Paul’s letter to the Romans is one of the most theologically packed letters in the New Testament. The thought of condensing all that theology into one blog post is rather frightening! But I thought I would write about Romans in a different way. Last year my Sunday School class did a study on Romans; I began the study by reading the book and underlining key words. Those key words will help shape this brief review of Romans.
Paul begins by talking about faith and the the differences between the righteous and the unrighteous. By 1:23 Paul tells how humanity has “exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for an image of the form of corruptible man” and “they exchanged the truth of God for a lie” (1:23, 25).
Then the concepts of law and judgement are introduced--who can pass judgement? Are we judged according to the Law (the Torah?). Paul also talks about the importance of circumcision--but not the circumcision of the body, the circumcision of the heart. Is Jewishness important? Yes, because they were the first chosen people of God. But those who have the circumcision of the heart have the faithfulness which leads to righteousness. A key verse: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (3:23). Even Abraham, the father of the Jewish faith, was justified by his faith and not only by his circumcision.
The concept of grace--the free gift which justifies--is introduced next. All are sinners, under condemnation, but God’s grace sets us free. As it says in a set of verses known as the “Roman Road:” “For the wages of sin in death...” (6:23a). “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (5:8). “...but the free gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (6:23b). Paul does ask an important question, though. “Shall we sin because we are not under the law but under grace?” (6:15).
Paul discusses the difference between a life dedicated to the spirit, which is life, and a life dedicated to the flesh, which is death. He writes more often quoted verses: “Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (8:1)
“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose” (8:28).
“But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us” (8:37).
After this Paul deals with the fact that the Jews originally rejected Christ, so the Gentiles were also welcomed as believers. The Gentiles have not replaced the Jews as God’s chosen people, but they have been grafted into the vine. The Jews still need to know about the Messiah, Christ, but many have rejected this message. God has not rejected the nation of Israel completely, however. There is still hope for those who trust in Christ.
Finally, taking into consideration all that Paul has told the Romans--and, by extension, us--about the Law, faith, and righteousness, Paul writes this: “Therefore, I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship” (12:1). When you read this verse in context, after reading all that comes before it, the words have so much more meaning.
The last 4 chapters of Romans tell us how to put these words into practice. Christians are to live using our spiritual gifts, but also to follow the laws of the land. We are to bear one another’s burdens, sharing the gospel with those we meet. Paul also has plans to visit Rome...eventually. (He will get there, but not in the way he plans.) The final chapter is a roll call of the faithful in Rome, Paul’s friends that he misses and wants to see in person eventually.
There is far to much in Romans to properly cover in one blog post! Take the time to read this wonderful letter for yourself. And as Paul says, “to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, be the glory forever. Amen.” (16:27)
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