I. “I am not ashamed of the gospel.”
When the Apostle Paul declares emphatically in Romans 1:16, “I am not ashamed of the gospel,” he is not merely expressing a personal conviction but making a bold confession of faith that does not shrink back even in the heart of the grand world of the Roman Empire. At the time Paul wrote his letter, the Roman Empire was historically and culturally at a peak of brilliant splendor and formidable power. Yet proclaiming the gospel in the face of this colossal secular force was no easy task. Considering that Paul himself endured countless persecutions—imprisonments, beatings, and more—for preaching the gospel, we can sense how crucial and weighty his single statement “I am not ashamed of the gospel” is as both a declaration of will and a confession of faith.
In 1 Corinthians 4:13, Paul admits that those who preach the gospel are often regarded as “the scum of the world, the refuse of all things.” Referring to the situation of the Corinthian church members, this verse vividly shows how Christians of that era were treated as belonging to the lowest social stratum, as if they were on the very bottom rung of life. Corinth was immensely significant both commercially and militarily, holding a prominent position within the Roman Empire. Yet the Christians settled in such a city possessed almost no social power or wealth, and consequently were frequently subjected to ridicule, contempt, and sometimes direct persecution. In spite of these realities, Paul emphasized that those who had become “the refuse of all things” were in fact like jars of clay containing a priceless treasure (2 Corinthians 4:7)—the channel through which God’s power and salvation would be proclaimed.
Rome, in comparison to Corinth, boasted an even greater authority and splendor, far more magnificent than anything Corinth could claim. Although now we see only ruins and broken remnants from two thousand years ago, even those remnants are enough to imagine how illustrious and awe-inspiring the Roman Empire once was, upheld by its military might, economic power, and vast territories that subjugated and integrated numerous peoples. Standing in the midst of Rome, proclaiming the gospel of the cross—where blood was shed—and the resurrection could look extremely embarrassing, or even absurd by worldly standards. Yet Paul proclaims, “I am not ashamed of the gospel,” stressing that no matter how grand or powerful the empire might be, every person ultimately needs the gospel’s power for salvation.
Where did Paul’s courage come from? He had encountered the risen Lord Jesus Christ personally on the road to Damascus (Acts 9) and was convinced that the cross and resurrection were indeed the only way for sinful humanity to be saved. Paul was absolutely certain that he himself had been saved through this gospel, and that this same gospel was the power of God for salvation for everyone who believes. Though he might face shameful and humiliating moments, the message of the cross of Christ is “foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God” (1 Corinthians 1:18).
Pastor David Jang also has long emphasized the crucial truth contained in Romans 1:16-17. Even today, many churches and believers sometimes seem ashamed of themselves under the values of the world—under material prosperity, intellectual pride, or the radiance of science and technology. When the world asks, “Does the message of the cross really apply to modern people?” or “Is Jesus’ death and resurrection truly believable?” some Christians lose confidence and even want to hide the fact that they attend church. However, as Paul clearly taught, not even the splendor of Rome or any form of secular glory can replace the “gospel.” We must not forget this fact.
Just like in Paul’s time, there are people in our era, akin to the “wise Greeks,” who critique the gospel with polished intellectual arguments, calling the cross and the resurrection “foolish.” From a Jewish viewpoint, steeped in the tradition that “anyone hung on a tree is cursed,” there remain cultural and traditional barriers against understanding the crucifixion. Even so, Paul boldly states, “Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified” (1 Corinthians 1:22-23), refusing to be swayed by the reigning philosophies and values of his age. He regarded the gospel alone as the power to save sinners and transform the world, and he declared unwaveringly—despite ridicule and persecution—that he would “not be ashamed of the gospel.”
The phrase “not ashamed” contains a profound spiritual secret, going beyond mere pride. Paul’s message to the formidable Roman world, to the Greeks proud of their philosophy, and to the Jews bound by tradition, remains relevant today. Modern society is filled with pride in wealth, scholarship, power, and cultural achievements, yet none of these can fundamentally save humanity. If this world is drowning, the “gospel” is the only rope that can save those who are perishing. Paul’s conviction lies precisely here. Pastor David Jang has likewise repeatedly stressed in various sermons and writings that the Church must never be ashamed of the gospel in this postmodern era but instead proclaim it boldly.
