From Romans: The Power of God's Gospel
Orientation
The crushing burden of self-qualification before God is a false assumption that the Gospel removes.
- The Gospel is not a set of rules to follow or a standard we must reach.
- It is not a motivational speech or a sentimental slogan for beginners.
- To add Law, works, or self-effort as a basis for righteousness is to forfeit the power of God for salvation.
For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. (Romans 1:16)
— Romans 1:16
Clarification
The Gospel reveals God's righteousness as a gift provided, not a potential we must reach.
- The righteousness of God is manifested apart from the Law, yet was always witnessed by the Law and the prophets.
- This righteousness is revealed 'from faith to faith'—the entire Christian life is sustained by faith in what God accomplished.
- The resurrection is the public declaration of Christ's divine Sonship and the guarantee His work is accepted.
But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; (Romans 3:21)
— Romans 3:21
Structure
The biblical logic centers on Christ as the resurrected Son of God, the fulfillment of Old Testament witness and the manifestation of God's righteousness.
- Jesus Christ, born as the Seed of David, was declared the Son of God with power by His resurrection.
- The Gospel concerning God's Son is the means by which God's righteousness is manifested and His saving power is unleashed.
- This provides justification by faith alone to all who believe, both Jew and Greek, fulfilling the witness of Scripture.
And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: (Romans 1:4)
— Romans 1:4
Weight-Bearing Prose
The Gospel of God is the definitive revelation of His righteousness, centered exclusively on His Son, Jesus Christ. This is Paul’s core argument in Romans. The resurrection by the Spirit of holiness is the declarative act that establishes Christ as the Son of God with power. Consequently, God’s righteousness is now manifested apart from the Mosaic Law, though the Law and the prophets bore witness to it. This righteousness is received through faith alone, making it the power of God unto salvation for everyone who believes—Jew and Greek alike without distinction. To introduce any element of Law-keeping or self-effort as a basis for righteousness is to nullify the witness of Scripture and reject the finished work of Christ. The Pauline categories are clear: Gospel, righteousness of God, faith, resurrection, justification. These are not sequential steps but facets of one divine reality: Christ Himself is our righteousness, sanctification, and reward.
Integration
Your standing before God is secure. It is not built on your performance, but on Christ’s finished work, declared sufficient by His resurrection. The Gospel removes the burden. He Himself is your righteousness. There is no pressure to advance or qualify. The Spirit who raised Him from the dead now works in you—not to help you keep a law, but to apply the settled benefits of Christ’s resurrection to your life. This is your assurance. Re-anchor here. The just shall live by faith, from start to finish. Christ is the foundation, and He cannot be shaken.