The book of Romans is one of the most theologically rich books in the Bible. Written by the apostle Paul, it addresses many profound truths about salvation, righteousness, faith, works, law, grace, predestination, Israel, and more. Here are some common questions people have about Romans:
What is the overall message of Romans?
The overriding theme of Romans is the righteousness that comes from God. Paul systematically explains the gospel – how sinful humanity can be made right with holy God through faith in Jesus Christ. Key verses include Romans 1:16-17: “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.'”
What does Romans teach about salvation?
A major emphasis in Romans is how sinful people can be justified, or declared righteous before God. Paul explains in Romans 3-5 how both Jews and Gentiles are under the power of sin (3:9) and no one can be justified by works of the law (3:20). The only way of salvation is through faith in Christ, who bore our sins on the cross so we could become the righteousness of God (3:21-26; 4:25; 5:19). We are justified freely by God’s grace as a gift, received through faith (3:24; 5:1).
What is the meaning of “dead to sin and alive to God” in Romans 6?
In Romans 6, Paul describes the believer’s union with Christ in His death and resurrection. Even though Christians still struggle with sin, through faith we have died with Christ and have been set free from sin’s mastery over us (6:2-7). Just as Christ was raised to new life, we also now walk in newness of life and are alive to God (6:8-11). This should motivate us not to let sin reign in our bodies but to live unto righteousness (6:12-14).
How are faith and works related in Romans?
Paul makes it clear in Romans 4:1-5 that salvation is “to the one who does not work but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness.” Faith alone, not works, justifies us before God. Yet genuine faith will inevitably produce good works. We are saved “for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (Eph 2:10). Romans 6:1-23 explains how faith in Christ frees us from sin’s control so we can bear fruit for God.
What is the role of God’s law according to Romans?
Paul teaches the Mosaic law was given to reveal sin, not to justify (Romans 3:19-20; 4:15; 5:13, 20; 7:7-12). The law makes us aware of our sin and need for Christ, but keeping the law cannot make us righteous. The law is good and holy, but we are unable to keep it perfectly because of our sin nature (7:12, 14). Through Christ, we have died to the law and now serve God in the new way of the Spirit (7:4-6).
What does Romans 9 teach about election?
Romans 9:6-29 explores God’s sovereign choice of Jacob over Esau and believers over unbelievers. Paul explains that God’s election is not based on human works but on His mercy and sovereign will (9:15-16). Some vessels are prepared for destruction to display God’s wrath while others are prepared for glory to display His grace (9:22-23). Yet God is not unjust because all deserve wrath (9:14). Those who reject the gospel are responsible (9:30-10:4).
What is Israel’s status in Romans 11?
In Romans 9-11, Paul tackles the question of what happened to Israel according to God’s promises. He explains only some Jews have rejected the gospel, not all (11:1-10). Their transgression has led to salvation for Gentiles, and Israel’s hardening is temporary until the full number of Gentiles comes to faith (11:11-25). God still has promises and covenant love for ethnic Israel and will graft them back in spiritually (11:26-29).
How are strong and weak Christians to get along in Romans 14?
In Romans 14, Paul gives principles for relationships between Christians with differences over disputable matters like food laws or holy days (14:1-6). We are not to judge or despise one another over debatable issues but accept one another in Christ (14:1, 3, 10). The strong must lovingly limit their freedom to not cause the weak to stumble (14:13-15, 21). Whatever our convictions, we do all for the Lord (14:5-9).
What are the spiritual gifts mentioned in Romans 12?
In Romans 12:6-8 Paul mentions the gifts of prophecy, service, teaching, exhortation, generosity, leadership, and mercy. All believers have gifts to serve others and build up the body of Christ. The gifts differ “according to the grace given to us” (12:6). As each member does its part, the church functions properly and believers are unified in Christ (12:4-5). Spiritual gifts are for the common good, not self-edification (1 Cor 12:7).
These are just some of the key questions and topics addressed in the meaty book of Romans. Studying this epistle carefully yields great insight into core biblical doctrines of sin, salvation, righteousness, faith, law, grace, election, Israel, practical Christian living, and more.
