The Power of the Gospel

By: Dan C. Bailey

The power of Christ is God's power to save the lost. In Romans 1:16 we read, "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." The Greek word translated as power in Romans 1:16 is dunamis. It basically means, "strength; ability, power; ... inherent power, power residing in a thing by virtue of its nature, or which a person or thing exerts and puts forth" (Thayer, p. 159).

God has told us that he has put his power of salvation in the gospel of Christ. No one can be converted who does not believe and obey that gospel. Faith alone will not save the soul. Grace alone will not save the soul. However, grace and faith working in harmony will bring salvation to the soul. "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast" (Ephesians 2:8-9).

Man is not saved by meritorious works since it is the case that God's grace has been manifested in the giving of His only begotten Son. However, if man desires to be cleansed by the blood of God's Son, he must exercise an obedient faith in Christ. It is still true that "the faith that saves is the faith that obeys!" We read in Hebrews 5:8-9, "Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him."

In the New Testament we read distinctly and clearly that we must obey the gospel of Christ. There are three passages of scripture that specifically mention obedience in the gospel. They are:

Romans 10:16 -- "But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report?"

II Thessalonians 1:7-9 -- "And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power."

I Peter 4:17 -- "For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?"

God has put the power to save in the gospel of Christ. That is how we come to the power of the blood of Christ. My friend, if you have not been cleansed by the blood of the Lamb, then obey the gospel today, before the Devil robs you of the faith that you presently have.