Is the Gospel the power of God unto salvation?

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. (Rom 1:16)

Even though this is what God says through Paul, there are many Christians who do not really believe this. Therefore they have invented another gospel. However, we need to keep in mind what is revealed in Hebrews 4:12,13: For the Word of God is quick [living], and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. The Word of God obtains life through the Holy Spirit.

Therefore Peter equated the Gospel with the Word of God, and told us that it is what brings about the New Birth: Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the Word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: But the Word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the Word which by the Gospel is preached unto you. (1 Pet 1:23-25)

How does the Word of God bring about the New Birth? First of all we need to go to John 3:5, to see that the “water” mentioned by Christ is a metaphor for the Word of God: Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. So the Word of God and the Holy Spirit work together to bring about the New Birth.

And this is exactly why the Lord Jesus Christ gave this command to the apostles, and consequently and subsequently to the Church: And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the Gospel to every creature. He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.(Mark 16:15,16)

This should be an incentive to every Christian, as well as every evangelist, pastor, and teacher to make sure that the full and true Gospel is shared or preached. So what is the full Gospel? While it is summarized in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, it needs to be expanded to explain what is being said: Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the Gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

We can take this a step at a time to understand the full and true Gospel.

1. “I declare” – the Gospel is a declaration and a proclamation. Just as a herald would make a proclamation on behalf of a king, we are to make a proclamation on behalf of the King of kings and Lord of lords. Without fear or favor. Without any apologies.

2. “Which I preached” – it is the preaching of the Gospel which should be the top priority in every church, regardless of what the rest of the message might be all about.

3. “Which ye have also received” – Every sinner who hears (or reads) the Gospel must receive it as from God and respond to it with the obedience of faith. The Gospel is to be obeyed, because it commands all men to repent and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. If repentance is not preached, then the Gospel has not been properly presented. Repentance is necessary for the remission of sins. And repentance means a total turning away from sins and idols, and turning wholeheartedly to God and Christ for salvation.

4. “By which also ye are saved” – we are saved by believing and obeying the Gospel. But saved from what? (1) firstly eternal Hell. So if the mention of Hell – the Lake of Fire – is avoided by the preacher, he has failed to present the true Gospel, (2) We are also saved from self – the sin nature (the flesh) which dwells within. So if this is not mentioned, then the hearer does not understand that the flesh must be crucified or mortified after salvation.

5. “Christ died for our sins according to the Scripture” – the sufferings of Christ in His body, soul and spirit, the crucifixion of Christ, the forsaking of Christ by the Father, the shedding of His blood, the offering of His soul for sin, must all be presented. How else will the sinner understand the heavy price that was paid for his redemption? And “according to the Scriptures” should take people back to Psalm 22 and Isaiah 53 to show what that meant. But the hearers must also here that it is God who became sinless Man in order to die for their sins, and that the full price of redemption was paid at Calvary.

6. “He was buried” – this is not so much about the entombment of Christ as it is about what He did for three days and three nights in Sheol/Hades (in the heart of the earth). Christ went to the spirits in prison (evil angels, the unrighteous dead as well as the righteous dead) and proclaimed His victory over sin, death, Hades, Hell, and Satan. Because He was victorious on the cross, He shouted triumphantly “It is finished!”

7. “He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures” – it is the resurrection of Christ by which God the Father has made Him both Lord and Christ. The Bible says that He rose for our justification. In other words, we could not be justified by grace through faith had Christ remained in the tomb. Was this “according to the Scriptures”? Absolutely. In Psalm 16:10 it was said prophetically of Christ 1,000 years before His resurrection: For thou wilt not leave my soul in [Sheol]; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption. Peter quoted this in Acts 2:27: Because thou wilt not leave my soul in [Hades], neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.

Thus the true Gospel is full and complete, and all these things must be presented for sinners to receive the Savior as their own Lord and Savior.

No man welcomes any of this at all, unless the Spirit performs a supernatural work. No one at all.

So Nehemiah provided the scriptures which are crystal clear, gospel is the power of God unto salvation, and the ball is in our court, if we believe the Gospel we are predestined to eternal life, if we reject it we are predestined to damnation.

Iconoclast just hops on and says "Nah, no one welcomes any of this". Meanwhile in the book of Acts plenty of jews and gentiles welcomed it. The gospel preaching IS a supernatural work. The Holy Spirit was sent to judge the world of sin, for not believing in Christ. Titus 2:11 says the grace of God has appeared unto all men. All men, everyone, every man, world, it doesn't get any clearer than this. One wonders what other words could God have even used to communicate this plain truth that the GOSPEL is for everyone???

