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Romans 1:16-17 (16b)
In today’s Bible study (Romans 1:16b), the Apostle Paul tells us about the gospel of Christ in which we already know that he is not ashamed (Romans 1:16a). Paul tells us that the gospel of Christ, “is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes,” (Romans 1:16b, NKJV). John 1:12-13 (NIV) declares, “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God – children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.” Believing in Jesus and being open to receive Him is salvation, but Paul tells us that this is done in “the power of God” (Romans 1:16b). So we must ask, “What is the power of God?” Jesus tells us in John 14:26 (HCSB), “But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit – the Father will send Him in My name – will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have told you.” Jesus also told His disciples in Acts 1:8 (ESV), “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
This is a promise of receiving power through God’s Holy Spirit in salvation through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
In this small section of Scripture is a great amount of information concerning our salvation in Jesus. God does not simply save us from a wretched state and put us on a shelf to sit for eternity. He saves us in His power to be active in witnessing to others of His great love for us that is for all of humanity unto salvation in Christ Jesus. He fills us with His power through His Holy Spirit to do works that James speaks of in that our salvation in Christ Jesus us alive! James 2:17-18 (KJV) states, “Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.”
Dear LORD,
The gospel of Christ is Your power to salvation for everyone who believes. You make us born again and give us a right to become Your children through Your Holy Spirit to all who will open our hearts and receive the gift You give us through Christ Jesus, who paid our price due to sin on the cross that we may live eternal through Him. Thank You LORD! Thank You for loving us even when our love for You was unknown by us, but You brought to us the knowledge of Christ Jesus to save us from our sins to an active life of witnessing for Christ Jesus that not only us, but many more may come to Christ through our testimonies and of sharing of how You are working in our lives – in Christ! In Jesus name I pray, amen.