In chapter one of the book of Romans, Paul states that there is a gospel that has a natural ability to save. “For I am not ashamed of the Gospel for it is the natural ability of God unto salvation to all the ones believing, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.”
The gospel that Paul is referring to is the good news about how we are saved. Paul clearly re-states this good news in 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4 when he reminds the Corinthian saints how they were saved. “For I delivered to you first, that which I also received, that Christ died on behalf of our sins according to the Scriptures, and he was buried, and he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures”. This gospel has the natural ability to save all those who believe.
The Problem
When the first man, Adam, was created by God, he was created in a state of innocence1. He was without sin. However, after a Cherub2, who had sinned against God, deceived Eve, Adam's wife, into disobeying God's commandment to not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, Adam also partook. However, unlike Eve, Adam knew what he was doing was wrong3. Through Adam's actions, he sinned against God and caused his nature to become bent4. He was no longer innocent. The result of Adam's sin was separation from God and physical death5. Since Adam did not die immediately, rather he became subject to death, he passed on this corruption and separation to all his offspring6. Now, all of mankind is in a state of being spiritually separated from God and subject to physical death. In this state, man would forever be separated from God, if God did not provide a way for salvation.
The Solution
Since mankind was unable to save themselves7; they had nothing to offer God to pay for their sins8. God had to provided the way for salvation. He did this by coming to earth in the outward form of a man, dying for the sins of all mankind, and being raised again on the third day9.
By Faith Through Grace
Although Christ died for the sins of the whole world10, only those who direct faith at Christ through the fact that He not only died for your sins, but also was raised again on the third day, according to the Scriptures, are saved11. Since man is separated from God in his spirit, how can he believe? We can believe, because God even provides the faith we need to believe12. Salvation is by grace13 through faith14; it is not a work on our part. God did all the work, and even provides us the faith we need to believe it. By directing that faith at Christ, through these facts, God counts us to have acted righteous and applies Christ death and resurrection to our account. We are therefore righteous before him because Christ paid the price15.
Your Part
Your part in salvation is to believe. Take the God given faith you have been supplied with and direct it at Christ through the gospel. Put your trust in what God says. Christ died for your sins, and he was raised. All who believe in him are justified before God. By believing this, you are saved.
Scriptural References
1. Genesis 1:26, 27, 31
2. Lucifer, the anointed Cherub, sinned against God and lost his position of authority and is now known as Satan. For more information on Satan, please visit the satanology. Ezekiel 28:14-18; Genesis 3:1-16
3. 1 Timothy 2:14
4. Romans 5:12-21
5. Romans 5:12-21 There are two deaths in this passage; one death from sin, which is a physical death, and another death from a trespass, which is a spiritual separation from God.
6. Genesis 5:3 Adam was made in the likeness of God; however, his first born was made in his likeness, after his fall.
7. Romans 5:6 Christ died for us when we were unable to save ourselves.
8. Hebrews 9:22 without the shedding of blood there is no sending away of sins.
9. Philippians 2:6-9 Christ existed in the form of God, but put aside that outward manifestation of His Deity and took on the outward form of a man.
10. 1 John 2:2
11. 1 Corinthians 15:3, 4; Ephesians 2:8
12. Philippians 1:29; 1 Corinthians 3:5; Ephesians 2:8
13. Grace is God's attitude towards us whereby He gives us a benifit without the consideration of merit.
14. Faith is taking God at His word. Hebrews 11:1 "Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of accomplished deeds not seen." Hope is always based upon a promise. Therefore, faith is taking God at His word.
15. Romans 4:25, 5:1
Would you like to Speak with a Pastor?
Did you just believe that Christ died for your sins, and was raised from the dead? Do you have questions about salvation? Do you need more information? Pastor Luther Walker presently serves as an assistant Pastor at Valley Baptist Church of Gaston, Oregon and is availible at questions@tabletofmyheart.net to assist you with your questions.