“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes . . .” (Romans 1:16 NASB)
The word translated “gospel” means “good news.” Why is the message of Christ good new? It’s good news because “it’s the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” it. Salvation from what?
Let’s look at it like this: Imagine being transported back in time and finding yourself on the Titanic. You know from history that this luxury liner, the most elegant, elaborate, and elite ship of its day, is doomed to sink on its maiden voyage. The problem is that you’re the only one on the ship that knows because you have the benefit of history.
Now, suppose that another, less impressive, ship pulled alongside the Titanic at some point before it encountered the iceberg that sank it. The captain of the other ship offered to give anyone who was willing safe passage to America. Would you take the offer? Would you try to convince other people to take the offer, even though you’d look like a fool to those aboard the Titanic who didn’t have the benefit of knowing history? I have a feeling that you would.
Here, in a nutshell, is why the gospel is good news. Mankind has been a sinking ship ever since Adam disobeyed God in the Garden of Eden (Rm. 5:12). Jesus is the way off the sinking ship (Jn. 3:16). The problem is that most people have no idea that the ship they’re on is heading to hell. And, we look foolish for saying as much.
People object, “God wouldn’t throw people into hell. He’s a loving God.”
Well, they’re right. He is a loving God. But, what they don’t realize is that they were born on a ship already heading to hell (Jn. 3:18b; Eph. 2:1). God doesn’t want anyone to perish so He sent His Son to provide safe passage to heaven (2Pt. 3:9).
However, God also gives everyone a choice. The gospel is God shouting to the world of mankind, “That ship is going to sink! Once it does, there is no hope. Believe in my Son! He is the way off that sinking ship and the way into Heaven.” Every person has the opportunity to take Him up on the offer.
God also calls out to us. “Go spread my good news. You may look foolish, but you don’t have to be ashamed. It’s the truth. It’s my power for salvation to everyone that will believe. Come partner with Me to share the good news.” Let’s take Him up on that offer, too.
