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I. THE SALVATION REVEALED IN THE GOSPEL. It consists in a deliverance from the punishment and power of sin, and is effected by the death of Jesus Christ. Notice —

1. The richness of its blessings. According to the necessities of the sinner, so are the blessings presented in the gospel. Is he bowed down under a sense of the guilt of his transgressions? The gospel tells him, "God so loved the world," etc. Is he sensible of the deep pollution of his soul? He learns that "the blood of Jesus Christ cleanses from all sin." Does he feel his inability to honour God, by keeping the whole law? The gospel shows him that "Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth," etc. Is the soul harassed by the power of temptation, and ready to despair? The gospel reveals the promises of deliverance and support. Does he shudder at the approach of death as the king of terrors? The gospel says, "Christ came to deliver those who, from fear of death, were subject to bondage," etc. Does Satan excite doubts and fears as to the final result? The gospel reveals God as swearing to him by two immutable things, etc., that he might have strong consolation.

2. The extensiveness of its efficiency. Its blessings are confined to no particular nation, but are suited to all, in every place (ver. 12).

3. The means by which its blessings are to be secured. We must "call upon God." But this must be much more than the address of the lips, which in many is only the result of education and example. The calling upon God here spoken of, is the result of heartfelt convictions of the truth of the gospel, and the importance of salvation. There can be no repentance without a discovery of the awful nature of sin, and without right views of the. holiness of God. It is only in proportion as we see the blessings of salvation to be suitable and necessary that we shall call upon God for them.

II. THE NECESSITY OF PUBLISHING THE GOSPEL THROUGHOUT THE WHOLE EARTH. This necessity is great, and it is heightened —

1. By the natural state of the human mind. Reason brought out great results in arts and sciences, etc.; it has enabled man to trace out the being and attributes of Jehovah (Romans 1:19, 20). By this also the knowledge of sin is attainable (Romans 2:14, 15). But, great as are the powers of the human mind, they fail to reveal the way in which the wrath of God may be appeased, the way in which man must be just with God (Micah 6:6, 7). Man is conscious of guilt, of merited punishment: self-preservation induces a wish to escape, but whither he knows not. Christ is set forth as a propitiation for the sins of the world — through faith in Him alone pardon and salvation are to be obtained; but millions of our fellow-creatures have never heard of Him, and therefore how shall they believe in Him? Hence the necessity of publishing it to them.

2. By the Divine appointment of Jehovah. We are blessed with the light of Divine truth; the spirit of true Christian benevolence, therefore, should prompt us to diffuse it. The gospel is designed both for Jews and Gentiles. This doctrine is to be found in the Old Testament as well as in the New. In the accomplishment of his designs, however, God works by means. He has appointed the preaching of His gospel. "Go ye into all the world, and preach," etc. Salvation is by faith; and if faith be essential to salvation, it is necessary to hear; for "faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God." And we may well ask, "How shall they hear without a preacher?" etc.Conclusion: Let us learn from this subject —

1. The unspeakable privilege of those who profess the gospel.

2. The duties which attach themselves to the possessors of these privileges.

(J. C. Williams.)

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KJV: For the scripture saith, Whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.

WEB: For the Scripture says, "Whoever believes in him will not be disappointed."