NOV 14

Romans 1:16-17

Memorise Romans 1:16

“…for whomsoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved...”

WHAT IS THE MAIN THEME OF ROMANS?

The main theme of Romans is that all Man has sinned and need salvation through Jesus Christ by grace through faith. It sums up the message of the Bible, explaining how God’s plan for salvation holds true both in the Old Testament with His chosen nation in Israel and in the New Testament where the Gospel was preached to the Gentiles. Paul explains in the first 3 chapters how all Man has sinned and “come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Establishing this truth first of all is essential for one to understand and recognize one’s need for salvation. Chapter 1 describes how the Gentiles have sinned and rejected God despite knowing of His existence through creation (Romans 1:20-21). Chapter 2 then rebukes the Jews for also disobeying God despite having the privilege of being the receivers of the Law and God’s Word spoken through the Patriarchs and the Prophets. Chapter 3 proclaims with certainty that all Man is guilty and is condemned to God’s judgment.

Chapters 4-5 then explain God’s plan for salvation. Despite being sinners on death row, “God commendeth His love toward us (Romans 5:8) and “we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son” (Romans 5:10). We can do nothing to attain this salvation for it is not by works but by grace through faith that we are saved. Chapter 5 explains that just as sin and death entered the race of Man through one man in Adam, salvation and eternal life came to Man through one man as well, in Jesus Christ. Likewise, as both the Jews and Gentiles have sinned, both are also able to be saved through Christ (Romans 1:16). “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:13). Abraham and the believers who lived before Christ “believed God and it was counted unto [them] for righteousness” (Rom 4:3) as they looked forward to the Saviour. We, who look back to Christ’s redeeming work on the cross and believe in faith, also receive salvation by grace and have Christ’s righteousness imputed in us (Romans 4:24-25).

Indeed God’s plan of salvation is so marvellous! Have you fully understood that you are a sinner and in need of God’s salvation? Or are you still living a life of sin and trying to earn your way into God’s kingdom? Repent now and receive the free gift of salvation.

Thought: How would you explain the above to an unbeliever?
Prayer: Thank You, Lord, for Thy gift of salvation, so rich and so free!