Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelations of the mystery kept secret since the world began (26) but now made manifest, and by the prophetic Scriptures made known to all nations, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, for obedience to the faith – (27) to God, alone wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever. Amen.

The letter to the Romans was written by the apostle Paul. In verses 25 to 27 Paul links his unfolding of the gospel with that mystery which was his special duty to make known among the Gentiles. This mystery was a sacred secret hidden in God until such time He chose to manifest it; not until Israel had been given every opportunity to receive Christ both in the incarnation and resurrection. When they refused Christ, God made known what had been in His heart – that from all nations, Jews and Gentiles, He would redeem and take out an elect company who would be formed into one body to be associated with Christ. The gospel is not a system of human philosophy or the result of human investigation but the revelation of the purpose of God. Paul often calls his gospel the “wisdom of God” in contrast to the wisdom of men.

The gospel is a mystery; a system of truth beyond the power of the human mind to discover, which God has revealed for our faith and obedience. It is formed from eternity in the divine mind, revealed by the prophets and the apostles and the preaching of Jesus Christ. By the command of God it is to be made known to all nations. The gospel is ultimately not about us/our happiness, but the goal is the glory of God through Jesus Christ. To glorify God we need to be established in the gospel – to believe in the gospel and our faith must translate into a lifestyle so that others will see the greatness of God through us. We must believe the gospel, be turned from our sin, trust in Christ and His death in the cross as the only payment for our sin – not trusting in our good works to contribute to our salvation. There is a sense in which we see clearly in the Old Testament – in this side of Christ – that a Savior is promised.

The gospel leads to an obedience of faith which means genuine saving faith always results in a life of obedience to Jesus Christ. Its purpose is to glorify God. To glorify God we must proclaim the gospel in our lives, our actions, our words. We may be the only gospel some ever know. The message of Romans regarding the gospel is true – we can stake our lives and eternal destiny on it.