Romans

Romans presents Paul's most systematic theology, explaining the gospel's power for salvation to everyone who believes. Writing to a church he hasn't visited, Paul introduces himself as apostle to the Gentiles and expresses desire to visit Rome. He declares the gospel as God's power for salvation, revealing God's righteousness through faith. Paul then demonstrates universal human guilt—Gentiles suppress truth about God revealed in creation, exchanging glory of the immortal God for idols, resulting in God giving them over to degrading passions and depraved minds.

Jews possess the law but break it, making their circumcision worthless. All humanity is under sin—none righteous, none seeking God, all falling short of God's glory. Justification comes not through law-keeping but through faith in Jesus Christ. God demonstrates His love by Christ dying for sinners while they were yet ungodly.

Just as sin and death entered through Adam's disobedience, righteousness and life come through Christ's obedience. Those baptized into Christ died to sin and are raised to walk in newness of life. Believers are no longer slaves to sin but slaves to righteousness and God, resulting in sanctification and eternal life. The law reveals sin but cannot deliver from it.

Paul agonizes over doing evil he doesn't want while failing to do good he desires. Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ! No condemnation exists for those in Christ Jesus. The Spirit's law of life sets believers free from sin and death's law.

The Spirit testifies with our spirit that we're God's children, heirs with Christ. Present sufferings don't compare with coming glory. Creation groans awaiting redemption, and the Spirit helps in weakness, interceding with groans. Nothing separates believers from God's love in Christ.

Paul expresses anguish over Israel's rejection of Messiah despite their privileges. God's word hasn't failed—not all Israel is truly Israel. God shows mercy on whom He wills. Israel pursued righteousness through works rather than faith, stumbling over Christ.

If they confess Jesus as Lord and believe God raised Him, they'll be saved—for everyone who calls on the Lord's name will be saved. Faith comes by hearing God's word. Israel's hardening allows Gentile inclusion, but God hasn't rejected His people. When the fullness of Gentiles comes, all Israel will be saved.

Paul urges believers to present bodies as living sacrifices, to be transformed by renewed minds, to use gifts according to faith, to love genuinely, to bless persecutors, to live at peace with all. Submit to governing authorities. Love fulfills the law. Receive the weak in faith without disputes.

The kingdom of God is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. Welcome one another as Christ welcomed you.