Good News!

This Good News tells us how God makes us right in his sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. As the Scriptures say, “It is through faith that a righteous person has life.” [Romans 1.17]

I believe this is Paul's second reference to the Good News in the first chapter of his letter to the Romans. It reveals that the reconciliation of man to God is accomplished only through faith.

The first reference to the Good News in Romans 1 is this:

The Good News is about his Son. In his earthly life he was born into King David’s family line, and he was shown to be the Son of God when he was raised from the dead by the power of the Holy Spirit. He is Jesus Christ our Lord. Through Christ, God has given us the privilege and authority as apostles to tell Gentiles everywhere what God has done for them, so that they will believe and obey him, bringing glory to his name. [Romans 1.3-5]

Because faith is an action, Romans 1.3-5 reveals that Jesus is the object of that action. It is in Christ that faith reaches it full potential. That is why Jesus said:

“I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. [John 14.12]

Every work Jesus performed was by faith. So, for us to be in Christ requires that every work we perform be by faith. Romans 1.3-5 confirms not only the privilege, but the authority we have to do so.

Our ministry is simple: reconciling men unto God. Jesus demonstrated exactly what the ministry of reconciliation looks like: the action (works) of faith. Lest we be tempted to make this solely about miracles, let it be understood here that forgiveness is the driving force behind every work, every miracle performed, and every word spoken by Jesus. Otherwise, we will be hard-pressed to understand Jesus' words in John 20:

Again he said, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.” Then he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive anyone’s sins, they are forgiven. If you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven.” [John 20.21-23]

If we lose sight that our ministry is "Good News," we have missed the point altogether and are highly likely to promote religion instead of relationship with God. Religion is not Good News!

Father, help me today to remember that the message of the Good News I have been entrusted with is indeed good news!