The gospel Part 9
A glaring truth evident in the New Testament scriptures, is the undeniable power of the gospel of Jesus Christ. The good news (the gospel of Christ) unleashed such transforming power in the lives of those who heard it, received it and believed it.
As you look through the scriptures and consider the results and aftereffect in the lives of those who embraced the gospel of Jesus and put their faith in Him, you cannot help but conclude that the power that brought about their miraculous results is certainly associated with the Gospel.
In the following scriptures, Paul the Apostle clearly makes the connection between the ‘Gospel’ and ‘Power’.
“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” (1 Cor 1:8 NIV)
“… our gospel came to you not simply with words but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction...” (1Thess 1:5 NIV)
Writing to the Romans, Paul explained further that the Gospel in itself is the very power of God that leads or results to salvation.
“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.” (Rom 1:16 NIV)
God’s power is exercised through the Gospel. His Power to save men from sin, to heal from all kinds or sicknesses, to deliver from all forms of bondage, to set free from every entrapment, addiction, yoke and curse; to change and transform lives, to bless and prosper and more, is revealed and manifested through the gospel of Jesus. According to Mark’s gospel, signs and wonders followed the preaching of the word.
“Then the disciples went out and preached everywhere, and the Lord worked with them and confirmed his word by the signs that accompanied it.” (Mark16:20)
Even though the gospel is potent enough to bring about man’s salvation and wrought signs and wonders, it is however not effective just because it is preached or proclaimed but because it is believed. In the above verse in Romans 1:16, Paul says that it is the power of God that brings salvation “to everyone who believes”. It is great to hear, read and study the gospel and the word of God, but until it is believed, until we embrace those words into our hearts and apply faith to it, they remain mere words with little or value to our lives.
Faith in the gospel and in God’s word unleashes God’s power and brings it to bear in our lives.