Romans 1:16-21 “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.” For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.”
I received a ministry partner letter from Ligonier Ministries President Chris Larson that emphasized the great need of the gospel of Jesus Christ in our world society today. He writes that Romans 1-2 demonstrate mankind’s decent into wickedness by sin and no sin is left unexcused. Almost every sin pointed out in these chapters we see celebrated on television, in movies, on social media, corporations, universities, government and even some churches. Human nature hasn’t changed in the past two thousand years. Apart from intervening grace, sin corrupts us to the core.
Romans 3:21-24 “But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.”
Just as my old Mentor Bill Stiles always said, most pastors agree that we need to know the bad news before we can understand the good news. Though we are unrighteous sinners, the liberating truth is that the perfect righteousness we need is God’s gift to us that comes only through faith in Jesus Christ. The gospel is the answer. The gospel is not a social program, a self-improvement course, or anything like that. The gospel in not mere about how to have your best life now. It does not guarantee health or financial success in this life. The gospel is something objective. It is the message of who Jesus is and what He did. The Bible is clear that we are justified not by our works, not by our efforts, not by our deeds, but by faith – and by faith alone.
God is holy, and we’re not. Trust Jesus Christ and His inerrant Word. Know God’s sovereign grace and rely on His powerful preservation of His people. The Gospel is still the answer to human evil and eternal suffering. Produce disciples who love God and their neighbor, and put the hope of salvation in front of those who have never heard of it. It’s through the gospel, and only through the gospel, that awakening to the truth of God and lasting reformation comes. Though the faithful preaching of the gospel and the efforts of godly men and women to live out the gospel’s implications, God-dishonoring licentiousness has changed and will change lives. What this means is that “right” living is driven by “right” theology. What we believe about God changes everything. Godliness begins with a “right” view of God, His holiness and His grace.
We’re at a critical moment in history. I think that we all feel it. Everything seems to be up for grabs in the culture, even the most basic truths that make it possible for a society to function. Stand firm on the truth of God’s Word. What’s the answer to sin today? The gospel is still the answer. We pray that Christians will cling to this beautiful truth and embrace it wholeheartedly so as to create thriving churches, families and communities that grow in holiness, extend mercy to others, and point people to Jesus Christ.
Yours in Christ, Christ Larson
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