There is only one gospel. It is the good news of Christ crucified, of which Paul says he is not ashamed. In sum it proclaims, “that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3–4). Indeed, Romans is written to expound the gospel. Chapter 8 opens in celebration of it with a unique emphasis on the part and power of the Holy Spirit. Salvation is gloriously trinitarian. The inestimable work of Christ is not left to sinners to apply. Not only does the Spirit regenerate the sinner, apply the atoning blood of Christ, and condition and pattern their new mind to abide, He also takes up residence within them as the guarantee of a salvation yet to be fully realized. The greatness of Christ’s work is applied through the greatness of the Spirit’s work. This is the message that Paul here proclaims. It is the gospel of the Holy Spirit.
