On today's episode (Episode 4) of Urban Puritano, we're having a Gospel Celebration! What is the Gospel all about? Why is it so simple a child can understand it and so profound that a philosopher-theologian can spend a lifetime studying it? Even angels contemplate and ponder the Gospel's message. What do you do with the Gospel? Are you ashamed of it or is it your highest honor and privilege? Let's scratch the surface of Romans 1:16-17 and find out what the Gospel essentially consists of!
Background: According to the thrust on Romans 1: 1-15, the Gospel is a message concerning Jesus Christ, God's Son. This message originated with God and He revealed His plan and promises concerning Jesus Christ throughout His prophets in the Holy Scriptures. It is referred to as the gospel of His Son, who was resurrected from the dead and through whom we have received grace. The Gospel, then is a message of grace or unmerited favor for sinners among all nations.
Why is this Christo-centric Gospel message even necessary? What does that imply about God? What does it imply about us? One major implication is: outside of God's grace in the Christ of Holy Scripture, there is nothing but bad news. Due to what we are, unrighteous, and due to what God is, absolutely righteous, we stand in need of the verdict against us to be overturned. This is very bad news, indeed.
However, the thrust of the verses preceding vv 16-17 lead us in the direction of some other news. This other news isn't simply something we can take or leave. In light of our irremediably great predicament, the theme of vv 16-17 is good news.
That is what the word "gospel" means. The gospel of Christ is good news for the sinner precisely where he needs it the most.
What, then, does the Gospel message consist of? We will answer that question under two headings.
(1) The Gospel is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes it.
(2) The Gospel reveals the righteousness of God from faith, to faith, and by faith.
The conclusion of the matter is as this quote attributed to Martin Luther: "When I look at myself, I don't see how I can be saved. But when I look at Christ, I don't see how I can be lost."
Or as Augustus Toplady wrote in "Rock of Ages":
"Not the labor of my hands
Can fulfill Thy law's demands;
Could my zeal no respite know,
Could my tears forever flow,
All for sin could not atone;
Thou must save, and Thou alone.
Nothing in my hand I bring,
Simply to Thy cross I cling;
Naked, come to Thee for dress;
Helpless, look to Thee for grace;
Foul, I to the fountain fly;
Wash me, Savior, or I die.
While I draw this fleeting breath,
When my eyes shall close in death,
When I rise to worlds unknown,
And behold Thee on Thy throne,
Rock of Ages, cleft for me,
Let me hide myself in Thee."
To God alone be the glory! Salvation belongs to the Lord! Let's pray that God may use us to advance the Gospel wherever our cities of destruction may be until we reach the Celestial City. See you next time or see you in glory!
