus Christ. I will not be ashamed of the gospel, for it is Your power that brings salvation to everyone who believes. Use my life to carry this gospel to the ends of the earth. In Jesus’ name, Amen.