Reading Romans

Romans is strategically placed right after Acts for a simple reason; it's a perfect read to understand the basic principles of Christianity. Paul wrote this letter to help new Christians understand more about their faith. The book is keyed on sacrifice, salvation, Christian living, and righteousness.

Paul wrote this letter to the Romans, who hadn't heard any apostolic teaching outside of the Gospel. Because of this, they were beginners in the faith, and they needed some sound, strict doctrine. 

Paul reminds everyone that we are all in the same boat. Spiritually, we all start in the same place; as sinners. However, the same gift of grace and salvation has been given to us all through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. This sacrifice is a gift, because we don't deserve eternal life. Instead as Paul explains, for our sinful lives we deserve death; eternal death. Jesus came and wiped away that debt, and gave us the opportunity of eternal life if we'll only choose to believe in Him.

Past that, Paul also goes into deep depth in terms of righteousness. Righteousness is what we should strive for, with Jesus as the perfect model. As Christians, that is of utmost importance. We must be striving for righteousness, rather then be stuck in our old behaviours, our old mind, our old will. With Jesus, we should always be working on changing our lives for the better.

Wordpress