Apr 16
23
Not ashamed of the Gospel.
Paul the apostle declares (by divine revelation) that he is not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ. This Gospel, the message concerning the person of Christ, is the power of God unto salvation. It is the message alone by which the Holy Ghost calls men effectually out of spiritual darkness unto Christ Who is light. By this message the righteousness of God (Christ) is revealed. The message of the Gospel of Christ declares that He alone redeemed a people who though totally depraved (dead in trespasses and sin) were unconditionally chosen unto salvation by God the Father’s own will and purpose. He, as their substitute by imputation (the charging of their guilt to Himself), was made to be sin for them and suffered the wrath of divine justice for those sins. Those whose sin debt was imputed to Christ needed now a fit righteousness. That righteousness, the righteousness of their Surety, was imputed to them freely. They now, before God Almighty, stand (in Christ) justified. These who have been justified (the just) live, or have their life (spiritual life) revealed by faith. This faith, the grace granted by God’s Spirit to believe the report concerning Christ, is the evidence of their justification. I am not ashamed of that Gospel. Marvin Stalnaker.