Romans 1:16 proclaims, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth…”
How is the Gospel, or God’s Word, quote, “the power of God unto salvation”?
Notice the choice of words in the last part of James 1:21, which gives us the answer: “Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able—that is has the power or ability—to save your souls.”
Much of what passes for the “Gospel” today is merely an arrogant “do-it-yourself” kind of “salvation program.”
This passage is teaching that any receiving is a passive response on our part. The Bible asserts in John 3:27, “A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven.”
But why does James 1:21 say, “meekness”? The Greek word for “meekness” is used three times in the New Testament, and is associated with those who are spiritually “wise” and who have spiritual “hope.”
In other words, only true believers are those who have received with meekness, quote, “the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls…”
Romans 10:17 insists that “faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God…” So, in 1 Thessalonians 1:5 we understand: “For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance…”