Why did Paul begin with “I am not ashamed”? So that in the very center of an empire like Rome, he could proclaim that “it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.” From the world’s perspective, the cross seems insignificant, but God’s saving work through it is powerful enough to change the destiny of the entire human race. From Paul’s viewpoint, neither Rome, nor Greek wisdom, nor Jewish tradition could escape judgment without the salvation offered through this gospel. Therefore, the gospel is not something shameful, but rather something to be proud of—indeed, the very power of God that we cannot hide.
Throughout church history, those who were not ashamed of the gospel and proclaimed it boldly often changed the course of history beyond their immediate circumstances. The early church martyrs, even at the cost of their lives, clung to their faith proudly, and the Reformers stood against the massive medieval institutional church, declaring the truth of the gospel to usher in a new age. In modern times, many missionaries have likewise carried the message of the cross into difficult mission fields without shame, bringing countless souls back to the Lord. In this light, Paul’s opening statement, “I am not ashamed of the gospel,” still powerfully challenges every believer today.
Certainly, we can, as members of society, take an interest in secular knowledge, culture, art, or technology, and embrace whatever is good within them. But we must remember that none of these can replace the gospel when it comes to “human salvation.” The gospel is “the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.” Right at the start of Romans, the Apostle underscores the issue of salvation—of eternal life—that no human method, no worldly wisdom or knowledge can accomplish. This is the unmistakable reason why he cannot keep the gospel hidden.
Particularly in our modern era, science and medicine, as well as various forms of knowledge, are flourishing. In almost every field, modern civilization has developed with astonishing speed, providing unprecedented convenience and efficiency to human life. Nevertheless, the emptiness of the human heart, the consciousness of sin, and the fear of death remain unresolved. In fact, the more materially abundant and psychologically complex society becomes, the more pronounced the fundamental problems of the human soul often become. Questions like “Why do we live?” “What follows death?” and “What is the meaning of life?” cannot be resolved simply by advanced medicine or technology if human sinfulness and limitations persist.
Seen in this light, the core of Paul’s statement, “I am not ashamed of the gospel,” shines all the brighter. Many people still consider the gospel foolish, outdated, or unscientific. But in Paul’s eyes, this gospel is ultimate wisdom, the only hope that a collapsing humanity can cling to for survival. Pastor David Jang has likewise frequently asserted in his sermons and writings that no modern technological innovation can accomplish the salvation of sinful humanity or fundamentally heal the problem of the human soul. If the Church hesitates or feels ashamed in proclaiming the gospel, we must recognize that this is tantamount to hiding from the world the very answer that is most desperately needed.
Just as Paul, citing the Corinthian church, said, “We have become the scum of the earth,” the Church today may appear weak or powerless according to the world’s standards. Sometimes it has little apparent influence, and at times it endures countless criticisms. Nonetheless, even in the midst of such realities, the fundamental truth that the Church must not lose is the “gospel.” Holding fast to the gospel, living it out, and proclaiming it boldly is the most important mission of every believer. The reason is that apart from the gospel, there is no salvation; there is no power capable of addressing humanity’s existential problem at its core. When we do not forget this, the Church can finally reveal its essential nature as the Church, and believers can hold on to a truth that surpasses anything the world has to offer.
Paul begins Romans 1:16 with the connecting word “For,” indicating his logical basis for why he is not ashamed of the gospel. Specifically, “it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.” The gospel is the force that changes the world and rescues humanity from sin and death—this is Paul’s conviction, which prevents him from being ashamed or hiding the gospel. “To the Jew first and also to the Greek” implies that Paul is dedicated to making this gospel known to all peoples indiscriminately. And this posture challenges us today to recall, just as Paul insisted, that, regardless of how advanced or dazzling the world may appear, “ultimately, there is no salvation without the gospel.”
Paul’s declaration is not a relic confined to history two thousand years ago. It transcends time and place, speaking to us today with living relevance. No matter how culture and scholarship progress, humanity cannot resolve the problem of sin on its own, nor can evolutionary theory or medical technology fundamentally dispel the fear of death. The human soul still wanders, burdened by emptiness and guilt arising from separation from God, and the only path to true resolution is through the gospel—the cross and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Hence, we too must stand in the center of this world, alongside Paul, to proclaim, “I am not ashamed of the gospel.” Such is the core message we must hold on to from this first subtopic.
