Romans Chapter 1:17 - The Gospel is The Power of God

Are Post Modern preachers right is removing from the Gospel all but JESUS. No. Jesus put His power in the Word to separate the Sheep from the Goats and to fool those who walk by sight and their own "doctrines of men." Satan has always known that if he can get preaching and music to replace the Words of God his battle is won. When we minimize the words of Christ's doctrine (teaching) He permissively allows Satan to blind our eyes and plug our ears.

See Romans 10 Mostly Text

PAUL, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, Romans 1:1

(Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures) Romans 1:2

Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; Romans 1:3

And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: Romans 1:4

By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name: Romans 1:5

Among whom are ye also the called of Jesus Christ: Romans 1:6

Kletos (g2822) klay-tos; from the same as 2821; invited, i.e. appointed, or (spec.) a saint: - called.

So the last shall be first, and the first last: for many be called, but few chosen. Matt 20:16

This seems to indicate that of the many who receive the called, few are chosen based upon whether they love the truth or not. Therefore, being "called" does not mean predestinated to be chosen.

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Rom 8:28

Moreover, whom he did predestinate, them he also called: and whom he called, them he also justified: and whom he justified, them he also glorified. Rom 8:30

Since he called more than He choose does this mean that He also predestinated more than He actually choose? Doesn't this mean then that those who are predestinated are not predestinated to salvation. Rather, God predestinated all "to be conformed to His will" and did not just "predestinate" with a period at the end of the statement.

Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called. Ro 9:7

If "called" means predestinated then only those who became Jews through Isaac would be saved. This would exclude all Arabs or Gentiles not of Patriarch Isaac.

But, we know that this is not true because:

Even us, whom he hath called, not of the Jews only, but also of the Gentiles? Rom 9:24

Furthermore, called can just mean "named."

And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people; there shall they be called the children of the living God. Ro.9:26

Paul's Message: romans 1:17, romans 1:17, romans 1:17, romans 1:17,

Q. Why does Paul violate his rule against preaching where the church has been established?

There were many in Rome--perhaps in the church--who had not yet obeyed the Gospel. We know from the record that Paul preached to many Jews and Gentiles in his private dwelling quite apart from the various congregations which first met in homes or homes made into assembly halls in Rome. Therefore, Paul might also share faith with people who accepted for the first time the truth of the gospel and changed their lives from unrighteousness to righteousness. However, many in the city needed a "visual aid" that he was not ashamed to tell the same old story of Jesus--

That is why I am so eager to preach the gospel also to you who are at Rome. Rom 1:15

I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. Romans 1:16

For in the gospel a righteousness from 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 1:17

"O Holy Father, protect those in your name (Jn 17:11) whom you have given to me in the world; they were yours and you have given them to me (Jn 17:6) and the words which you gave to me, I have given to them, and they have accepted them and have believed truly that I have come from you and they have known that you sent me (Jn 17:8). I pray for them and not for the world (cf. Jn 17:9). Bless and sanctify them and I sanctify myself for them (Jn 17:19). Not only for these do I pray, but for those who through their words will believe in me (Jn 17:20), so that they may be made holy in being one (Jn 17:23) as we are one (Jn 17:11). And I wish, Father, that where I am they also may be with me so that they may see my glory (Jn 17:24) in your kingdom (Mt 20:21). Amen. Francis of Assisi

People strip Jesus and the apostles of Christian "doctrine" as enabling teachings of and about Jesus Christ in order to substitute their own "doctrines" in order to take people's eyes off Jesus and His Word. This was the tactic of Lucifer beginning in the garden of Eden.

Looking at the Text--romans 1:17, romans 1:17, romans 1:17,

Romans 1:15: That is why I am so eager to preach the gospel also to you who are at Rome. romans 1:17,

Paul would be encouraged by the faith of the believers and they would benefit from further teaching. However, he would also be able to preach to Romans who did not yet accept the gospel. Because he was an evangelist he would not "tarry long" in established congregations but would be about his business of preaching to the unsaved. This would encourage those who were already believers to move outward and share their faith. The Christian church is not a tree which grows like a giant oak. Rather, it is like yeast which breaks off its own parts, flies through the air and takes root were the tree does not exist. By following this pattern Paul would prove that he was not ashamed of the gospel as the only means of bringing people to Christ--

Romans 1:16: I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile.

In Post Modern theology there is an absolute demand to strip the Bible of everythig but "Jesus." Preaching "Jesus" then can take on the "doctrines taught by men." This disarms those who would attempt to question even insane-sounding pronouncements from the pulpit. However, because the Post Modernist becomes Christ for his time and place, he can add his own "doctrines."

