by Jamie Pantastico | Aug 15, 2024 | Daily Encouragement |
‘And I, brethren, when I came to you, did not come with excellence of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. I was with you in weakness, in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching were not with persuasive words of human wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, that your faith should not be in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.’
I Corinthians 2:1-5
When Paul preached to the Corinthians, he didn’t rely on eloquent speech or human wisdom. Instead, he focused solely on the core of the gospel: Jesus Christ and Him crucified. Paul intentionally avoided theological jargon and debates that often cloud the message today. He knew that the power of the gospel lay not in persuasive words but in the transformative grace of God, which he personally experienced on the road to Damascus.
Romans 1:16 reinforces this, stating that the gospel is “the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes.” Paul’s message is clear: the gospel of grace, centered on Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection, is sufficient. It doesn’t need embellishment or human wisdom to be effective.
Today, there’s too much focus on theological discussions regarding inconsequential things surrounding the gospel. Endless debates on minor issues and man-made theological constructs can distract from the simple yet profound truth of the gospel. As believers, we are called to be ambassadors for Christ, sharing the unadulterated gospel with the lost, just as Paul did.
‘Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. ‘
II Corinthians 5:20
The Conclusion is that Salvation is by Faith Alone in the Gospel Alone
by Jamie Pantastico | Jul 20, 2024 | Daily Encouragement |
1 Corinthians 15:1-4 declares the gospel by which we are saved: “Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: 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.”
Romans 1:16 emphasizes the power of this gospel: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.”
Ephesians 2:8-9 makes it clear that our salvation is not by works but by grace through faith: “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”
This gospel, given to the Apostle Paul (Galatians 1:11-12), is the gospel by which all mankind will be judged (Romans 2:16). It is the one and only gospel that can save us from our sins and grant us entry into God’s heaven. Salvation is appropriated by faith alone in the finished work of Jesus Christ—His death, burial, and resurrection—apart from the law and works.
‘in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel.’
Romans 2:16
Remember, it’s not by our deeds but by our faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ that we are saved. Hallelujah!
#Gospel #Salvation #FaithAlone #1Corinthians15 #Romans1 #Romans2 #Ephesians2 #JesusSaves #Grace #EternalLife
by Jamie Pantastico | May 19, 2024 | Daily Encouragement |
and what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power
Ephesians 1:19
The power of the gospel is heart transformative and unparalleled. Ephesians 1:19 speaks of “the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe (the gospel alone by faith alone), according to the working of His mighty power.” This power, available to all who believe, is not just an abstract concept but a dynamic force that was mightily displayed in Christ’s resurrection.
The Mighty Power of Resurrection
Ephesians 1:20 states, “Which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places.” This same power that brought Jesus back to life is at work in believers. The resurrection of Christ is the cornerstone of our faith, demonstrating the ultimate power of God over sin, the law, Satan and death.
Christ’s Exalted Position
Ephesians 1:21 declares, “Far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world but also in that which is to come.” Christ’s name is above all names, now and forever. No power or authority can compare to Him, underscoring His supreme position and the completion of His redemptive work.
The Finished Work of Redemption
The completion of Christ’s work is highlighted in Hebrews. After achieving redemption (2 Corinthians 5:20-21), He sat at the right hand of the Father, signaling that nothing more is needed for our salvation. Hebrews 1:3 says, “Who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.” This profound truth assures believers that salvation is secure and complete in Christ.
Superior to All
Hebrews constantly compares the old covenant with the new, showing how Christ’s sacrifice is far superior to the law. Hebrews 1:4 states, “Having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.” This comparison emphasizes the superiority of Christ’s redemptive work, providing believers with a firm foundation and unshakable hope.
Encouragement for Believers
The power of the gospel is the foundational sole source of encouragement for believers. It (the gospel) reminds us that our faith is grounded in the mighty power of God, evidenced by the resurrection and exaltation of Christ. This power is available to all who believe, assuring us of our secure and complete salvation.
Believers can rest in the knowledge that no more priestly work is needed; Christ’s sacrifice was once and for all (Hebrews 10:10-18). His position at the right hand of the Father assures us of His continued intercession (on the believers behalf) and supreme authority over all things. These truths provide unending encouragement and steadfast hope for all who believe the gospel.
