Christian Readers discussion

Romans 1:16 - "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek."

So, is the Gospel actually God's power unto salvation? Or is the Gospel alone lacking something?

No, the gospel does not lack anything. I have found that even when in difficult, strange and unknown situations, the Bible has the answer.

Of course, there are times when it is good, perhaps reassuring, to discuss with other Christians.

Hi Robert:

If anyone could speak from first-hand experience about the gospel of Christ being the power of God unto salvation it would be Paul. The rapid growth of the early church confirms the connection between the gospel and "every one that believeth."

"And the next Sabbath day came almost the whole city together to hear the word of God" (Acts 13:44).

In this thread...Robert...out of curiosity...why are you posing the question: "is the Gospel alone lacking something? I have not heard this question raised before.

Thanks, Bart

Barton wrote: "Hi Robert:

If anyone could speak from first-hand experience about the gospel of Christ being the power of God unto salvation it would be Paul. The rapid growth of the early church confirms the con..."

Hi Bart,

I ask because there are some people who believe that the Gospel lacks power to bring the dead to life, unless God first gives the person a little life in order to receive the Gospel.

That is exactly how someone said it to me.

What do you think?

So, is the Gospel of Jesus Christ powerful enough to bring the dead to life ?

Or is the Gospel inadequate to do so?

Perhaps I should phrase the question this way...

Is the total depravity of man more powerful than the Gospel of Jesus Christ ?

tipping my toe into the water cautiously...

I would say that strictly speaking it is God that brings the spiritually dead to life: "But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved." (Ephesians 2:4-5)

The means God uses to bring people to life is the gospel (by which I mean the good news of Jesus's death and resurrection, see 1 Corinthians 15:1-8). In other words, God raises us to life when we respond in faith and repentance upon hearing the gospel.

I think that's what Paul means when he says that the gospel is the power of God of salvation for those who believe.

Robert: "I ask because there are some people who believe that the Gospel lacks power to bring the dead to life, unless God first gives the person a little life in order to receive the Gospel."

This looks like a Calvinist position, maybe? The argument goes that those who are dead in their sins can do nothing, even respond in faith to the gospel. The order of salvation in this view puts spiritual rebirth prior to faith, since one must be made new before they can believe - though the one cannot exist without the other. I'm not saying I agree with this, but I want to point out that I don't think it diminishes the gospel at all. It remains in this view God's means of bring about the salvation of the lost.

Steven wrote: "I'm not saying I agree with this, but I want to point out that I don't think it diminishes the gospel at all. It remains in this view God's means of bring about the salvation of the lost,..."

My response: If I understand you correctly, I think I agree with you.

For me the difference is...

...if the Gospel is indeed God's power unto salvation, and the power of the message can bring the dead to life... then this verse is true...

Romans 10:13 - "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved."

...if the Gospel is NOT God's power unto salvation, then the above verse is NOT TRUE...
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Note: The phrase "shall call upon" is purely volitional when one looks up the definition of it...

John 12:32 - "And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw ALL men unto me ."
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I believe the above with no private interpretation or personal commentary needed.

But have a context: John 12
31 Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out.

Will Jesus draw people to him to judge them? Or save them? Or both?

Rod wrote: "But have a context: John 12
31 Now is the judgment of this world; now will the ruler of this world be cast out. Will Jesus draw people to him to judge them? Or save them? Or both?"

Titus 2:11 - "For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people ."

God legitimately offers salvation to ALL .
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Please directly QUOTE one Bible verse that proclaims that God does NOT offer salvation to all.

Rod wrote: "Will Jesus draw people to him to judge them? Or save them? Or both?"

My response: Why would Jesus draw them for judgment? Jesus said that they are condemned already .

John 3:18 - "He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already , because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God."
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Please QUOTE one Bible verse that says Jesus has to draw the condemned unto Himself.

I just did.

Verses 31 AND 32. Read them together.

Rod wrote: "I just did."

My response: I copied the two verses below, since I do NOT see where they say that Jesus is going to draw the damned. Please QUOTE the verse that agrees with you.

John 12:31-32

31 Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.

32 And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.

Was satan caste out immediately? No. But judgement is coming. Not coercing, but drawing water from a well.

Revelation 14
15 And another angel came out of the temple, calling with a loud voice to him who sat on the cloud, "Put in your sickle, and reap, for the hour to reap has come, for the harvest of the earth is fully ripe."

All men before Jesus: great thrown judgement.

Rod wrote: "Was satan caste out immediately? No. But judgement is coming. Not coercing, but drawing water from a well...."

My response: Rev. 14:15 does NOT say that Jesus is drawing the damned.

Please QUOTE one Bible verse that CLEARLY states that Jesus is drawing the damned.

Titus 2:11 - "For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people ."

God legitimately offers salvation to ALL .
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Please directly QUOTE one Bible verse that proclaims that God does NOT offer salvation to all.

The beauty of my position is all I have to do is QUOTE what God's Word actually says.

I do NOT have to add my private interpretations...
I do NOT have to force my opinions into the text...
I do NOT have to appeal to my favorite teachers...

All I have to do is believe the Word of God !

This is why you cannot directly quote one verse that says exactly what you WANT it to say.