Book of Romans has a special place in the Bible. It is one of the most influential book in the lives of many Godly men and women. Church fathers, theologians and great men of God like Saint Augustine, Martin Luther, and John Wesley all have been transformed by this book.
This is a unique book where Christian doctrine is presented in a systematic way. The problem of mankind (sin), his inability to attain right standing before God, God’s gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ, the believer’s struggle with sin, sanctification, God’s sovereignty, Paul’s anguish over Israel, etc. are some of the themes in this book.
Paul establishes that both Jews and gentiles are sinners and no one can give excuses for their sins. The conclusion is “there is no one righteous, not even one.” He makes a statement that removes the pride of Jews because of their race and circumcision. He says in 2:28, 29, “A person is not a Jew who is one only outwardly, nor is circumcision merely outward and physical. No, a person is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code…”
Paul also says “the wages of sin is death”, and then goes on to give the good news that “the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Paul describes the struggle of a believer in these words: “For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.” Then he gives a solution of submitting ourselves as slaves to righteousness and to the Holy Spirit so that we will not gratify the desires of the flesh. He also explains how our life can be victorious when we live under the control of the Holy Spirit.
Paul gives a real definition of worship – a living sacrifice. He also talks about the believer’s life filled with love of God.
There are many things to learn from this fascinating book. Please come and join us as we study the book of Romans this fall.