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NASB | 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. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Romans 1:16 ¶ I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation [from His wrath and punishment] to everyone who believes [in Christ as Savior], to the Jew first and also to the Greek. |
Subject: Clarification from John Reformed...? |
Bible Note: Dear Brent, Rom 1:18-21 "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened." There is not a single person who does not believe that God exists. The problem lies in their suppression of that knowledge. That is the condition of mankind as a result of Adam's fall. In the time prior to the incarnation of Christ, there was but one way which God chose to redeem His people. That way was by faith. The way of faith remained the only way after the incarnation as well. All those who enter into His rest do so through faith. I am sure we are in agreement so far. The question we now need to address is the object of that faith. I would say that those believers in the OT placed their faith In the God of Abraham, Iaasac and Jacob. God had given them the law and the prophets which they were commanded to obey. When they sinned they were to follow the proscribed means which He provided (the sin offerings). It was faith in what God provided at that time that secured their atonement. Looking back from the vantage point of the new covenant, we see these things as the shadows of things to come. The prophycies regarding Messiah have been fulfiled in Christ. We now have a better covenant, with better promises. This new covenant is proclaimed through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is the power of God unto salvation for all who believe. But how shall they believe in Him whom they have not heard? And How shall they hear without a preacher? The witness of creation reveals God to every man, but it only serves to strip him of any excuses. The Gospel alone has the power of salvation. What then becomes of those who have never heard? Is God therefore injust? And of what use is man's free will if he is not provided an opportunity? God Bless, John |