May 21

“For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.”

—ROMANS 10:10

The book of Romans is unique among the writings of the Apostle Paul. Before his imprisonment, Paul had never been to Rome and didn’t play a role in founding the church. Unlike most of his letters, he is not writing to answer questions, resolve the church’s problems, correct errors or reprimand anyone. His plans were to go to Spain and on route, stop in Rome. He had heard unfavourable rumors circulating about him, so he wrote to the Christians in Rome, not to defend himself, but to explain the message he was planning to give. As a result, the book of Romans is the most comprehensive and systematic explanation that Paul gives of the Gospel of Christ.

Contrary to what many expected, Paul never mentioned heaven as part of the Gospel. For many Christians, the Gospel is basically a rescue mission to get us to heaven when we die. That, of course, is a wonderful certainty, but the Gospel is essentially about being reconciled to God through Jesus Christ. It is a relationship made possible through our justification before God on the grounds of the cross of Christ. It is experienced by faith in Christ, and made operational through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

The Gospel is not about getting people out of hell and into heaven, but about getting God out of heaven and into people. Heaven is a consequence, but not the objective. Paul writes, “And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you” (Romans 8:11). The objective of the Gospel is that we be indwelt by the Spirit of Christ who gives new life, working in us first, conforming us to His likeness, and then through us so that we may participate in His work in this world.

That is an exciting life, which doesn’t begin in heaven, but here and now with the Lord Jesus Christ. When we present ourselves to God, surrendering all that we are to Christ and making Him Lord, we are living the Gospel.

PRAYER: Dear Heavenly Father, there is nothing more life-changing or life-saving than the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I pray that His Spirit fill me, deepen our relationship, and make me fit for His work in this world. Thank You, Lord.

TO REFLECT UPON: Am I living the Gospel of Jesus Christ, allowing Him to be Lord of my life?