Romans 1:16, “I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.”
In this verse, Paul promises that everyone who “believes” in the gospel “receives” salvation from God. If you believe in the gospel, you are saved and have the great promise of salvation no matter who or what you are facing in life. The “gospel” is the “good news” about Jesus’ death, burial and resurrection to be the “once and for all” sacrifice for all of mankind’s sins.
Salvation means to be saved from Satan’s power, your sin, physical death and eternal damnation. Because of Jesus, you are saved from the power of the Devil. You are no longer forced to be his slave and live in fear of his lies, because Jesus defeated the Devil for you (1 John 3:8)!
You are saved from your own sin. It no longer has presence, power or penalty in your soul. You have been washed clean and forgiven by the blood of Jesus. You are now saved from sin to be righteous and holy (1 John 3:9)!
Jesus saved you from physical death. Though your body may die, Jesus promised to raise it up in the last day, to be an immortal, indestructible body (1 Corinthians 15:53). Death can no longer sting you because you are going to live forever, in bliss, with Jesus upon the new earth. Jesus saved you from perishing in eternal damnation in the lake of fire (Revelation 20:15). The moment your body dies, you will be with Jesus in heaven (2 Corinthians 5:8); and, after the resurrection, you will live forever with Jesus on the earth (Revelation 21:3).
Max Lucado wrote, “Though the Bible was written over sixteen centuries by at least forty authors, it has one central theme; salvation through faith in Christ.” Believe the gospel of Jesus Christ, today, because it is God’s promise of salvation for you and all who believe it!
Reflection
Have you received the promise of salvation?
Action
- Examine your heart to see if you have the assurance of being saved.
- If you lack assurance, search your heart to see if you are in sin or doubt, then repent and believe God’s Word. When you receive assurance from the Holy Spirit, praise God for His wonderful, saving work in your life.
- Share the gospel, God’s promise of salvation, with someone today!
