Romans is one of the greatest books of the Bible. The apostle Paul wrote Romans to the church and Romans, and this letter contains some of the most beautiful doctrines and theology of the entire Bible. In fact, almost every great revival in history has started out of the book of Romans.
Romans is divided into four main sections: God’s wrath, God’s grace, God’s plan and God’s will. Our God is a holy God. In Him, there is no sin. When man sinned, this brought the wrath of God. The first chapter of Romans describes the total depravity of the Gentiles. The godlessness of the culture of Rome is seen clearly here. But, then in chapter 2, the apostle Paul describes the sinfulness of the Jews. The Jews trusted in works – their own righteousness. However, God’s standard is perfection. So, as Romans 3:23 says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory the glory of God.” Every person that has ever lived has sinned, messed up and will never measure up to God’s perfection. “But, God…”
Where man falls short because of sin, God steps in. Romans 5:8 says, “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners Christ died for us.” What we were powerless to do on our own, Jesus did for us. Jesus took our place. Jesus lived 33 sinless years, and He died on the cross to pay the price that we deserved to pay. This is God’s grace. And, God’s grace is available to each of us.
God’s plan is for all people to come to know Him. Romans describes the Sovereignty of God in salvation in Romans 9 and the free will of man to respond to His grace in Romans 10. This beautiful, holy mystery of God pouring out His love on those who through sin have rebelled against Him. Romans 10:9 says, “If you confess with your mouth Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” Praise be to our great God.
The first eleven chapters of Romans show the depth of God’s grace and of the unmeasurable breath of God’s love. Romans 8 is the pinnacle of Romans as it tells us that “Nothing in all of creation will be able to separate you from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Once you are in Christ – as God draws you to Himself and you ask Him to forgive your sins and receive His grace, you are forever His.” What a promise and what a God!
Romans 12 is called the “hinge” of Romans. From the beautiful doctrine and theology to now the call to live out one’s faith in Jesus. Romans 12:1 says, “Therefore, my brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy (don’t you love that – “in view of God’s mercy” – think about everything that God has done for you through Jesus!) to offer your bodies as living sacrifices holy and pleasing to God for this is your spiritual act of worship.” Once you are saved, you now have this call to live out your faith in your everyday life. Your life should be a living sacrifice for the glory of God. This is God’s will for you.
There is so much more to cover in Romans than we do in one summer, but wow what a journey. From salvation to sanctification, Romans covers it all. If you want to understand the Bible and God’s heart for the world and for you, spend some time diving deep into Romans. Take time to read, pray and study. See God’s wrath toward sin, but also His grace revealed in His Son, Jesus. See God’s plan for the Jews, the Gentiles, the world and for you. Then, come to know the One who made sure this was written down
so that you would know Him. The One who has an awesome plan for your life both today and forever. God loves you with an everlasting love.
My prayer for you out of this Masterclass series comes from Romans 15:13, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Always put your hope in the Lord and know that you are loved. And, who knows, after this study of Romans, maybe a revival will be sparked in each one of our own hearts today.
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