II. The Power of Salvation Granted Through Faith
Paul continues in Romans 1:16, declaring in the latter part of the verse, “for it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes.” The gospel is not merely a “good story” or an “inspiring narrative”; it is the divine power that actually saves sinners. Paul firmly believed that while all sorts of human knowledge, philosophies, systems, or political powers fail to accomplish such a task, the gospel does. This conviction was forged against the backdrop of Roman society’s intellectual and cultural pride, along with a multitheistic environment where many pagan gods were worshipped. Yet Paul neither feared nor cowered in the face of such conditions. He was certain that while Rome and the entire world might be on the path to destruction because of sin, they could be saved through the gospel.
Paul’s concept of salvation is not limited to simply “not going to hell but going to heaven.” Salvation involves the total re-creation of a person’s entire being within God’s power. It includes deliverance from sin, death, and the servitude of Satan, along with rebirth as a child of God to receive eternal life. This salvation is precisely what humanity so desperately needs, and it is the gift of God that only the gospel brings.
Specifically, Paul states that this saving grace is “first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.” As a Jew himself, he was well acquainted with the history of waiting for the Messiah, knew that Jesus Christ appeared in the land of Judea, and recognized that the covenant of salvation was first revealed to Israel. Therefore, it was natural for the gospel to be preached “to the Jew first.” Yet the sphere of the gospel does not stop there. It extends equally to Gentiles—Greeks. Paul emphasizes this to clarify that the gospel is truly universal and not confined to a single ethnic group or culture. This point was hinted at multiple times in the Old Testament but fully realized through the coming of Jesus Christ in the New Testament.
Pastor David Jang also interprets this passage, emphasizing that salvation is a universal gospel for all humanity. Jesus came to this earth offering repentance to all sinners, and anyone who encounters the gospel can receive salvation by responding with faith. This applies equally regardless of culture, race, social status, or intellectual level. As we see in the early Church’s growth, the gospel spread beyond various ethnic and social boundaries—reaching Samaritans, Roman soldiers, the Ethiopian eunuch, Greek philosophers, and more (Acts 8, 10, 17, etc.). Such progress demonstrates the gospel’s ability to transcend worldly barriers.
How, then, does the gospel exert its “power”? Paul states in 1 Corinthians 1:18: “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” In other words, the “power of salvation” is revealed to us “through the cross.” The bloodshed on the cross by Jesus Christ, the substitutionary death He died, and His resurrection—these are the essence, the channel through which sinful humanity is saved.
The Jews sought signs, and the Greeks pursued wisdom, but Paul proclaimed “Christ crucified.” He declared God’s plan of salvation, which intervened in history in a way that contradicted all human expectations. From a human perspective, it might appear that power, miracles, or philosophical wisdom would bring salvation. Yet God’s mightiest salvation was revealed in the seemingly powerless form of self-abasement and sacrifice on the cross. This is the incomprehensible “wisdom of God,” and at the same time, it is the “power of God.”
Paul personally experienced this transforming power of the gospel. He was once a fervent defender of Jewish tradition and a leading persecutor of Christians (Acts 8–9). But after encountering the risen Jesus, his worldview and priorities were completely upended, and he became an apostle who preached the very gospel he had once attacked. It is no trivial matter for a person’s life to change so drastically. Nonetheless, Paul “was changed” by the “power of the gospel,” and went on to establish churches in numerous Gentile regions as the apostle to the Gentiles. Thus, the gospel does not merely change a few individuals but can become the driving force that transforms entire communities and, indeed, history.
The power of the gospel remains effective in modern society. Human sinfulness remains unchanged in every age, and death and judgment remain real before us. Although science and technology have advanced and society and culture have become more pluralistic, the interior emptiness, guilt, and problem of evil in humanity are not resolved. In fact, as civilization develops, sin can become more deceptive, and structural evil more convoluted. All the same, the crucifixion of Jesus Christ—His sacrifice and resurrection—can wash away sins, restore broken relationships, and even renew communities and cultures.
