Romans 1:16-17
It is October 31st, and for most people in our culture, it is celebrated as Halloween, a day marked by ubiquitous decorations (drive through my neighborhood!), ghoulish costumes, and an abundance of sweet candy (this went on sale in early September!).
And for Lutherans, we recognize it as Reformation Day, commemorating the event when Martin Luther, a Catholic monk and theology professor, nailed the 95 theses (discussion starters) on the door of Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany. The year was 1517, and this was Luther’s way of posting it on social media. Before this, Johannes Gutenberg had invented the printing press, which enabled the rapid printing and dissemination of information. In this case, Luther’s challenge to the Roman Catholic Church, that salvation was not by working to become righteous (works righteousness), or buying the way into heaven (indulgences), but that salvation is by grace alone (Sola Gratia), through faith (trust) alone (Sola Fide), trusting Jesus Christ alone (Sola Christus), spread quickly and widely. How appropriate then, that we should reflect on this text for today from Romans, chapter one:
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.” Romans 1:16-17 (NIV)
I enjoy studying the Greek of a New Testament text for meditation and insight. I also turn to other translations. Here is one I like from The Passion Translation New Testament (TPT) by Brian Simmons.
16 I refuse to be ashamed of sharing the wonderful message of God’s liberating power unleashed in us through Christ! For I am thrilled to preach that everyone who believes is saved—the Jew first, and then people everywhere!
17 This gospel unveils a continual revelation of God’s righteousness—a perfect righteousness given to us when we believe. And it moves us from receiving life through faith, to the power of living by faith. This is what the Scripture means when it says: “We are right with God through life-giving faith!”
To fully understand this text, one must have an understanding of one very important and basic word: Gospel. The Gospel is the central focus of Paul’s letter to the church in Rome.
The Greek word for gospel is euangelion, which simply means “good news.” In classical Greek, gospel could be the good news of the birth of a long-awaited child, or a military victory. Paul uses this word as shorthand for the amazing, joyful message of God’s saving work in Jesus Christ. And the word is loaded with meaning: the revelation of God’s Son; the wonderful message of Jesus; the joyful message of God’s liberating power unleashed within us through Christ; the message of Christ’s goodness, good news, and joyful news. The gospel is the message about how God has acted in the world to rescue us from sin and death through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. So when Paul says gospel, he means all of that! And it is certainly nothing to be ashamed of. And it is most certainly sweet!
Questions for Reflection:
- What does the Gospel mean to you, personally? (Think about it; make a list)
- How do you daily live out the Gospel?
Prayer:
LORD, on this Reformation Day, surround me with the sweet news that I am made perfectly righteous in the Gospel, the good news of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection for me! By Your Spirit’s power, enable me to live in the good news, trusting in You for all things and serving others in humility. Amen
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