The remarkable thing is that even though the problems or difficulties we encounter are quite different, we all have been saved by believing in the same gospel, gaining new life, and receiving the needed strength to face our respective situations! “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” (Rom1:16-17). The gospel is indeed the power of God, the panacea for all human problems! Why does it possess such miraculous power? Because it addresses the root of all human problems, which is human’s unrighteousness, our sin. Furthermore, it counters human unrighteousness with God’s righteousness, so it’s bound to be effective. “This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished—he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus” (Romans 3:22-26). As Christians, we’ve received this wonderful salvation, which is really from God’s unconditional love and forgiveness. No number of good deeds we accumulate can make up for our deficiency before God. God’s salvation is freely given to us, yet it is far from being cheap. It was bought with the precious blood of Jesus.
The benefits of this precious salvation that we enjoy today are truly a gift from above, the work of God. However, this amazing gift often enters our lives through quite ordinary means. Many of us came to believe in Jesus not because of miracles or supernatural phenomena. Many brothers and sisters in Christ have embraced Jesus because of the loving and sincere actions of fellow believers around them, as well as the sharing of the benefits of the gospel through the words of the Bible. Their testimonies and sincerity have touched us, making us more willing to know the true God, Jesus whom they introduced to us. God uses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary gospel work, allowing us to experience a completely different life. We must be thankful for those who led us to know Jesus! We might have been the ones who constantly made excuses to avoid hearing the gospel, but they didn’t give up, weren’t afraid of us getting annoyed, cared for us genuinely, and even urged us earnestly. “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!” (Rom10:15). Their persistence has brought about our present happiness.
We are like those who planted trees for the benefit of those who would come later and enjoy their shade. With the help of others’ efforts, we have received the beautiful salvation freely. If we are people who understand gratitude, we must share this gospel without reservation. Jesus commanded his disciples, “Freely you have received; freely give” (Matt10:8). Apart from showing gratitude, sharing the Gospel should also stems from a compassionate heart for those around us who haven’t yet believed in Christ. Having tasted the sweetness of salvation, how can we not actively share it with others? Withholding this benefit is selfish, even hard-hearted. Because when we see someone suffering and we have the remedy, yet we don’t extend a helping hand, regardless of the reasons, it’s unacceptable. May the Lord fill our hearts with compassion for the souls of others, enabling this compassionate heart to help us overcome the fear of rejection and surpass the attitude of being overly cautious about trouble. Think about those who once put in efforts for your salvation. Learn from their example and do something for your friends and family who haven’t believed in the Lord yet, helping them to know the Lord. Lastly, we need to spread the Gospel because this is the mission entrusted to us by Jesus. “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matt 28:19-20). Spreading the gospel is following the command of the Lord. Even though we should have the attitude of giving freely when sharing the gospel, not seeking any return from those who hear it, the kind Lord still comforts us in this process and strengthens us with His presence. I believe everyone can agree that when spreading the gospel, we experience the power of God even more. 27 August is the church’s gospel rally. I encourage everyone: just as freely you have received the gospel, so freely give.
Translated by Davina Seet