Audio commentary on this verse

Note 1 at Rom. 1:16: The gospel is the power of God that releases the effects of salvation in our lives (see ref. f, this verse). Salvation is much more than just being born again. This refers to every benefit to which the believer is entitled through Jesus (see ref. g, this verse). Therefore, if we are not experiencing the abundance that Jesus provided for us-in any area of our lives-then we are having a problem understanding and/or believing the gospel.

The term "gospel" has become so familiar to Christians that the true meaning and understanding has been lost. As discussed in note 5 at Acts 20:24, page 698 and note 7 at Matthew 24:14, page 455, the truths of the gospel are not commonly preached or understood in many churches. This is the reason that so many Christians are not walking in all the benefits of their salvation. They don't have the power of the gospel working in them.

If a person needs healing, it's in the gospel. If deliverance is needed, it's in the gospel. Prosperity, answered prayer, joy, peace, love; they are all found through understanding and believing the gospel.

Note 2 at Rom. 1:16: Most English words that end with the suffix "eth" in the Bible, carry the idea of an act or process which continues. So, the man that "believeth" is a man who has believed and is continuing to believe.

In the Greek language the word that was translated "believeth" here, is a present participle which expresses the idea of a continuous and repeated action. Therefore, the faith that results in salvation cannot be abandoned and still produce its results (Heb. 6:4-6; 10:29; Col. 1:21-23). It may appear to be abandoned, as in the case of Peter when he denied the Lord (Lk. 22:57-62), but Jesus had prayed that his "faith fail not" (see note 2 at Lk. 22:32, p. 488).

The scriptures present true Bible faith as an ongoing experience, not a one-time action.