The Power of the Gospel
Proclamation That Transforms Lives in Romans 1:16
John Calvin called Romans 1:16-17 Paul’s eulogy on the value of the gospel. In these verses, Paul praises the gospel, speaking well of it as the good news of Jesus Christ. He prepares readers for the themes he will unfold throughout the letter: the power of the gospel, the scope of the gospel, and its transformative nature.
Paul begins by declaring, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes”(Romans 1:16). This reveals his eagerness to preach the gospel because it brings the power of God to bear in the lives of those who hear it. It is not merely a message but the means by which salvation comes to those who believe.
The Power of God in the Proclamation of the Gospel
Whenever the gospel is preached, the power of God is at work. It’s easy to rush past this truth, but commentators urge us to slow down and take note: God saves through the message of the gospel. In 1 Corinthians 1:21, Paul affirms, “God was pleased through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe.” This may seem like a strange method to human minds, but it’s the means God has chosen to draw people to Himself.
The writer of Hebrews echoes this truth: “For the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword” (Hebrews 4:12). The gospel message is not static or powerless; it is alive and at work, bringing conviction, salvation, and transformation.
John Calvin emphasizes this by pointing to the ministry of the Word. He writes, “Observe how much Paul ascribes to the ministry of the Word when he testifies that God thereby puts forth His power to save. Paul speaks not here of any secret revelation, but of vocal preaching.” Salvation doesn’t require hidden knowledge or mystical experiences. The power of God is made manifest through the simple, faithful proclamation of the gospel.
The Gospel Must Be Preached
Later in Romans, Paul asks pointedly, “How are they to believe in Him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?” (Romans 10:14). The gospel must be proclaimed so that people may hear, believe, and call on Christ for salvation.
This truth challenges us to take preaching seriously. It’s not just “good talk” or “a nice speech” in a church building. Preaching is the means by which God raises sinners from spiritual death to life in Christ. Week after week, the Holy Spirit works through the proclamation of the gospel to free sinners from bondage and bring them into the kingdom of God.
Resurrections in the Sanctuary
The transformative power of the gospel isn’t theoretical—it’s real and visible. Resurrections happen in sanctuaries around the world Lord’s Day after Lord’s Day. God brings life out of death through the faithful ministry of the Word. At our church, we have witnessed this miracle under the ministry of imperfect men called to proclaim the gospel. Once made alive by the power of God, believers are kept, encouraged, and built up by the ongoing ministry of preaching.
This should shape our priorities. If we want to continue well in the Christian life, we must sit under the ministry of the Word. If we desire to see our children converted, we must bring them under gospel preaching. This is where life-changing power is found.
Evangelism Through the Church
The ministry of the Word is one of the most effective tools for evangelism. Bring your unbelieving friends and family to church, where they will hear the gospel proclaimed. Trust the Holy Spirit to work through the preaching to bring salvation to their lives.
The gospel ministry of proclamation—it is power. It is God’s chosen means to save, sustain, and transform His people. Let us not take this lightly, but with joy and reverence, continue to sit under and support the ministry of the Word.