16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes. (Romans 1:16)
The word “gospel” means more than merely good news. It was used to proclaim a story. Romans used this term to describe the life and history of Caesar. It was meant to be the recounting of a narrative full of intrigue, awe, and result in joy. We must not look past this term when speaking of Christ. It is simultaneously great news that brings joy as well as the power of God working through the narrative of time and space. This news is so entirely soul grabbing that it must stop us in our tracks and challenge everything we think we know. Otherwise, it would just be another historic retelling shaded with heroes and villains.
“to everyone who believes”
I often attempt to gauge my level of belief. It is one thing to believe this news, it is an entirely different matter to believe into action. What you believe, is the engine of your life. It motors you forward to your destiny. Does this belief of a historical and divine Christ change my day? Does it have any bearing on the choices I make and the people I surround myself with? I fear that many times our belief only goes so far. We have a Abraham Lincoln faith. We believe he was a real man and even believe in many of the stories we hear, occasionally watching a Hollywood production of his life, but that’s it. It is imperative we hold the historic narrative of Christ in entirely different regards in order for our faith to be built. What do we believe? In this case, belief garners life growth. This belief yields salvation. And this is not simply salvation for heaven, but the progressive, kinetic salvation we carry into our days. It is the constant salvation we need on Monday through Sunday.
Cling to the cross. Dare to believe the news of Christ. May it shade the corners of all your days.
Matt simon blog 