@Nehemiah6 did an excellent job laying out the gospel which included both the role of the gospel and the Spirit. While I didn't find it a necessary addition, @Iconoclast felt led to highlight the necessity of the role of the Spirit. What's the problem?
And while the Spirit was sent to convict the world of sin, this is far from His only role. The gospel is only the power of God unto salvation only for those who believe. It holds no sway over those who don't. So it hardly works alone. More people didn't believe at Pentecost than those who did. Something was different for those who made different choices. Since it wasn't the gospel because they all heard the same message, it seems logical to conclude that the difference was in the administration of the Spirit.

yes, the GOSPEL IS
G-od’s
O-nly
S-on’s
P-urpose
E-ternal
L-ife

HE IS RISEN, where new life gets given from God Father, no other.
the best I can say is:
continue in you to believe God by Son, the two as (won) One went to that cross for everyone , did it once for everyone. Reconciled everyone to Himself, not counting any sin against you, from then on, fast forward to this very present second, it is done for you Too.
once anyone finalizes it is done (John 19:30) then ask for the risen life of Jesus Christ. To show you this amazing grace
where God continues to give you, teaching you new. In other words, one will stop doing unloving things to others and self, in agreement with God, as those past things one selfishly did get gone, as one grows up in this grace given them, by God, no one else.
i personally have watched sin leave me, by God teaching me from within me. Religion has not done this, Other people have not done this. Only God Father of the risen Son Jesus does this, at least for me, this be what I see in Thanksgiving and praise
and I am still a work in progress. I now glory in my need for God to lead me.
thanks, good post from you friend in the risen Son, Jesus

‘all have sinned and all continue in sin, some work it out less than others. Yet not one person is better than another.
and God in Son went to that cross for us all. Hebrews 10:10. All are called to choose to believe God or not. If believe God in risen Son, then one gets sealed by God to see, by God through Son’s done work, they are accepted, forgiven and sealed by God for our continued trust to God to work it all out through us, to rest in this love and mercy given us, and have no interest in misusing this grace.
those are the one’s born new by God. As God sees many will be also, that are not yet in belief, yet will be< after playing Church for a while
a whole in our hearts, needing to get filled at first birth. Is, Jesus the risen who fills this whole, once it is Father given anyone, that will not quit belief to see, no matter what troubles come upon them. Col. 1:21-23

Romans 1:16 (see also Hebrews 4:12; John 6:63; James 1:21)
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.


Do I see "enabled" to believe? NO.

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. (Rom 1:16)

While the focus of this OP was on the Gospel, the person who shares this verse or preaches from it should also explain why "to the Jew first and also to the Greek" (the Gentile). There are several reasons for this statement:

1. Israel was a nation chosen by God to be a light to other nations. So here is what Paul says in Romans 9:4,5, and it is primarily because Christ came to Israel as Jesus of Nazareth, a Hebrew of the Hebrew, a descendant of Abraham, of the tribe of Judah, and of the royal line of David. But Paul adds that He is God who is over all (and this is essential):
Who are Israelites;
1. to whom pertaineth the adoption,
2. and the glory,
3. and the covenants,
4. and the giving of the law,
5. and the service of God,
6. and the promises;
7. Whose are the fathers, [the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob]
8. and of whom as concerning the flesh Christ came,
who is over all,
God blessed for ever. Amen.

2. Believing Israel was also "the good olive tree" into which the Gentiles were be grafted in from "the wild olive tree". This is the basis of the Church. See Romans 11.

3. Therefore here is the order in which the Gospel would be preached (Acts 1:8):
But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: nd ye shall be witnesses unto me both
in Jerusalem,
and in all Judaea,
and in Samaria,
and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

4. On the day of Pentecost (30 AD) Peter first preached the Gospel exclusively to the Jews who were gathered in Jerusalem to celebrate Shavuot. There were probably 50,000 (or at least 10,000) from all over the Roman empire. But about 3,000 were saved that day (and many others later on including priests and Pharisees). This was the inception of the Church so we read (Acts 2:47) Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved. This was both the local Church as well as the Body of Christ.

5. Paul was commissioned to be the apostle to the Gentile, while Peter was to the Jews. But as Paul traveled throughout the Roman empire, he FIRST went to the local synagogues to preach the Gospel to the Jews. Later on he turned altogether to the Gentiles, and now the Church is primarily a Gentile Church.

We are all called to choose to believe God or not consciously
That is what I see that is all that got left after that willing death of Son on that cross. Christ took care of all the nasty nines and dirty dozen on that cross in his one time death only. Got risen back to life, seen by those that got him killed, revealed in Col 2
The risen Son is where new life as born again by God resides. the Sin issues were, had, to be taken care of first, as he did that in his willing one time death once for us all Hebrews 10
So, are we ready to concede and believe and be new in the risen Son being led new in the same Holy Spirit (Father) that led Son, the first one raised from the dead? So we can be that too, right here and now? Decide, no longer being Hot and Cold, in doubt, where. no one can get established, having doubt, Son either did take away sin or Son did not, you decide and then begin new in God for you too, thank you, if have not yet?

