The book of Romans is the closest that God affords us in his word of a systematic treatment of theology. It is the most complete presentation of God's plan of salvation. The author is the apostle Paul, and the intended original audience is the church in Rome. But what a joy it must have been when these Roman Christians heard the whole process of their salvation unfolded to them!

The theme of the book is justification by faith. Paul's purpose is to develop thoroughly this glorious truth upon which the church will stand or fall. For only through understanding the doctrine of justification by faith can one understand the point of the life and death of Christ, the reality of his salvation, and its clear implications for time and eternity.

Paul begins by painting the picture of a humanity that is fallen and depraved. So sinful is man that he stands under the condemnation of God. The pagan, Gentile world is condemned under sin (chapter 1), the Jews are equally condemned by their failure to keep their law (chapter 2), and thus all the word stands condemned, with no one found who does good, no not one (chapter 3)! But the wonderful truth which Paul is privileged to set forth, beginning in 3:21, is that a righteousness from God is revealed from heaven by which ungodly sinners are declared righteous, freely, by God's grace, through the redemption that comes from Christ. God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement which fully satisfied his justice, and now allows man, by grace, to stand before God.

Paul offers Abraham as his example, asserting that we are justified in the same way Abraham was, by faith, before and apart from good works (chapter 4). When Adam sinned, mankind was constituted sinners (5:12-19), but the second Adam, Jesus, through his obedience, instigates our declaration of righteousness.

From the end of chapter 5 to the end of chapter 11, Paul essentially answers questions that would arise from the presentation of the doctrine of justification by faith. He knew his audience, both Jews and Gentiles, would have concerns. This doctrine was new and different from what they had learned. If justification is a free gift and secures our forgiveness, shall we then just go on sinning? If God uses even man's sin to accomplish his sovereign purpose, would we help God out by sinning all the more? Do we still struggle with sin after we have been justified? (Paul uses his own struggle with sin as a personal example of the answer to this question in chapter 7.) How can we be secure in Christ if we still sin? This question leads Paul to the greatest affirmation of Christian security in Scripture, what is probably the apex of the Bible, Romans chapter 8. It begins with the declaration that there is now no condemnation to those in Christ, and ends with the promise that nothing in creation can separate us from the love of God in Christ!

But if God has sovereignly chosen us for salvation, called, justified, and glorified us, thus assuring our salvation, isn't that unfair of God, seeing that not all are chosen? How can God hold us accountable if he acts thus sovereignly? Paul explains the concept of divine sovereignty and election in chapter 9. His conclusion is that salvation does not depend on man's will or effort, but upon God's mercy (Rom. 9:16).

He continues to use the question and answer format to explain how man responds in faith and obedience, and how God uses the message and the messenger to call people to Him (chapter 10). He deals more fully in chapter 11 with the nagging question of what about Paul's fellow-Jews who have at present rejected Christ. He concludes the theological portion with a great hymn of praise to God, and then turns to practical concerns about living out the blessing of salvation in our personal life of sacrifice and praise, in fulfilling our ministry, and in living in an appropriate relationship with our fellow-Christians and with the government (chapters 12-16).

You are encouraged to read this letter carefully, and to contact us for further information. En Gedi Ministries will soon have available a complete and detailed study of the book of Romans.