The Power of the Gospel

Without a doubt, those who read this article will acknowledge that the Gospel of Christ has great power–power to bring salvation. Paul said, “I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation”—Romans 1:16.

However, of the many who realize that power to save, but few will think of the power of unity as a part of man’s salvation. It is this look at the gospel power that is found to be of great interest. Before Jesus died outside of Jerusalem those who believed in God were divided not alone among the sects of the Jews but even among the Gentiles who were (not in agreement with the Jews,) there were those who acknowledged God. In the prayer of Jesus in John 17th chapter, we see the theme of unity. Certainly, Christ prayed for the unity of both Jew and Gentile, as well as for the oneness: that comes in the life that turns from sin. Of course, all of this unity is found in Christ. See Galatians 3:28. “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.”

Not alone were men actually made free from sin by obedience to the gospel teaching, but they were brought into a state of unity with one another. This is clearly understood when we see the unity first at Jerusalem at Pentecost, and; also as the city was filled with the doctrine of Christ. In Acts 2:42 it is stated that there was unity of action among the baptized believers: “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles doctrine and in fellowship, and breaking of bread and in prayers.” Then in Acts 4:32 it is revealed that “the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and one soul.” This same teaching brought men and women, Jew and Greek, bond and free into Christ and thus into one body. The power of the gospel made this unity possible. No other power could do this.

The interesting factor in this consideration is to be found in the very simplistic teaching used to bring this about. All human complex endeavors would have failed to save man from sin, and from disunion as well. In our present age, we need more emphasis placed upon this simple proclamation of the inspired word of God. By preaching this gospel, we will lead many to Christ. By a constant announcing of the gospel, unity of believers can also be realized. We do not omit the Christian life as an example of the applied gospel, but we add this to the words to be spoken publicly and privately. Upon this basis alone can true salvation be realized as well as the unity of all believers.