Romans 16:25-27: The GOAL of the Gospel

Romans 16:25-27.. "Now to him who is able to strengthen you according to my gospel...to bring about the obedience of faith—to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ!"

We have all heard of the term "the gospel," and we all know that it means "good news." But what's the point? Why is there this "gospel" that we so often speak about? Yes, we understand that this "gospel" is the only reason that we can be saved. But what if we took it a step further than that? According to scripture, what is the goal of the gospel?

Romans 16:25-27 tells us that the goal of the gospel is to bring eternal glory to God through our obedience. In other words, the purpose behind the "good news of Jesus Christ" is God's glory, which is brough about by our obedience, both practically and positionally. Firstly, let us look at the aspect of God's glory. It is easy to note that the entire point fo the gospel (and the entire point of everything for that matter) is for God's glory. God is a jealous God who will not share his glory to anothe (Is. 42:8). If the gospel were not for the sole purpose of bringing glory to God, it would be utterly pointless. But how does God's glory come about? How is God glorified?

In John 15:8, Jesus tells us that "by this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit." "Bearing fruit" here means "to reproduce the character of Christ" or, in other words, to be obedient! For by all of our obedience to Christ, we surely bear fruit for God. Therefore, God is glorified through our obedience, which is the means by which the goal of the gospel comes about. Let me put it simply: the goal of the gospel is the glory of God [alliteration intented], and the glory of God comes about by our obedience to his commands.

So, have you been obedient? For this is the sole means by which the purpose of the gospel comes about. In other words, if you are not being obedient, you are failing at living out the purpose of the gospel, and most importantly, you are failing at your sole purpose for being on earth--to bring glory to God.

So, as we wrap up [Christmas pun totally intented] this study on the book of Romans, I encourage you to be obedient--this is the entire purpose of Paul writing this letter to us. Bring glory to God by your obedience. Set your sights on heaven. Glorify God by obeying his commands, for great is your reward in heaven!!