Day –  221

“The righteous will live by faith”

Read: Job 15,16; Psalm 39; Romans 1

Scripture: Romans 1: 16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. 17 For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”

Observation: Paul’s epistle to Rome systematically explains Christian doctrines and theology. Many bible experts consider Romans 1:16,17 as Paul’s central theme or thesis statement for the whole epistle. This very passage played a vital role in the transformation of Martin Luther, who led the Reformation movement. From the first century onwards, the Gospel of Jesus Christ greatly impacted the world and dramatically changed men’s and women’s lives. The Gospel is not just the name of a book or the title of a speech. As Paul says here, “it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.” The Gospel is synonymous with the person of Jesus Christ. Believing a person who was killed by a Roman crucifixion might have been considered shameful. However, Paul sees the power of the Gospel that can save everyone who believes. The Gospel is available to all and can save anyone who believes in Jesus. In other words, everyone needs salvation. They can be saved only by the power of the Gospel. One may wonder why every person needs the salvation of God. As Paul explains, all became sinners by not worshipping the Creator.

Further, the Gospel reveals the righteousness of God that saves a sinner from judgment. Those who believe in the Gospel will receive God’s righteousness and are declared righteous. This righteousness comes from the Lord and is received by faith alone. It cannot be earned by any other means. By faith, we receive God’s righteousness and are made righteous in the sight of God. “The righteous will live by faith.” A person may have spent years believing vain things and gained nothing. However, when s/he believes the Gospel or the person of Jesus Christ, they receive life and salvation by faith. History tells us scores of people who received transformation in their lives after they believed in Jesus Christ. Jesus already paid the price for this righteousness. We receive it by faith and are saved by his grace. How do we live?

Application: In any circumstance, I should be a witness to the Gospel with all boldness. I may be weak in various ways. But the Gospel is powerful to save me and can make my relationship with God right. My self-righteousness cannot save me, but God saves me and declares me righteous when I believe in the Gospel. I must live in God’s righteousness. As a child of God, I will live by faith.

Prayer: Father, thank you for the Gospel that displays your salvific power in the world. Jesus, thank you for the righteousness you earned for me through your sacrificial life. Holy Spirit, strengthen me to preach the Gospel boldly and help me to live by faith. Amen.

✍️: Arputharaj Samuel
📕: Quiet Time Companion
🗓️  Day –  221