Third lesson -- Oct. 14-21 Sunday
The Human ConditionWhat do these texts mean to you?
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.”Let's look at it phrase by phrase:
"What is the gospel of Jesus Christ?"The word gospel means “good news." The good news of the gospel of Christ is the story of redemption! Christ died upon the cross that we might have forgiveness of sins. Christ ever lives to make intercession for us! Christ is working in us giving us a new heart and mind, reconciling us to Him.
Ever since sin manifested itself in this world, mankind has been under the condemnation of God (Romans 5:12). For all have transgressed God’s perfect law by committing sin (Romans 3:23), everyone is guilty (Romans 5:18).
By this gospel we are saved, if we hold firmly to the One Who is our Savior.
the power of GodIn Romans 8:11, and Eph. 2:5, we read that the same power that raised Christ from the dead can raise us from being dead in sin, to being alive in Christ unto righteousness.
the righteousness of GodPaul is talking about God’s righteousness. The gospel reveals God’s righteousness, showing that God is just, fair and loving, good, and truly trustworthy, His ways are the right ways.
As Psalms 98 declares:
"98:2 The LORD has made known his salvation: his righteousness has he openly shown in the sight of the heathen.
faith unto faith The righteousness which is by faith, is received by faith, is believed by faith, and is lived by faith.