Romans

The epistle to the Romans is Paul's magnum opus or master-piece exposition on the righteousness of God. The Romans Road to salvation has been used by many Christians as an effective tool for evangelism. For those who do not have any resources other than the Bible, this is one way to share the good news, so take a good look at the key verses and memorize them.

Unlike his other letters, this epistle was written to a church he had never founded and for a group of believers he had hardly met. However, at the end of this letter, Paul listed twenty-six names of people, possibly from that church which he came into contact in his missionary journeys. It was his means to touch base with the Roman believers through their friendships.

Romans is written in a Q&A style, an example of systematic approach to the study of doctrines covering essential topics such as justification by faith, sanctification in holy living, and glorification through hope. Key words like sin, righteousness, faith and law are frequently mentioned and emphasized in the context of Christ's redemptive work. The result is an eloquent presentation of the gospel that not only appeals to the learned mind but also the listening heart of the willing seeker.

But, like Paul's other letters, Romans is more than just solid theology to stir and satisfy the scholarly minded; it also contains practical exhortations for every believer on how to live out the redeemed life. Our position in Christ should be the basis for practical daily Christian living.

1:17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

OUTLINE OF ROMANS

1. Revelation of God's Righteousness (1:1-8:39)
        a. Prologue (1:1-17)
        b. Condemnation (1:18-3:20)
         Gentiles are judged by their Conscience
         Jews are judged by the Law of God
        c. Justification (3:21-5:21)
         Apart from Works, Circumcision and the Law
         Only through Faith in Christ
        d. Sanctification (6:1-8:39)
         Dying to Sin, Living for God
         Adoption to Sonship and Glory
2. Vindication of God's Righteousness (9:1-11:36)
        a. God's Sovereignty through Election (9:1-29)
         Jews as God's Chosen People
        b. God's Mercy through Judgment (9:30-10:21)
         Gentiles become Beneficiaries
        c. God's Mercy through Restoration (11:1-36)
         Israel to be Revived in the Appointed Time
3. Application of God's Righteousness (12:1-15:13)
        a. The Christian's Duties (12:1-13:14)
         To God—Living Sacrifice
         To Church and Community—Serve and Love
         To Authority—Submit and Honor
         To the World—Walk as Children of Light 
        b. The Christian's Liberty (14:1-15:13)
         Principles and Practices
4. Ending Note (15:14-16:27)
        a. Paul's Mission (15:14-21)
        b. Paul's Desire (15:22-33)
        c. Personal Greetings (16:1-24)
        d. Benediction (16:25-27)