When Paul refers to the gospel as “the power of God that brings salvation,” he envisions not just spiritual aspects but the restoration of all areas of life. Because humanity was fundamentally fallen and separated from God, our souls were diseased, leading to moral and ethical confusion, social conflict, and dread of death. However, the gospel rebirths people, delivering them from not only personal sins but also the bondage of original sin, enabling them to live a new life, and ultimately restoring a right relationship with God. In that sense, “salvation” is not just a guarantee for the afterlife but a transformative power encompassing our entire life here and now.
Of course, Paul does not claim that “this gospel” automatically works for everyone. He adds the condition “to everyone who believes.” Only through faith does the gospel become God’s power of salvation for an individual. In other words, from the human side, what is required is “faith.” When we do not merely know intellectually about the cross and the resurrection, but truly believe and accept them in our hearts—when we acknowledge that Christ’s sacrifice was on our behalf—then the power of salvation becomes a personal reality. This is the crux of Christian faith and the mechanism by which the gospel operates as God’s power.
Pastor David Jang has often described faith as being “like the hands that receive a gift.” Although God has already prepared the path of salvation in Jesus Christ, in order for it to be applied to my life, I must receive it by faith. Even if a gift is offered, it is meaningless if the recipient does not take it or doubts its validity. The same is true of the gospel. No matter how fervently the Church preaches it, if people do not accept it by faith, they will derive no benefit. But the moment a person receives it in faith, salvation becomes theirs, transforming them and granting them eternal life.
The phrase “first to the Jew, then to the Gentile” makes it plain that salvation, while having an order of revelation, is equally bestowed on all humanity—Jews and non-Jews alike. In the early Church, we see that Samaritans, Roman centurions, the Ethiopian eunuch, Greek philosophers, and people from various strata and ethnic groups became believers (Acts 8, 10, 17, etc.). God’s plan for salvation is not “exclusive” but “universal.” This is precisely the power of the gospel, a power that persists unchanged to this day.
Paul could cling to the “foolish” cross and gospel so resolutely because he had personally experienced this “saving power” and witnessed it repeatedly in others as well. He saw sinners repent and become holy, enemies reconcile and love one another as they formed church communities, and diverse groups—once irreconcilable by worldly standards—unite in the gospel. Consequently, no matter how impressive Rome might appear, how profound Greek philosophy might be, or how highly the Jews might esteem the Law, none of that could match the surpassing value of God’s power—salvation at work through the gospel. Thus, Paul never hesitated to proclaim it.
Today, we too may be tempted to feel ashamed of the gospel when we see the Church criticized by society. But we must recall Paul’s era. At that time, Christians faced far greater persecution and ridicule than we do now, yet they held firmly to the gospel. This message spread at an unprecedented pace, and the Church took root and flourished. Indeed, the gospel has the power to penetrate persecution and transform history. If we, too, keep this faith, we can boldly declare—no matter how negatively the world may speak and how greatly science and technology develop—that the only ultimate solution for saving and healing humanity is the gospel. Thus, Paul’s statement, “it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes,” will continue to manifest powerfully in our day.
III. The Righteousness of God and the Life of the Righteous: “The righteous shall live by faith.”
Paul then presents, in Romans 1:17, a core conclusion: “For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: ‘The righteous shall live by faith.’” This passage served as a key motto of the Reformation and is the very heart of Christian soteriology (the doctrine of salvation). Paul affirms that within the gospel is revealed “the righteousness of God.” This righteousness makes sinful people righteous, and the entire process is based on “faith.”
When we speak of “righteousness,” we often think merely of moral rightness or standards of right and wrong. But the “righteousness of God” in Scripture conveys a far deeper meaning related to salvation. Humankind stands condemned under the Law, having been exposed as sinners who can never meet the Law’s requirement of perfect righteousness (Romans 3:10ff). Yet God, through the cross of Jesus Christ, bore the penalty for our sins, so that we who are sinners may be declared righteous. That is, God’s righteousness transcends anything humans can attain by their works, and by His redemptive love and grace, it is “imputed” to us.
In Galatians 3:10, Paul states, “For all who rely on the works of the law are under a curse.” While the Law may reveal sin, it does not provide a method by which we can escape sin on our own. Instead, it exposes all humanity more clearly as transgressors who fail to keep it. Therefore, in Romans and Galatians, Paul emphasizes how futile any attempt to become righteous by keeping the Law is, and that only the righteousness of God, bestowed through Jesus Christ, can save sinners. This is what he means by “in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed.”
