The gospel is the power of God, not for those who are well, but for those who are dead, for “I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” Romans 1:16, because “you were dead in your trespasses and sins” Ephesians 2:1, and death does not heal itself, nor does darkness comprehend light.
Man does not come to God by wisdom or evidence, for “the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so” Romans 8:7, therefore Jesus says, “No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him” John 6:44, and again, “All that the Father gives Me will come to Me” John 6:37. Evidence does not soften rebellion, for “if they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be persuaded even if someone rises from the dead” Luke 16:31.
God gives no grace to pride, for “God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble” James 4:6, and the kingdom does not belong to the self-sufficient but to the empty-handed, for “blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” Matthew 5:3, and Jesus testifies, “I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance” Luke 5:32. Therefore He calls, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me” Luke 9:23, for “unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God” John 3:3.
This mercy stands on blood and resurrection, for “while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” Romans 5:8, and “He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree” 1 Peter 2:24, and “He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” 2 Corinthians 5:21. He was buried, and “God raised Him up, putting an end to the agony of death, since it was impossible for Him to be held in its power” Acts 2:24, so that “death no longer is master over Him” Romans 6:9.
Because of this, God now commands, “that everyone everywhere repent” Acts 17:30, not by works or reform, for “by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not of yourselves, it is the gift of God” Ephesians 2:8–9, and “whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” Romans 10:13.
Therefore the word is proclaimed, not argued, for “faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ” Romans 10:17, and the Shepherd has spoken, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me” John 10:27. So hear today, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved” Acts 16:31, for “now is the acceptable time, behold, now is the day of salvation” 2 Corinthians 6:2.