ROMANS

ROMANS

ROMANS

Paul was on his third missionary journey when he wrote the epistle to the Romans, probably from Corinth. He had long planned to visit the believers in Rome, many of whom he knew (chap. 16), and this letter prepared the way. In the letter, he answers the false accusations made about him (3:8; 6:1) and explains why he had not visited Rome sooner (15:23–29). He also gives the grandest presentation of Christian doctrine found anywhere in Scripture.

Romans is one of three books written to explain Habakkuk 2:4: “The just shall live by his faith” (Rom. 1:17; Gal. 3:11; Heb. 10:38). The basic theme is “the just,” what it means to be justified (declared righteous by God) and to live a righteous life. Righteousness is used in one form or another over forty times.

The book easily falls into three parts: God’s righteousness and salvation (chaps. 1–8), God’s righteousness and Israel (chaps. 9–11), and God’s righteousness and practical Christian living (chaps. 12–16). Romans 1:16–17 is a key statement.

Romans is a closely knit argument that defends the righteousness of God. You can summarize the argument by noting the verses containing “therefore” (3:20, 28; 5:1; 8:1; 12:1).

Justification is God’s gracious act by which He declares the believing sinner righteous in Jesus Christ because of the work of Christ on the cross. When you believe, Christ’s righteousness is imputed, that is, “put to your account.” Sanctification is God’s work in the believer whereby He imparts His righteousness and develops holy character and conduct. A righteous standing before God leads to a holy life before men. We are not saved by works or by faith plus works; we are saved by a faith that works (James 2:14–26).

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