Pastor David Jang, in numerous sermons, has also highlighted that the gospel is “the righteousness God bestows on humanity through the gift of His only Son.” Romans 5:8 says, “God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us,” showing that God’s redemptive act on our behalf is the culmination of divine righteousness. This righteousness comes “by faith from first to last,” a central teaching of the New Testament.
Here Paul references the Old Testament prophet Habakkuk (Habakkuk 2:4): “The righteous shall live by faith.” Just as Habakkuk received the solemn oracle that “the righteous live by faith” in the face of Babylon’s invasion, now Paul proclaims that even in a world ruled by sin and death, “the righteous shall live by faith.” Just as Babylon was destined to destruction, so too the Roman Empire would not endure forever and ultimately could not escape God’s judgment. No matter how powerful the world may seem or how widespread sin may be, “the righteous,” those saved by God, live by faith in God’s eternal life, protection, and guidance.
“The righteous shall live by faith” is also the passage that Martin Luther, the Reformer, came to understand profoundly, sparking the Reformation. Amid the corruption of the medieval Church—e.g., the sale of indulgences—Luther fought against the teaching that humans could earn salvation through their own good works. Through studying Romans 1:17 and Galatians, he declared the slogans of the Reformation: “Sola Fide” (by faith alone), “Sola Gratia” (by grace alone), and “Sola Scriptura” (by Scripture alone). One cannot achieve salvation through good works or religious ceremonies; one is justified only by trusting in the righteousness God provides through Jesus Christ.
This teaching still applies to the modern Church. Some even today argue, “If you live a good life, won’t you be saved?” Others suggest that we must accumulate merits through religious rituals or offerings. Yet Paul, unambiguously, insists that the righteous do not live by the Law or by human deeds but “by faith.” Furthermore, “shall live” does not simply mean physical survival. It signifies humanity’s deliverance from the power of sin and death, the peace we have in our relationship with God, and ultimately the glory of entering heaven. This is the special privilege of those who have become righteous through the gospel.
Paul’s phrase “from faith to faith” also merits attention. It indicates that from beginning to end, our faith rests entirely on God’s grace and Christ’s atoning work, and we must continually respond and obey in faith throughout our lives. The Christian life is not concluded by a single decision; rather, we move forward “by faith upon faith” from the moment we first believe until we die. Though we still face temptations and sin, those who have been justified cling persistently to “the righteousness of God,” repenting and pressing on in faith.
Furthermore, “The righteous shall live by faith” forms the foundation of Christian ethics. Recognizing that our salvation is wholly by God’s grace and not by our own merit leads us to humility, gratitude, and the practice of love. If humans were able to become righteous through their own good works and moral excellence, they would be prone to self-righteous boasting and condescension. But the gospel declares, “You are nothing, but God saved you by grace.” Therefore, those declared righteous by faith, instead of judging or discriminating against others, live in gratitude for grace and serve neighbors who, like themselves, are sinners in need of salvation.
Pastor David Jang often points out, regarding this topic, that legalistic thinking sometimes seeps into the Church, causing believers to judge one another by works. “Since we are made righteous by the blood of Jesus’ cross, why do we condemn others or measure them by the Law?”—he challenges. Grasping the principle “The righteous shall live by faith” reminds us that we are righteous not because of our “works” but because of “Christ’s atoning sacrifice” that we “receive by faith.” This stands at the heart of the truth that believers and the Church today must uphold.
In short, Paul’s emphasis is crystal clear: Human righteousness is not self-derived but is wholly given through Christ’s atoning work. We receive this gift by faith, and those who are justified continue to live by faith. “Justified by faith” also means “living by faith.” Salvation is not a one-time event but a reality we confirm and grow in throughout the Christian life.
In this context, “the righteousness of God” also points to God’s faithfulness. The broader context of Romans shows that God fulfills His covenant promise—sending the Messiah, Jesus Christ—and thereby opens salvation to both Jews and Gentiles, proving that “God is righteous.” So “the righteousness of God” encompasses not only His justice in judging sin but also His faithfulness, fulfilling His promises to save. Through Jesus’ atoning work on the cross, the penalty for our sin was paid, demonstrating a grace beyond our comprehension.
