“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, ‘The righteous shall live by faith.’” Romans 1:16-17 ESV
All roads lead to Rome it was once said.
It can also be said all paths lead to Romans, the glorious book we have in front of us for the next couple of weeks.
For in the Book of Romans, we have the power of the gospel, the plight of mankind and our rebellion, the grand themes of God’s mercy, love and justice, salvation, Jesus’s work on the cross, the gospel of grace, justification and sanctification.
Some have called Romans the “Bible in the Bible”. Others the “Fort Knox of biblical doctrine.”
Romans is Paul’s most complete systematic treatment of the Gospel and what it really means.
Seventy-five percent of Bible teachers say that if they could only teach one book it would be Romans.
I have had the pleasure of teaching through Romans a couple of times in the past couple of years.
It has had a profound impact on me personally as I have worked through the majesty of this book.
In Romans we have a systematic description of God’s eternal plan for the salvation of sinners – people like you and me.
Here we learn the truth of our human condition – our complete ruin in sin and God’s perfect remedy in Christ.
Romans sets forth the simple yet perfect and glorious remedy for our condition – justification by faith apart from works of the law.
We cannot earn salvation, grace by faith is a free gift.
Here are a few quotes from his introduction to this great work.
“Romans has probably been the object of more intense study by more highly intelligent and motivated individuals than any other document in human history.”
“To study this book is to walk in the footsteps, not only of the apostle Paul, but of such theological and pastoral giants as Martin Luther, John Calvin, Robert Haldane, Charles Hodge, D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones, and many others.”
Boice goes on to say that Christianity is the most powerful, transforming force in human history – and the book of Romans is the most basic, most comprehensive statement of true Christianity.
As you read through this great book, take your time, explore the themes slowly, allow the Holy Spirit to transform you as you journey through this book, for in it the righteous of God is revealed.
Central Christian Church 