Romans: Theology for Everybody (1-5)Sample

After Paul described the content of the Gospel of Jesus (Romans 1:3-4) and completed the introduction of his letter to the church at Rome (1:1-15), he concludes his opening thoughts by introducing the Power of the Gospel to reveal the Righteousness of God and provide Salvation to everyone who believes in the Gospel by Faith (1:16-17). 

Paul then transitions his thoughts to the universal unrighteousness of all people and the subsequent wrath of God for all sinners (1:18- 3:20). Paul’s indictment of all people is strong and thorough. He declares that God is righteous, has given us His law to obey, that we have all broken His good law and become unrighteous, and are therefore separated from the good and perfect God. 

Paul further declares that there is absolutely nothing that we can do to remedy our lost condition in sin. God has therefore been just, and our damnation is deserved and right. Paul then returns to proclaiming the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus in 3:21-31 by which the sinner is declared righteous before God, and made right with God, by faith in and grace from Jesus Christ.

This section of Romans is one of the most important texts in the entirety of the Protestant Reformation. It has been summarized as:

•Scripture Alone – only the Bible reveals the Gospel completely and perfectly, not the traditions or thoughts of men.

•Grace Alone – we are saved from the penalty of our sin solely by God’s Grace, not our efforts, as Jesus lived the righteous life we have not lived and paid the ultimate price we should have paid.

•Faith Alone – we are saved from the penalty of our sin solely by placing Faith in Jesus’ work on our behalf, not on our works.

•Christ Alone – we are saved from the penalty of our sin by Jesus alone, not by anyone or anything else in addition to or in place of Christ.

•To God be the Glory – we are to give glory, thanks, and praise to God alone for our salvation, not to anyone or anything else.

As you read this passage, highlight the key phrases that relate to the above four points and try to restate them in your own words.

Reflection:

• How is it a humbling relief to trust that, if you have Jesus, you have everything to be right with God? What burdens does this lift for you personally?
• Do you have a hard time believing or living out any of the five summary statements (eg. not adding to the Bible, receiving grace, not working to be saved, not taking credit for salvation)? Why?