Today's Bible Reading Plan takes us to Romans. One of my (many) favorite verses is found here, and it goes right along with what we have been covering on the blog the last few days! Romans 1:16-17:
16 For I am not ashamed of the Gospel (good news) of Christ, for it is God’s power working unto salvation [for deliverance from eternal death] to everyone who believes with a personal trust and a confident surrender and firm reliance, to the Jew first and also to the Greek, 17 For in the Gospel a righteousness which God ascribes is revealed, both springing from faith and leading to faith [disclosed through the way of faith that arouses to more faith]. As it is written, The man who through faith is just and upright shall live and shall live by faith.
Paul is explaining why he continues to preach the Gospel, and then he goes over why we NEED the Gospel! Verses 17-22:
17 For in the Gospel a righteousness which God ascribes is revealed, both springing from faith and leading to faith [disclosed through the way of faith that arouses to more faith]. As it is written, The man who through faith is just and upright shall live and shall live by faith. 18 For God’s [holy] wrath and indignation are revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who in their wickedness repress and hinder the truth and make it inoperative. 19 For that which is known about God is evident to them and made plain in their inner consciousness, because God [Himself] has shown it to them. 20 For ever since the creation of the world His invisible nature and attributes, that is, His eternal power and divinity, have been made intelligible and clearly discernible in and through the things that have been made (His handiworks). So [men] are without excuse [altogether without any defense or justification], 21 Because when they knew and recognized Him as God, they did not honor and glorify Him as God or give Him thanks. But instead they became futile and godless in their thinking [with vain imaginings, foolish reasoning, and stupid speculations] and their senseless minds were darkened. 22 Claiming to be wise, they became fools [professing to be smart, they made simpletons of themselves].
Paul is explaining the need for the Gospel here! Every person KNOWS that there IS a God, because His glory is revealed in all of His creation! IF they desire to know Him more, then they can draw near to Him and HE will be right there, instantly! People are fooling themselves, however, if they think that they will not be required to make a decision for JESUS! He IS the ONLY Way to the Father (John 14:6)! WHO sends people to hell? PEOPLE send themselves to hell when they turn FROM the One, True, Living, Almighty God of the Bible! DON'T be THAT person! God has GOOD plans for you! Plans to proper you and honor you and BLESS you! (Jeremiah 29:11) Read verses 23-32 to see what else the Word of God has to say about some of the thing going on in our world! VERY SPECIFIC and there is NOTHING that is unclear about it! Thank YOU, JESUS, that Your WORD is TRUTH! AMEN! Here is Hillsong Chapel with "Salvation Is Here":
Shalom in Him!