In summary, the gospel’s power is a testament to God’s mighty works, especially in the resurrection and exaltation of Christ. Believers are encouraged to hold firm to this truth, knowing that our salvation is secure and complete in Him.
by Jamie Pantastico | Apr 21, 2024 | Daily Encouragement |
As believers we are to know what we believe, we are not to believe in vain. It’s not about rituals, traditions, or even our own works—it’s about believing, faith, and trust. Believing the gospel message is what brings us into a right relationship with God. The Apostle Paul, through his letters, consistently emphasizes this central truth: salvation is appropriated by believing the gospel alone, by faith alone.
1 Corinthians 15:1-4
“Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you—unless you believed in vain. For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: 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,”
Here, Paul lays out the core of the gospel message: Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again the third day. This is the foundation of our faith and the means by which we are saved.
Romans 3:21-26
“But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.”
Paul underscores that righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. It’s not about our deeds or the law but about faith in finished work of the cross.
Romans 4:5
“But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness,”
Paul emphasizes that righteousness is not earned through works but is credited to us when we believe in Him who justifies the ungodly.
Galatians 2:16
“knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified.”
Paul makes it clear that justification comes through faith in Christ, when we believe the gospel (the death, burial and resurrection) not by adhering to the law or our works.
Ephesians 2:8-9
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”
Our salvation is a gift from God, received through faith alone in the finished work of the cross not by our own efforts or merits.
Beware of false teachers who pervert the simplicity of the gospel by adding conditions. Whether they say you must repent and be baptized to be saved, or they emphasize faith in the gospel but add steps like baptism or other works, they are misleading. This is akin to the Judaizers of Paul’s congregation in Galatia, who were add circumcision and law-keeping to Paul’s message salvation by faith alone in the finished work of the cross. Such teachings corrupt (ever so subtly) the gospel’s core message. Salvation is a free gift from God, received solely through believing by faith alone in the gospel alone. Let’s remain steadfast in this truth and rest in the simple and yet powerful gospel that saves souls.
There is Only One Way to Heaven ‘Jesus Christ’
by Jamie Pantastico | Mar 23, 2024 | Daily Encouragement |
In a world often consumed by sensationalism and end-time prophecies, it’s easy for believers to lose sight of their chief calling: to be ambassadors for Christ. Too often, the clamor of headline hysteria overshadows the fundamental message of grace that believers are given to proclaim.
Scripture reminds us in 2 Corinthians 5:20 that we are ambassadors for Christ, entrusted with the ministry of reconciliation. Our primary mission is to share the good news of God’s grace and reconciliation through the finished work of the cross. This message is not exclusive to pastors, evangelists, or theologians—it is the responsibility of every believer, regardless of status or title.
At the heart of our ambassadorship is the gospel—the message that God, through Christ, reconciled the world to Himself, not counting our sins against us (2 Corinthians 5:19). This is the amazing message that we have been given to share with the lost world around us: that salvation is freely available through faith alone in the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
While Bible prophecy certainly has its place and importance, it should not overshadow our primary mission. We must not become so fixated on the 7 years of tribulation, that we neglect the urgent task of sharing the gospel today. We won’t be here anyway! The power of salvation lies not in headlines or speculations about future events that don’t even apply to us, but in the gospel message itself (Romans 1:16).
God’s ultimate desire is the salvation of mankind (1 Timothy 2:4), and He calls us to be active participants in His redemptive plan. As ambassadors for Christ, we are called to be steadfast, immovable, and always abounding in the work of the Lord (1 Corinthians 15:58). Our labor in sharing the gospel is not in vain—it has eternal significance and impacts the destiny of souls.
In a world filled with chaos and uncertainties, let us refocus our attention on our chief calling as ambassadors for Christ. Let us boldly proclaim the gospel of grace, knowing that it is through this message that lives are transformed and souls are saved.
Bible reading:
2 Corinthians 5:20
“Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.”
II Corinthians 5:19
‘that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.’
Romans 1:16
“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.”
I Timothy 2:4
‘who desires all men to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. ‘
1 Corinthians 15:58
“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”