It is pretty easy to deny the power of Christ by denying that as Full Deity (Col 2:9) He had the power to put the power into words and then had the power to put the words on paper with ink.

As an example, if Bill gates gives me a check for a million dollars (I'm waiting) the power is in Bill Gathes. However, when he has signed the check, the power is in the check. I can take it to the bank and turn it into gold.

If Bill Gates has that power isn't it pretty reckless to say that God does not?

Later, in Romans, Paul will say that righteousness was by the Law because God made a right standing with Him depend on animal sacrifices. However, under a gospel or system of faith:

But the righteousness which is of faith speaketh on this wise, Say not in thine heart, Who shall ascend into heaven? (that is, to bring Christ down from above:) Romans 10:6

Or, Who shall descend into the deep? (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead.) Romans 10:7

But what saith it? The word is nigh thee, even in thy mouth, and in thy heart: that is, the word of faith, which we preach; Romans 10:8

The Jews looked for signs and therefore their worship related to performing rituals which would force the gods to come, enjoy the feast, have sexual intercourse, dance and play the magical instruments. The differences is that the Word of Christ is near us. That is gospel or good news.

Here is what was taking place when the Israelites fell back into the musical worship of Osiris under the form of Apis the golden calf:

For this commandment which I command thee this day, it is not hidden (in the nether world) from thee, neither is it far off. Deuteronomy 30:11

It is not in heaven, that thou shouldest say, Who shall go up for us to heaven, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it? Deuteronomy 30:12

Neither is it beyond the sea, that thou shouldest say, Who shall go over the sea for us, and bring it unto us, that we may hear it, and do it? Deuteronomy 30:13

But the word is very nigh unto thee, in thy mouth, and in thy heart, that thou mayest do it. Deuteronomy 30:14

The musical idolaters at the Red Sea who tried to get a better deal straight from heaven than they had through his word.

"What is the meaning of the earth's roarings, the earthquakes, which we have been told occurred because the games had been celebrated careslssly, and their nature and circumstances had not been attended to, and yet, on their being celebrated afresh, and repeated with assidious care, the terrors of the gods were stilled, and they were recalled to care and friendship for men?

How often, after that--

in obedience to the commands of the seers and the responses of the diviners--sacrifice has been offered, and

certain gods have been summoned from nations dwelling beyond the sea, and shrines erected to them, and certain images and statutes set on loftier pillars (pedestals) have fears of impending dangers been diverted." (Arnobius, Ante-Nicene Fathers, VI, p. 533)

Click To Understand the Egyptian Form Practiced at Mount Sinai and in your local churches.

What did Paul preach? He preached the gospel. That good news had the power to produce faith, faith had the power to produce confession, and confession gave one the right to call upon the name of God which is said to be at baptism.

I have preached righteousness in the great congregation: lo, I have not refrained my lips, O Lord, thou knowest. Psalm 40:9

To the Corinthians, Paul proved that the "it" is not just Jesus but "preaching the cross" which is a message of redemption, justification, atonement, sanctification and self-sacrifice. It is doing away with the doctrine of animal sacrifices.

For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish, foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. 1 Cor. 1:18

Sure, it would be true to substitute Jesus for it:

For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish, foolishness; but unto us which are saved Jesus is the power of God. 1 Cor. 1:18

Jesus was not just the power of God, He was and is God (Colossians 2:9). If preaching the cross can be translated as "jesus" then we are deprived of any details about what "just preaching Jesus" is.

For if the word spoken by angels was stedfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompence of reward; Hebrews 2:2

How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; Hebrews 2:3

God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will? Hebrews 2:4

The Gospel in Words, it is the power because Jesus said so.

The "trained speakers" from the Greek theater quite readily filled the "pulpits" of the young churches. They took words or concepts from the new Letters and said in effect: "This is what Paul said, but I am here to tell you what he meant." However, Paul "spewed out" human philosophy and proved to the world that he was not ashamed of the truth just as it had been delivered to him.

Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. 2 Timothy 1:13

Stripping the APPLE which Jesus attached to the CORE gospel is dangerous because it intends to add the Post-Modernist's own "applesause" back onto the core. However,

He said to them, "You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of men, but God knows your hearts. What is highly valued among men is detestable in God's sight. Luke 16:15

Of elders they must be: romans 1:17, romans 1:17, romans 1:17,

Holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers. Titus 1:9

For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: Titus 1:10

Next, the gospel is a shameful gospel which the still-Jewish clergy rejected as being without power. Paul knew that the power of Christ was in the Words of Christ because that is where He put them (John 6:63).

