In the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed

By Menkato V Awomi

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. 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 will live by faith.”  (Romans 1:16–17)

These words, written by the Apostle Paul, the apostle of faith and the preacher of the Gospel of Grace , stand as a powerful declaration of the heart of Christianity. Paul boldly proclaimed that the Gospel he preached was not of human origin, nor dependent on human strength or wisdom. He called it “the power of God that brings salvation,” emphasizing that salvation is not the result of man’s efforts, but God’s divine work through Jesus Christ.

In verse 17, Paul writes that “in the gospel, the righteousness of God is revealed.” This statement carries profound meaning. Paul is declaring that the righteousness God requires and accepts is revealed only through the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Gospel of Grace. Israel struggled to understand and accept this message, both during the ministry of Jesus and later through Paul’s preaching. They were accustomed to pursuing righteousness through the Law and personal effort, but Paul confronted this belief by revealing a new and living way, righteousness by faith.

From the days of the Israelites until today, humanity has always tried to earn righteousness before God through works, traditions, or self-effort. Yet Scripture is clear: “There is none righteous, no, not one” (Romans 3:10). Our own righteousness, as Isaiah 64:6 says, is like filthy rags before a holy God. Even today, the message of the Gospel of Grace faces resistance because people still try to “help” God in saving themselves. But salvation was never designed to depend on man’s contribution — it depends entirely on what God has already done in Christ Jesus.

Paul affirms that “the righteousness of God is revealed in the Gospel of Jesus Christ,” and that this righteousness is imputed to anyone who believes. It is a gift received, not a reward earned. Paul continues, “a righteousness that is by faith from first to last.” This means that our journey of righteousness begins and ends with faith, faith in Christ alone. From start to finish, it’s about Jesus and His finished work on the Cross.

In Galatians 3:1–3, Paul sternly rebuked the believers who had begun their spiritual life in faith but were now trying to continue it by human effort:

“You foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? Before your very eyes Jesus Christ was clearly portrayed as crucified. Did you receive the Spirit by the works of the law, or by believing what you heard? After beginning by means of the Spirit, are you now trying to finish by means of the flesh?”

This correction perfectly supports what Paul declared in Romans 1:17 that righteousness comes by faith and must continue by faith until the end.

As Paul approached the end of his life, his testimony stood as a powerful example of perseverance in faith. In 2 Timothy 4:7–8, he writes:

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing.”

Notice his words “I have kept the faith.” This was not just general belief; it was the faith he had preached, faith in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, the Gospel of Grace. And the crown he expected to receive was the crown of righteousness, the same righteousness imputed by faith, now rewarded in eternity.

Paul summarized his entire message beautifully in 2 Timothy 2:8:

“Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel.”

The essence of the Gospel is this: Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came into this world, died for our sins, was buried, and rose again on the third day. Whoever believes in Him and in His finished work on the Cross is saved not temporarily, but eternally. Salvation through faith in Jesus is not a fragile state that depends on religious performance or rituals. It is a finished work. You begin in faith, you live by faith, and you finish in faith and the next moment after life on earth is eternity with the Triune God.

Jesus Himself said in Matthew 24:13, “But the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.” Standing firm means persevering in faith, especially through trials and tests. The journey of faith is not passive; it’s a continual trust in Christ through every circumstance.

Yet sadly, many today struggle to rest in the finished work of Christ. They try to earn God’s favor by their own righteousness, which will never suffice. God has designed the Gospel in such a way that everything begins and ends with Jesus. The righteousness of God is by faith alone not by works. Jesus said in John 6:29, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one He has sent.”

God is not impressed by our self-effort; He is pleased by our faith in what Jesus has already accomplished.

So, dear friend, if you have tried everything, if you’ve prayed, watched sermons, attended every meeting, or tried to “fix” yourself before coming to God, and still feel uncertain whether you truly belong to Him, remember this: You don’t have to wait to become perfect before coming to Jesus. You don’t need to quit all your struggles and sins before He accepts you. God has already made a way for you through Christ. He is not waiting for your perfection, He is waiting for your faith.

The Bible says, Now is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2). His mercies are new every morning. If you can hear His voice today, simply respond:

“Lord Jesus, I believe that You died for me, that You rose again, and that through You I have forgiveness and eternal life. I receive Your salvation by faith.”

The moment you believe, you are made righteous not because of what you have done, but because of what Jesus has done for you.

Faith is simple. It is not a blind leap into the unknown but a confident walk in the written Word of God. And when you choose to live by faith in Christ and His finished work, your life will never be the same again. 

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