Not as a building, rather as God's Ecclesia which got changed to Church from the greek translating to
Church in Greek means building, Where Ecclesia means the called out ones
Read Hebrews 8:1-4 thanks, And I am not putting down the church, just its clutches on people, that override a personal relationship between God and themselves to love all, and stop accusing and excusing themselves in that process, being put under Law to do or else attitudes of the flesh nature that cannot please God at all
No flesh nature can please God, only Son's, did that our Lord our Messiah, for us whois perfect and makes us perfect humbly so, for me at least

Of course. That is understood. The Church is the Body of Christ.

Suppose to be, just as was in the Old Testament the tribe of the Levites were then in charge and yet thier own flesh natures took it over and used it for their self gain. Do you think that does not still go on today?
Be wise as serpents, remain harmless as doves Trust God only in Spirit and truth from God only, not anyone else? At least after a long walk off a short pier here on earth, I see this now. As I am growing in this grace given too as you are also, thanks for the sharing in care too

It’s a really good read this part I disagree with

“How does the Word of God bring about the New Birth? First of all we need to go to John 3:5, to see that the “water” mentioned by Christ is a metaphor for the Word of God: Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.”

Other than that part it’s a great read through

“The Church is the Body of Christ”

“And it came to pass in those days, that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized of John in Jordan. And straightway coming up out of the water, he saw the heavens opened, and the Spirit like a dove descending upon him:

and there came a voice from heaven, saying, Thou art my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
‭‭Mark‬ ‭1:9-11‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“I will declare the decree: the LORD hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭2:7, KJV‬‬

“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, ( water )

and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.( spirit )

…..And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭2:38, 47‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“While Peter yet spake these words, the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the word.( spirit ) ….Then answered Peter, Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized, which have received the Holy Ghost as well as we? And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. ( water for remission in his name )Then prayed they him to tarry certain days.”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭10:44, 46-48‬ ‭

Remission of sins as we are buried with him in his name

“Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭6:3-4‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: buried with him in baptism,

wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead.”
‭‭Colossians‬ ‭2:11-12‬ ‭KJV‬‬

new birth as his beloved children as we are raised up in his name

“For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.”
‭‭Galatians‬ ‭3:26-29‬ ‭

“And now why tarriest thou? arise, and be baptized, and wash away thy sins, calling on the name of the Lord.”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭22:16‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭19:5‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭8:12‬ ‭

“Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest.

And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him.”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭8:35-38‬ ‭KJV‬‬

If you go to Ezekiel 36:25, you will see that "clean water" can only mean the Word of God. And if you go to Ephesian 5:26, then you have to agree with that interpretation: That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the Word... So there is no need to be bringing up water baptism, which does not cleanse the soul.

Great job Op but.. this last part "Thus the true Gospel is full and complete, and all these things must be presented for sinners to receive the Savior as their own Lord and Savior." Where's this written? It's the "must" part. I think and believe anyone that calls on the name of the lord shall be saved/delivered. This will be good.. I found it's easy to get in .. hard to get out.

Only posting because about 2 nights ago I had a dream where I was running around shouting "I'm free, I'm free Jesus Christ has set me free". Amp says "So if the Son liberates you [makes you free men], then you are really and unquestionably free." Hello Gospel

That is in Scripture but so is repentance. And you probably did repent later.

But without the preaching of repentance the Gospel is not complete. John the Baptist preached repentance to Israel, Christ began His ministry by preaching repentance to Israel, Peter also preached repentance on the Day of Pentecost, and Paul said that he had always preached "repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ" to both Jews and Gentiles.

Before Christ ascended to Heaven, this is what He said: Thus it is written, and thus it behooved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day: And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. (Luke 24:46,47) There is no remission of sins without repentance, so Peter said the same thing: Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord (Acts 3:19). Also there is no remission of sins without the shedding of blood, therefore Christ shed His blood for this purpose.

In spite of all these Scriptures, too many preachers fail to preach repentance or explain what it means. The primary message America needs right now is that all must repent, because GOD NOW COMMANDETH ALL MEN EVERYWHERE TO REPENT (Acts 17:30). These words should be displayed in large letters on billboards right across North America.

You added a lot of stuff that wasn't in the text and left off some that was in the text. I'm not sure why.

1 Cor. 15:1 Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand;

2 By which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain.

3 For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures;

4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures:

5 And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:

6 After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.

7 After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles.

8 And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.

9 For I am the least of the apostles, that am not meet to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God.

10 But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

11 Therefore whether it were I or they, so we preach, and so ye believed.

"repentance means a total turning away from sins..."
/\
Big Error

Please do a word study on the term repent and repentance in the KJ Bible.
People's eternal destinies depend on it.
Thank you

Free amazing, freed to be original creation (before Adam the first failed), God created in love, to respond to this, know knowing the whole truth
F-orever
R-econciled
E-ternally
E-ternal