We live under this grace and participate in it only by faith. Paul uses Romans 1:17 as an introduction and later expounds on humanity’s sin, God’s judgment, redemption through Jesus Christ, and justification by faith. Historically, the Book of Romans is considered the pinnacle of Christian doctrine, having provided spiritual and intellectual inspiration for countless theologians, pastors, and believers. Understanding the overarching principle “The righteous shall live by faith” is effectively the key that unlocks the door to faith.
Hence, it is not something we can merely grasp intellectually. Paul’s boldness in facing the Roman Empire—“I am not ashamed of the gospel”—stems from his unshakable conviction in this truth of justification by faith. The forgiveness, grace, and power he experienced through the gospel were no abstract doctrine. They utterly transformed his life, enabling him to regard the might of the Roman Empire as nothing to fear, revealing a truth immeasurably more valuable than anything in this world.
Pastor David Jang often connects Romans 1:16-17 to the significance of the Reformation and the authentic faith the modern Church must reclaim. “By faith alone” means our salvation depends entirely on God’s grace in Christ, and recognizing this should inspire humility, gratitude, and a life of dedication to His love. Through this, we experience the freedom, joy, and boldness that the world cannot supply. Once a sinner has been made righteous, that person’s very existence becomes a testimony to God’s immense grace, compelling them to preach the gospel without shame, walk by faith, and practice the love of God before the world.
“The righteous shall live by faith.” Whether threatened by Babylon’s invasion, confronted by the Roman Empire’s oppression, or surrounded by today’s confusion and rampant sin, the righteous live by faith. That is God’s ultimate answer, and it will not fail. Our faith is anchored not in our own resolve or ability but in “the righteousness of God”—the atoning work of Jesus on the cross. Faith justifies us, and this righteousness gives us life before God, guiding us into eternal life. This is the central message of the gospel that Paul teaches in Romans, the foundational pillar that every church and believer must uphold.
Ultimately, Romans 1:16-17 conveys three core truths. First, through Paul’s confession “I am not ashamed of the gospel,” we, too, must believe firmly and stand boldly, regardless of worldly pressures, convinced that the gospel is indeed the power of God for salvation. Second, “this gospel” is the sole solution to sin, death, and all questions of eternal significance that cannot be addressed by any other means; thus the Church must make proclaiming the gospel its top priority. Third, in the gospel “the righteousness of God” is revealed, and through faith, it is imputed to us, enabling us to become righteous and partake of eternal life. Thus the prophecy of Habakkuk—“the righteous shall live by faith”—is fulfilled today.
In this way, Romans 1:16-17 succinctly yet powerfully encapsulates the essence of the gospel, its power, and the doctrine of justification by faith. As Luther’s testimony suggests, the moment one grasps this passage, it can feel as though “the gates of heaven are flung wide open.” Indeed, it contains a flash of spiritual illumination. The same applies to us now. When we hold to these words, refusing to be ashamed of the gospel and living by faith, the world will at last witness where true salvation is found.
In conclusion, “The righteous shall live by faith” addresses not only individual salvation but also God’s message to the Church and to history. Every time the Church has returned to this principle, it has been renewed and reformed. Just as Paul did in the midst of the Roman Empire, Luther in the corrupt medieval Church, and we today amidst rampant secularism: we uphold this one truth—the gospel, the power of God revealed in the cross and resurrection. As Pastor David Jang repeatedly reminds us in his lectures and writings, only when we stand before this gospel does the Church regain its vitality and fulfill its calling as salt and light in the world. And when we proclaim the gospel without shame, receive righteousness by faith, and live in accordance with that righteousness, we will bear precious fruit for the kingdom of God here on earth.
It is not easy to exhaust all the rich content of Romans 1:16-17. Yet the core message is unmistakable: Do not be ashamed of the gospel; the gospel is God’s power for salvation; and that salvation becomes a reality to us through faith. Those declared righteous by faith do not rely on legalistic merit or worldly boast, but live as new creations by the grace and love of the cross. This is the ultimate meaning of Romans 1:16-17 and the central truth embraced by generations of the Church.
Let us remember day by day: “The righteous shall live by faith.” And this faith is the act of trusting and gratefully receiving God’s righteousness as displayed on the cross. Here lies our eternal hope and life. No human philosophy, empire, or contemporary trend can replace this gospel. Standing confidently before it without shame is the privilege and calling of every Christian today.