Lord’s Library editors created this introductory guide to the Gospel in Romans to showcase how the Scriptures reveal salvation by grace through faith in Romans.
The Book of Romans, authored by the Apostle Paul, is often considered the most comprehensive theological treatise on the Gospel in the New Testament. Written to the believers in Rome, this epistle systematically unpacks the doctrine of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ. Central to Paul’s message is the profound truth articulated in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, emphasizing that salvation is a gift of God, rooted in the finished work of Christ on the cross.
The overarching theme of Romans is the righteousness of God revealed in the Gospel. Paul meticulously explains how all humanity, both Jew and Gentile, stands guilty before God due to sin (Romans 3:23). However, the epistle also heralds the Good News that God’s righteousness is available to all who believe in Jesus Christ (Romans 3:21-22). This revelation of God’s righteousness through faith apart from the law underscores the inclusivity and universality of the Gospel.
Romans also delves deeply into the transformative power of the Gospel. Paul discusses how believers are united with Christ in His death and resurrection, leading to a newness of life (Romans 6:4). This union with Christ not only guarantees our justification but also initiates a process of sanctification, whereby we are progressively conformed to His image (Romans 8:29). The Gospel thus brings about both a legal change in our standing before God and a moral transformation in our daily lives.
The Gospel in Romans
The Gospel in Romans Showcased in Scripture
- Romans 1:16-17: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.”
Romans 1:16-17 proclaims that the Gospel is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes, both Jews and Gentiles. It reveals God’s righteousness, which is by faith from start to finish, and affirms that the righteous will live by faith.
- Romans 3:23-24: “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.”
Romans 3:23-24 states that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, but are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.
- Romans 3:28: “Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.”
Romans 3:28 asserts that a person is justified by faith, apart from the deeds of the law.
- Romans 4:4-5: “Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.”
Romans 4:4-5 contrasts two types of people: those who work and receive wages as a due, and those who do not work but believe in God who justifies the ungodly. It emphasizes that faith, rather than works, is credited as righteousness.
- Romans 5:1: “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Romans 5:1 states that being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
- Romans 5:8-9: “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.”
Romans 5:8-9 highlights God’s love for us, demonstrated by Christ’s death while we were still sinners. It further assures that having been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from God’s wrath through Him.
- Romans 6:23: “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Romans 6:23 contrasts the consequences of sin and the gift of God. It states that the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
- Romans 8:1: “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”
Romans 8:1 declares that there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.
- Romans 10:9-10: “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.”
Romans 10:9-10 explains that if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. It further clarifies that belief in the heart leads to righteousness, and confession with the mouth leads to salvation.
- Romans 10:13: “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
Romans 10:13 emphasizes the universality of salvation, stating that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved.
- Romans 11:6: “And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.”
Romans 11:6 distinguishes between grace and works, stating that if salvation is by grace, then it cannot be based on works; otherwise, grace would no longer be grace.
These verses from Romans powerfully articulate the message of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, underscoring the themes of grace, justification by faith, and the transformative power of the Gospel.
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Furthermore, Romans addresses the assurance and hope that believers have in Christ. Paul articulates the security of those who are in Christ, affirming that nothing can separate us from the love of God (Romans 8:38-39). This assurance is grounded in the unshakeable truth of God’s sovereign purpose and promises, offering believers unwavering confidence in their salvation.
As we examine these pivotal verses in Romans, it becomes clear that the epistle not only conveys the fundamental truths of the Gospel but also demonstrates its profound impact on individual lives and the broader scope of God’s redemptive plan. Romans stands as a testament to the power, depth, and breadth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, inspiring us to embrace and proclaim this life-changing message with boldness and conviction.
Lord's Library is a Christian resource hub. Our editors use a variety of internet research methods like search engines, audio and video, AI, consultations with ministry leaders in the field, and more. Lord's Library should never be a substitute for reading your Bible daily as the Scriptures are to be our final authority on all matters. Lord's Library participates in affiliate programs. We may make a small commission from products purchased through this resource.
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