In the book of Romans Paul emphasized the theme, “the just shall leave by faith” (Romans 1:17). The message was that salvation comes by an obedient faith in Christ rather than perfect living under the law. Before he could get to that, however, Paul had to establish that there was a need for justification; thus, the first three chapters of Romans are dedicated to proving that both Jews and Gentiles were sinners in need of the grace of God.

To both groups (Jews and Gentiles), Paul concluded that they were without excuse for their sins (Romans 1:18-20; 2:1). The Gentiles were without excuse for denying God and serving the creature rather than the Creator, and the Jews were without excuse for judging the Gentiles for sins that they were also committing. Both groups, then, were justly condemned before God and could only be saved if they would turn to Jesus and be justified by faith (Romans 3:1-11:36).

Those of us who are Christians have availed ourselves of the grace of God (Ephesians 2:8-9), and having been washed, sanctified, and justified by the blood of Christ (1 Corinthians 6:11), are, by the mercy of God, alive in Christ (Ephesians 2:1-4). We now must walk worthy of our vocation (Ephesians 4:1). Like the Jews and Gentiles of old (and present-day sinners who have rejected Christ), we are without excuse for not doing so. Why? Because God, again, by His grace, has given us everything we need to be faithful to Him.

2 Peter 1:3 (ESV)
³ His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence.

The power of God is seen in many ways. God has creative power, miraculous power, and, being God, supreme power. The word divine is “theios,” translated Godhead in Acts 17:29 by the KJV. While God’s unimaginable power is manifested in different ways, His saving power is in the gospel (Romans 1:16). Since Peter is dealing with salvation in 2 Peter 1:3, the divine power he is referring to is the gospel of Christ. The gospel, composed of the teachings we find in the New Testament, gives us everything we need to live godly lives.

What excuse do we have for not maintaining our relationship with God? He has given us clear and precise instructions on how to live. Paul told Titus that the grace of God, also manifested by the gospel, has “trained us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives…” (Titus 2:12). All we have to do is apply the training, and we will be kept safe from all the ploys of the devil. Peter spoke of the power of the gospel in this capacity in his first epistle:

1 Peter 1:5 (ESV)
⁵ Who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

When we add to the gospel the power of prayer and the providential guidance God gives us through other godly saints in the local church which He ordained (Hebrews 10:24-25), not to mention the Advocate we have with the Father, Jesus Christ, whenever we fall short (1 John 2:1), there is no excuse for not maintaining our fellowship with Him. In light of all that God has provided for us, if we do not make it to heaven, there is no one to blame but ourselves.

As you wind down for the night, think about these things.