The power of God
It is very easy for people to speak down on what they do not understand. This is the reason why for some people, the gospel is false, fantasy, or even just foolishness. But to we who understand it, to we who have received the revelation, to we who are being saved, it is the power of God (1 Cor. 1:18).
The gospel is not just some cool story or a bunch of words put together in a bid to sound “deep”. It is actually power. It is living and actively rescuing people from eternal damnation (Heb. 4:12).
“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 Corinthians 1:18)
The power for victory
Through the good news of Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection, countless lives have been set free from years of relentless struggle. Every believer knows this reality: sin once had us in a chokehold, and death conditioned us to live in constant fear. But through Jesus’ victory over sin and death, the gospel released divine power—power that enables us to overcome both. (1 Cor. 15:55-57)
The immense power the gospel gives is so great that it even helps the frailiest of persons to overcome the overpowering weight of sin and life challenges. Jesus gave us an everlasting, total victory, such that we can now reject sin and we are no longer terribly afraid of death.
Overcoming intangible issues requires much more strength than tangible things. That is, it is easier to deal with problems that are physical than to deal with physical or material problems. Replacing a missing phone is easier than replacing missing peace of mind.
“Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
1 Corinthians 15:55,57
The power to transform
Moreover, the gospel has transformative power. A very typical biblical example is Peter. The gospel transformed him in a very unique way. Up until the day of Pentecost when the Holy Ghost fell on those in the upper room, Peter had been known to be timid and fearful. However, on that faithful day, as he was preaching the good news, he himself was transformed. From that day onward, the Peter moved with boldness. The good news of Jesus’ sacrifice not only served as a platform for Peter’s transformation, but also created the pathway for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. (Acts 4)
Still on transformation, the scripture tells us we were all dead before. Through the good news of salvation, we have been made alive with Jesus. We who were once dead in sin, are now dead to sin because of what the gospel—aceepting it—has done in our lives.This transformation is continuous. We are renewed as often as we subject our minds to it…as often as we remind ourselves of the finished works of Christ.
The gospel is what enables a chronic sinner to become a bondservant of Christ. If you’re ever wondering how that one neighborhood troublemaker became as meek as a dove after coming to Christ, know that is the transformative power of the gospel at work. (Eph. 2:1,4-5, Rom.6:11, 2 Cor. 5:17)
Your response to the gospel
I think many times, focus is placed on spreading the gospel, and other matters are left unaddressed.
Don’t get me wrong, I am not sidelining the importance of evangelism. In fact, it is one clear cut instruction Jesus gave us. He told us to go into the world and preach the gospel, to make disciples, and to tell of the good news of salvation. How will people get saved if they don’t hear and how will they hear if there’s no preacher? As believers, we respond to the good news by telling more and more people. In a world where darkness and evil prevail, let’s be God’s instrument of light. Nothing restores the hope of a broken person than some good news. Let’s share it. (Rom. 10:14, Matt. 5:14)
“Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.”
Mark 16:15
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
Matthew 28:19
A less-mentioned response to the gospel is to adorn it. Wear the gospel with pride. Today, I see many Christians ashamed or afraid of their faith. Never the early Christians. Apostle Paul said he is not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes (Rom. 1:16). There is nothing shameful about power. In fact, power tends to attract pride. Although, this type of pride is a godly one, where we boast only in the Lord Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 1:31).
The issue is that many believers are afraid or ashamed to done on the gospel. We shy away from it as though it were some secret to be kept. But the truth is, it is only when we are proud of the gospel that we can then go about sharing it. The early Christians were so proud of the gospel that they were willing to suffer for it. And maybe…just maybe…this is yet another expression of the power of the gospel. Its power to strengthen believers to stand against opposition, even in the face of persecution.
Faith+blog 