What does "power of God for salvation" mean for believers and non-believers? Text of Romans 1:16 “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, first to the Jew, then to the Greek.” Unpacking “power of God” • Power translates the Greek word dynamis, conveying divine strength, effective energy, and unstoppable might • Not merely information or inspiration—the gospel carries God’s own ability to create spiritual life, rescue from wrath, and secure eternity • This power is active whenever and wherever the gospel is proclaimed, believed, and lived out What the Power Means for Believers • New Birth – John 1:12-13; 3:5-8 The gospel produces spiritual regeneration, making believers children of God • Freedom from Sin’s Dominion – Romans 6:6-7 The same power that raised Christ breaks the mastery of sin over daily life • Assurance and Security – John 10:28-29; 1 Peter 1:5 God’s power guards believers “through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed” • Sanctifying Strength – Philippians 2:13 God works in believers “to will and to act” according to His good purpose • Hope of Future Glory – Romans 8:30; Philippians 3:20-21 The gospel power will finally transform our lowly bodies to be like His glorious body • Bold Witness – Acts 1:8 Believers receive power to testify, unashamed, just as Paul modeled What the Power Means for Non-Believers • Conviction of Sin – John 16:8 The gospel penetrates hearts, revealing guilt and need for forgiveness • Invitation and Enablement to Believe – Ephesians 2:8-9 Grace empowers the very faith required for salvation • Escape from Wrath – John 3:36; Romans 5:9 Outside Christ, wrath remains; the gospel alone possesses power to rescue • Inclusiveness of All Peoples – Romans 1:16; Revelation 7:9 “First to the Jew, then to the Greek” shows no ethnic or social barrier to the saving power • Imminent Accountability – Acts 17:30-31 The gospel warns that refusing this power leaves a person to face judgment unaided Why the Gospel Is the Power • Centres on Christ’s finished work—1 Corinthians 1:18, 23-24 • Validated by the Resurrection—Romans 1:4; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4 • Sealed by the Spirit—Ephesians 1:13-14 • Grounded in God’s character; He cannot lie—Titus 1:2 Living From That Power • Meditate daily on gospel truth to renew the mind—Romans 12:2 • Rely on the Spirit rather than self-effort—Galatians 3:3 • Confess sin quickly, trusting cleansing power—1 John 1:9 • Serve others in the strength God supplies—1 Peter 4:11 • Stand firm amid opposition, knowing the gospel will prevail—2 Timothy 1:8-12 Additional Scriptures That Illuminate the Power • Psalm 62:11 “Power belongs to God.” • Isaiah 55:11 God’s word accomplishes what He pleases • Jeremiah 32:17 Nothing is too difficult for Him • 2 Corinthians 4:7 Treasure of the gospel in earthen vessels shows “the surpassing power is from God and not from us” • Hebrews 7:25 Jesus “is able to save completely” those who draw near |
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