This shameful gospel began with a poor carpenter who would never win a popularity contest. He would alienate everyone on the face of the earth who did not love truth. He would build no temples, set up no funds and bestow no political power. He would associate with the "untouchable" class called the "tax collectors," teach prostitutes and touch lepers. This was a recipe for shame rather than a suitable "platform" on which the popular lecturers of the day could run.

The "wise" Greeks and Romans and the "sign-seeking" Jews searched for a charismatic religion which told their fortunes, gave them a "personal relationship" with their god, taught them human philosophy and gave them a place on the "upper seats" where they could be "affirmed" or applauded which is to say, worshipped.

The gospel would never save the temple, preserve the many thousands of temple musicians, allow the high priest to "buy his office" as the "highest bidder," or provide a market for the "sellers of sick sheep" and the extortions of the money changers. In Jerusalem the "entertainment seminars" would come to an end and the Greek "makers of angel statues" would be put out of business. If this was so, then why preach such a gospel and upset the "silversmiths" and robbers of the temple "poor boxes"?

You preached such an "outrageous" message because it "cut the ground from under" the phoney "Babylonian civil-temple" model of state religion such as at Rome. It went directly to the believing individual. It meant that the Caesar or the slave must gain salvation by listening to the "preacher" who still reeked of the ships bilge and prisons.

It was not popular. Therefore, it had power. This is the most radical message the world has ever heard.

The true gospel does not put one on the "fast track" which the brothers of Jesus urged on Him--

Jesus' brothers said to him, "You ought to leave here and go to Judea, so that your disciples may see the miracles you do. John 7:3

No one who wants to become a public figure acts in secret. Since you are doing these things, show yourself to the world." John 7:4

For even his own brothers did not believe in him. John 7:5

Jesus knew that to be popular one had to go to the opening day of The Feast of Tabernacles to sing his new song, play his instrument, perform his dance or give his new speech. These were just magical incantations which never worked. However, Jesus could be the "top gun" because He could really work miracles. However, He said that this was not the right time for him to go because He knew that the people would not listen. As unbelievers the brothers could go, but it was not right for Him because a righteous Messiah would not engage in the unrighteous fertility rites--

Romans 1:17: For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith."

The gospel is not just "Jesus." The gospel includes things like how God transfers His own righteousness to mankind.

The power of the gospel is not the power to perform supernatural tasks. You cannot take your new power to the fertility rites during the Feast of the Tabernacles. This power causes you to put on the fruit of the Spirit and put off the works of the flesh. That form of power appealed to a very tiny remnant just as a tiny remnant were faithful to the law. It was the power to search out the poor and powerless and illustrate the supernatural power of simple, trusting faith to change lives on Monday morning.

This was not new and the Jews could have known from Abraham, Moses and the prophets that true righteousness results from obedient faith. They could have known from the entire Old Testament the prophets denouncing the rituals of the Jews and demanding righteousness and justice. When the people practiced it they were, in effect, "obeying the gospel" looking forward to Messiah to "earn" their righteousness for them (Rom. 3:25-26; Heb 7:27; 9:15).

This righteousness by faith began with the creation, continued through the Law period, and into the Christian dispensation. When Paul used the phrase "from first to last" he used a parallel arrangement to show that he meant "first to the Jew and then to the Gentile"--

I am not ashamed of the gospel, because romans 1:17,

For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed,

it is the power of God for the salvation romans 1:17,

a righteousness that is by faith

of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. Rom 1:16

from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith." Rom 1:17

The gospel keeps on saving or giving righteous and good spiritual health as long as it is obeyed out of faith.

Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that
........... keep the commandments of God, and
........... [keep] the faith of Jesus. Revelation 14:12

And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them. Revelation 14:13

The comparison shows that salvation is not just "pie in the sky." Rather, those saved produce a life quite different from living under rituals of law. The salvation by accepting the power of the gospel produces a righteousness by the same faith. Faith is not the end-result but it is the power. Wise men can supply nothing else.

Paul continued:

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Romans 1:18

Unrighteousness is the Greek:

Adikia (g93) ad-ee-kee'-ah; from 94; (legal) injustice (prop. the quality, by impl. the act); mor. wrongfulness (of character, life or act): - iniquity, unjust, unrighteousness, wrong

And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, Revelation 14:9

The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb: Revelation 14:10

Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. Romans 1:19

For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Romans 1:20

Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Romans 1:21

Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, Romans 1:22

And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. Romans 1:23

They made a calf in Horeb, and worshipped the molten image. Psalm 106:19

Thus they changed their glory into the similitude of an ox that eateth grass. Psalm 106:20

They forgat God their saviour, which had done great things in Egypt; Psalm 106:21

Yasha (h3467) yaw-shah'; a prim. root; prop. to be open, wide or free, i. e. (by impl.) to be safe; causat. to free or succor: - * at all, avenging, defend, deliver (-er), help, preserve, rescue, be safe, bring (having) salvation, save (-iour), get victory.

Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass. Zech 9:9

And he saw that there was no man, and wondered that there was no intercessor: therefore his arm brought salvation unto him; and his righteousness, it sustained him. Is.59:16

Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: Romans 1:24

Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. Romans 1:25

For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: Romans 1:26

And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. Romans 1:27

And even as they did not like to retain God in theira knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; Romans 1:28

The failure in the wilderness was based on not retaining the Word of God in the minds. The Greek word is:

Echo (h2192) ekh'-o used in certain tenses only); a prim. verb; to hold (used in very various applications, lit. or fig., direct or remote; such as possession, ability, contiguity, relation or condition)

And Paul will use it below of "giving attentandance" to reading the word as Christian worship "in spirit and in truth." In explaining why He spoke to the multitudes in parables, Jesus said that it was to take away truth from those who don't love the truth:

For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath. Matthew 13:12

Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. Matthew 13: 13

And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive: Matthew 13: 14

For this peoples heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. Matthew 13: 15

Paul repeated this warning by stating that the evil spirits were already at work even as they had been from the foundation of the world:

For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. 2 Thess 2:7

And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: 2 Thess 2: 8

Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, 2 Thess 2: 9

And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 2 Thess 2: 10

And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: 2 Thess 2: 11

That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness. 2 Thess 2: 12

Among the Jews who had known the truth but did not love it because it was not received by the "carnal" body but by the eye of faith in the spirit, Jesus refused to speak to them (the multitudes) except in parables. (Matthew 13)

This means that they had take a fatal road in their lives and they could never get back. In effect, Jesus had not chosen them to be saved and have the Mount Sinai veil removed from their eyes.

However, those who had a love for truth had been chosen by Christ to be disciples and learn the deep mysteries of the Spirit world:

But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you

to salvation through sanctification of the Spirit
and belief of the truth: 2 Thess 2: 13

Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 Thess 2: 14

Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle. 2 Thess 2: 15

see john calvin http://www.rsglh.org/cc.sp.cal.art3.htm

see tongues/music MailTongQAIs28.html

Part of the gospel or good news is that Christ suffered and died to provide a way into His Spirit presence. That was leads through death to self, submission to "that form of doctrine" or baptism and a spirit resurrection. The gospel must be obeyed or it is bad news:

And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things (good news) Romans 10:15

But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? Romans 10:16

Someone wants you to preach and believe "Jesus only" so that you will follow the leader who is not Jesus:

Then the dragon was enraged at the woman and went off to make war against the rest of her offspring--those who obey God's commandments and hold to the testimony of Jesus. Revelation 12:17

And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony (teachings of) of Jesus:

worship God:
for the testimony of Jesus
is the spirit of prophecy. Revelation 19:10

In the first instance, the words of Jesus is the fulfillment of prophecy which came through Him as the Word.

In the second instance, the testimony of Jesus is the "resources" of prophecy in the teaching or forth-telling sense.

Wherefore tongues are for a sign, not to them that believe, but to them that believe not: but prophesying serveth not for them that believe not, but for them which believe. 1 Cor 14:22

This fulfills the statement that God only seeks those who can "worship Him in spirit and in truth." Paul Timothy how to be a "worship leader."

Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. 1 Tim 4:13

Prosecho (g4337) pros-ekh'-o; from 4314 and 2192; (fig.) to hold the mind (3563 impl.) towards, i.e. pay attention to, be cautious about, apply oneself to, adhere to: - (give) attend (-ance, - ance at, -ance to, unto), beware, be given to, give (take) heed (to, unto) have regard.

This word is made up of "in the direction toward the time or place" and the word which we noted above:

Echo (h2192) ekh'-o used in certain tenses only); a prim. verb; to hold (used in very various applications, lit. or fig., direct or remote; such as possession, ability, contiguity, relation or condition)

And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name. Rom 15:9

FINALLY, brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course, and be glorified, even as it is with you: 2 Thes 3:1

Nevertheless, when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away. 2 Cor 3:16

Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 2 Cor 3:17

But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord. 2 Cor 3:18

If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen. 1 Pet 4:11

Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow. 1 Pet 1:11

Rom 1:30 Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents,

Rom 1:31 Without understanding,

Epheuretes (g2182) ef-yoo-ret'-ace; from a comp. of 1909 and 2147; a discoverer, i.e. contriver: - inventor.

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