The Book of Romans - The Saving Work of God

“God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.”  – Romans 3:25-26

The Book of Romans is a letter originally written to the Christians living in Rome by the Apostle Paul.  It is the longest Pauline letter in the Bible as well as the most theological.  Romans has played an immense role in the development of theological thought through the history of the Church.  Augustine of Hippo in the 4th Century, Martin Luther in the 16th Century, John Wesley in the 18th Century, and Karl Barth in the 19th Century all framed large aspects of their theological thought around sections of Paul’s letter to the Romans.

As with all of Paul’s letters, there are many themes and specific situations that Paul seeks to address through his letter, but the overarching message throughout his words to the Romans is an articulation of the saving work of God in Christ.  Paul focuses on helping the Romans really understand the radical work God has accomplished through Jesus and the implications for Jewish people and the Christian church alike.
 
The letter contains many powerful passages that reiterate the unworthiness of all people and yet the gracious action of God through Jesus to redeem and save us despite our sin.