Romans 1:16. 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.
We live in times of gospel shaming, especially because of recent scandals that have rocked Christendom. It is increasingly challenging to be associated as a minister of the gospel in the marketplace. “Ashamed” of the gospel of a different kind.
Not shame because of the contraindication of the gospel to the cultural narrative, or the red-faced ignominy as those of the first-century Christians who were seen to be worshipping a crucified rebel of Rome. It is neither because they misunderstand the typology of feasting on the flesh and the blood of their Saviour, nor because of the accusation of the Jews that covenantal signs were being forsaken and the Law “broken”.
It is the shame of the gospel witness’s failure in the personal lives of its leaders. This shame is compounded by the fear that thousands, if not millions, will be led away from trusting the Lord of the gospel. It is a burden that rests heavily on the faithful remnant—or so they think!
Romans 1:16 moves us away powerfully from under this artificial guilt–from the shame of the gospel to the fact of the “power of God for salvation”.
It reminds us that the strength of the gospel rests not in the power of the witnesses but in the power from above.
The power of the gospel is not dictated by the weakness of its followers but in the finished, faithful, and full work of the cross of Christ.
The threat of global unbelief due to the failure of Christianity’s “celebrity leaders” is weakened by the resolve of their Lord, who proclaimed that the death of hades will not stand against the church.
Two thousand years later, ‘the Blood has not lost its power’. The gospel of Jesus Christ marches on. The Kingdom of God will be established. The glory of the Lord will fill the earth as the waters cover the sea.
It does serve as a warning. Heed the warning. Guard your heart. And march on unashamedly on the truth that your Lord never fails and never falls. He is faithful and will fulfill what He has promised.
This morning, as we come to partake of the Lord’s Supper, let us worship Him as we remember Him and show forth His death.