Articles
Obeying The Gospel according to Romans
Obeying The Gospel according to Romans
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek” (Romans 1:16). Notice what Paul writes about this gospel that can save us from the wrath of God:
Paul begins the book of Romans: “ through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles for His name's sake” (Romans 1:5).
Paul ends the book of Romans: “Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which has been kept secret for long ages past, 26 but now is manifested, and by the Scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the eternal God, has been made known to all the nations, leading to obedience of faith” (Romans 16:25-26).
Paul says of the disciples in Rome: “Do you not know that when you present yourselves to someone as slaves for obedience, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin resulting in death, or of obedience resulting in righteousness? 17 But thanks be to God that though you were slaves of sin, you became obedient from the heart to that form of teaching to which you were committed” (Romans 6:16-17).
Paul laments concerning the Jewish hearers of the gospel: “But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed what he has heard from us?” (Romans 10:15-16 ESV).
Thus, Paul rejoiced in his commission and preaching as an apostle: “For I will not presume to speak of anything except what Christ has accomplished through me, resulting in the obedience of the Gentiles by word and deed” (Romans 15:18). And again, he could write: “For the report of your obedience has reached to all; therefore I am rejoicing over you, but I want you to be wise in what is good and innocent in what is evil” (Romans 16:19).
What would Paul write about you? Would he rejoice that you have obeyed the gospel? Or would he have sorrow because, although you heard, you have not obeyed the gospel?
Hugh DeLong
