Book Review: The Power of the Gospel

If I was only allowed one book other than my Bible, I would choose The Power of the Gospel, R.C. Sproul’s yearlong devotional on Romans. I have never been so blessed, encouraged, challenged, and had doctrinal topics clarified so helpfully. I highly recommend this book.

I have often thought that we could study the book of Romans every year and never totally mine all its treasures. Sproul’s daily (six days per week) devotions take you through Romans verse by verse, often word by word, followed by exposition, and ending with a suggested application. Sproul brings clarity to words like justification, faith, imputation, sovereignty, etc. He is a theologian but doesn’t talk above regular people’s heads.

Some of my favorite takeaways:

• From week 8, Romans 3: “Faith is the means by which we take hold of Christ’s righteousness. God requires it of us but He also gives it as a gift (Eph 2:8-9). Our faith is not the meritorious basis of our justification, but rather Christ and His righteousness alone merits our justification.”
• From week 12, Romans 5: “Faith looks at what has already taken place, and we put our trust in it. Hope is faith looking forward, trusting God will do what He has said.”
• From week 35, Romans 10: “If we don’t listen to the Law, we will never see our need for the Gospel.”

This book has many nuggets for the Holy Spirit to nudge, challenge and encourage my walk with the Triune God. It takes seven weeks just to go through Romans 8. There is just so much to take in and digest, and it is such a blessing!

This book would be a great Christmas present for others or yourself to bless the coming new year.