Have you been following along as I dig into the book of Romans? I stalled out a bit when I got the opportunity to write a book for a traditional publisher. (Follow along to stay updated on that journey.) Now I’m ready to pick up where I left off and finish strong.
Before we move on, let’s do a quick recap.
The Book of Romans has been called by some the “constitution of Christianity.” The Apostle Paul wrote this letter to the Christians in Rome as he prepared to visit them. It is an organized and carefully presented statement of our faith and a solid foundation to build on. It reveals the starting point – the holiness of God, the sinfulness of mankind, the mercy of God, and the sacrifice of Christ. Then it uncovers the journey of a new life with an eternal purpose.
Romans is a clear and methodical presentation of Christian Doctrine and practical application that reminds us of what we believe and shows us how to live it out.
Paul was bold for the gospel. He was not ashamed to proclaim the truth about the Way of Jesus even if it meant imprisonment or death. His ability to be bold came from the power of Christ in him, and the same power lives in you and me today. In an increasingly gospel-hostile world, we can stand for the truth of the Word of God because of the power of Christ in us.
Part of the reason Paul needed boldness to preach the gospel is that the starting point is an uncomfortable reality that people don’t want to hear. The world is on a crash course with God’s judgment, and it ends with his wrath. Despite the undeniable evidence of his glory and grace, people have chosen their own way and rebelled against the truth of God. God takes sin seriously, and patterns of sin that become a way of life characterize people who have chosen to live life on their own terms. We are all without excuse and in desperate need of mercy. The wrath of God is real, but fortunately, so is the love of God. (Romans 1 & 2)
The bad news is bad, but the good news is incredible!
The bad news is we’re all a hot mess. No one is righteous. No one does good. No one seeks God. But when all seemed hopeless, God intervened! He made a way for us to be made righteous despite our hopeless condition. And this Way is available to anyone and everyone who puts their faith in Jesus and in His death and resurrection alone to save them and reconcile them to God. (Romans 3-4)
This was hard for the Jewish believers in Paul’s day. They struggled to set aside the Law as the means to save them. They were still convinced that if they checked all the right boxes, they could be righteous in God’s sight. But the truth is that the Law cannot save anyone because no one can keep it perfectly. (Except Jesus, of course.) And the glorious truth of the gospel is that even when we blow it, the completed work of Jesus Christ on the cross covers our sin.
As Paul unwrapped the good news of the gospel, he shared the amazing realities of our victorious faith, which include reconciliation, peace, and hope. The bad news is bad, but the good news is so incredibly good! Even in the midst of suffering, we can rejoice because nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. (Romans 5)
So, now what?
After sharing the dreadful human condition and God’s glorious salvation plan, Paul unveils the process of sanctification that begins when we are saved. The chain-breaking reality that sin has lost its power over us. A powerful truth the enemy desperately wants us to miss. We no longer have to sin! We are set free! (Romans 6)
Yet as wonderful as freedom from striving is, the Law still matters. We cannot just discard it. God’s Law is good. It is the holy standard and a worthy goal. And although sin has lost its power, it has not lost its influence. We will always struggle with the temptation to sin. Fortunately, God has given us everything we need to live a life that glorifies him.
The Holy Spirit lives in you. You are not helpless and hopeless; you are powerful and free.
To drive home the truth that the saving work of Jesus Christ cannot be undone, Paul introduces what theologians call the Golden Chain. If God is the one who saved you, he will surely keep you. From chosen to called; from called to justified; and from justified to glorified. No matter what comes your way, you are a super conqueror! (Romans 7-8)
One of the best ways to know your salvation is secure is because it doesn’t depend on you. God chose to save you for his glory, not because of your worthiness. And although the Doctrine of Election is difficult to understand, it is a glorious demonstration of God’s great love. The question is not, “Why did God choose some?” The question is, “Why did God choose any?” If you’ve put your faith in Jesus for salvation, you’ve been chosen. Rejoice in his mercy. (Romans 9)
We’re more than halfway through the book of Romans, and now that Paul has laid out the foundational doctrines of our Christian faith, he’s ready to move on to practical application. How then shall we live? But first, a little warning about the stumbling stone.
