Divine Purpose!

Divine Purpose!

For I am not ashamed of the Gospel (good news) of Christ, for it is God's power working unto salvation [for deliverance from eternal death] to everyone who believes with a personal trust and a confident surrender and firm reliance, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. Romans 1:16 AMPC

The gospel is all about the good news of Jesus Christ and what he came to offer us. There is nothing else that can bring good or can cause a man to see good outside of the One called good Himself. Anyone can teach anything, or even motivate people by words, but there will be no lasting or sustained effect outside the only One who can sustain life itself. Paul, who writes here, was a living testimony of what the subject of the good news could do in a man's life. Paul's life teaches me that no one is so far gone that s/he is beyond God's grace.

Because he had experienced it, Paul could do all he did for the sake of the gospel. Unless and until you have taken hold of the real deal, you won't know what or how to defend whatever it is you claim to have. Men lived and died by the strength of their convictions, and no circumstance on earth could shake them out of those convictions. If I were asked, what is the foundation of my pursuits and priorities? Have I truly experienced the power of the good news about Jesus Himself? Is all I know about Him what others say, or am I searching for my own personal experience; something that will sustain me through the days of trials that will surely come?

The gospel is the power that backs up salvation and eternal life. Through the gospel, the way to God is made plain and a standing invitation is offered to all who will believe and accept the gift. This is the tipping point: the personal decision to accept the gift. Nobody will be forced to surrender; at least, not down here. The gift is security for life after here, and it is for everyone. The Jews were the first recipient of the message, and because God is no respecter of persons, the same offer is extended to the Greeks also, people who would have been seen as unworthy and the scum of the earth. That's the whole essence of grace and mercy.

So, what is my response to what I have been offered? If God would do all He did and give up all He did, then His love has been made clear and plain, and His eternal plan made simple. All I have to do is come in. What's your own decision? His time of favour is here.