As you are probably aware, the Apostle Paul (formerly Saul the self-righteous Pharisee and persecutor of Christians) traveled throughout much of the Roman Empire sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ and establishing churches and church leaders from those who believed the Gospel. From his “home church” in Antioch in Syria (where the followers of the Way were first called “Christians”), Paul embarked on three “Missionary Journeys” spanning a ten year period. As Paul stayed for a season in one location or another (sometimes in prison), he would receive word from his traveling companions and/or curriers that a certain church was having some moral or social problems, or even some controversies over theology, and Paul decided that they needed some help and direction with the issues they were facing. It was then that Paul would send a letter to a particular church through one of those curriers who carried his letters to the church of concern. The Book of Romans is one of those letters, written from Corinth in about AD 57, during his third Missionary Journey.

Romans is the first of Paul’s letters listed in the New Testament. Although others were written earlier, this is the one that has traditionally been listed first, possibly because Romans is a book that jumps right into the heart of Christian theology and practice. Furthermore, there are two letters addressed to two different churches in which Paul did not “plant,” nor had he yet traveled to that location, and Romans (sent to the church in Rome) is one of those churches, and Colossians (sent to the church in Colossae) is the other. Note: Paul would later travel to Rome, but the church had already been “planted” prior to his arrival. Although there were Jewish believers in this church, it appears that the congregation was predominantly composed of gentile converts to Christ. 

Paul’s letter to the Christians in Rome explores the significance of Jesus’ sacrificial death for our sins. Using a “question and answer” format, Romans records the most systematic presentation of doctrine in the Bible. But it is more than a book of theology, as it also provides much practical guidance for faithful Christian living. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is more than facts to be believed, but is also a life to be lived. And that life is a life of righteousness that is in line with a person who has been “justified” as a gift of His grace.

Someone did some counting, and it’s interesting to note that the words righteousness, faith. Law, and sin each appear more than 60 times in this letter. Here are some of the most important and meaningful verses in the Book of Romans.

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Gentile. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, ‘The righteous man shall live by faith’” (Rom. 1:16-17).

Paul knew that the Gospel had the power to transform a person’s life, providing salvation from the penalty and power of sin for all who believe. Furthermore, Paul is clear about the fact that the one who has been made righteous through the blood of Christ should also live out their lives “by faith,” trusting in the goodness and power of God to accomplish all of His will in and through the one who trusts God. But Paul has more to say,

“But apart from the Law, the righteousness of God has been manifested,…even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified as a free gift of His grace through the redemption that we have in Christ Jesus (Rom. 3:21-24).

Paul makes it clear that every one of us has sinned and fallen short of God’s glory, and therefore, God extends His grace to all who believe, offering God’s righteousness as a free gift of His grace. The legal process is called “justification,” and it involves receiving the righteousness of God, in other words, declaring us as “right” in the eyes of God. This righteousness breaks down the wall of separation between us and God.

Furthermore, in order for us to understand that salvation comes by faith and not by works, Paul directs the reader to the first book in the Bible (Genesis 15:6) where Paul reminds his readers that even before God directed the Jewish people to be circumcised, God honored Abraham’s faith because he believed in God’s promises, and therefore,

“Faith was reckoned to Abraham as righteousness…” (Rom. 4:9).

And because it is by faith that we are made righteous,

“… we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (Rom. 5:1).

A person’s most important need, even greater than the need to be loved and affirmed, is to have “Peace with God.” This peace comes as a result of having our sins forgiven and righteousness imparted to us. Keep in mind that having the “peace of God” is different that having “peace with God.” Those who have “peace with God” are the only ones who can truly experience the “peace of God” in their daily lives. Furthermore,

“There is no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death” (Rom. 8:1-2).

What a wonderful proclamation this is – If you are “in Christ,” then you will not be condemned either in this life, or in the next. Salvation is assured, and we should not let anyone condemn us for our shortcomings or for our faith in Christ.

After Paul provided an abundance of theological truths in the first 11 chapters, he then offers the practical application of his theological statements noted above.

“I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship (Rom. 12:1)

 Paul is saying the true worship is the offering of ourselves as living sacrifices (not dead ones) and that our lives will be “holy and acceptable” to God. This is what God wants with each of our lives. But Paul didn’t end there,

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect” (Rom. 12:2). 

I believe that his is one of the most crucial aspects of a Christian’s life, that is, having our minds transformed through the process of renewal, that is, dwelling on the truths and principles revealed in God’s Word. By having our minds “transformed” and “renewed,” we will be able to discern that God’s will for us is good, acceptable, and indeed, perfect.

If we will take all of Paul’s theology in the Book of Romans and combine it with practical Christian living, then we will live full, rich, and meaningful lives that will honor Christ and bless the world. So, let’s not wait any longer. If you know that you will not be condemned if you are “in Christ” (Rom. 8:1), then go out and live your life “full out” for His glory.

Peggy and I want to encourage you this Christmas season to remember that Jesus is the Light of the World. He came to bring Hope and not discouragement! So, please spread His Hope!

We Love you and Wish You Many Blessings.