"Through Him we have received grace and apostleship…" Romans 1:5

THE MINISTRY OF THE RISEN CHRIST

Paul painstakingly sought to prove that Jesus was indeed "the Son of God with power"! However, the Risen Saviour and Lord had since returned to heaven, but what about His Presence and Power? Does He still play a significant role? Let us ponder Paul's answer to this question.

"Through Him we have received grace and apostleship
for obedience to the faith among all nations for His name,
among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ."
Romans 1:5

1. Grace

How do we all receive the grace of God? Paul argued that it is "through Him" (Christ)!

2. Apostleship

How did Paul and others receive their apostleship? Again, he emphasizes that it is through Christ!

3. "The called"

What is this reference? We may make the following observations!

a) There is the call to receive salvation.

b) There is the call to discipleship.

c) There is even a call to suffer for the Lord Jesus (Cf. 1 Peter 3:9).

Who is the Person who issues these calls? Paul affirms that it is none other than the Lord Jesus Christ Himself!

THE CALL OF CHRIST

What was God's calling for the apostles of old? What is He calling us to do today? Let us consider two challenging tasks!

1. Reaching all nations for His name

This is a challenge that every generation must take to heart! The Gospel message was meant to be proclaimed to all nations (Cf. Matthew 28:19-20).

2. Teaching believers till they come to "obedience to the faith"

Not only must people be reached with the Gospel, they must be taught in the faith, till they understand how they are to relate to the Lord Jesus Christ. They are to relate to Him in faith. They are also to submit to His Lordship in faith.

The task of evangelism is not complete without careful instruction through discipleship!