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Romans: The Gospel Explained

Church at the Cross has been studying the book of Romans in a comprehensive series that explores Paul's greatest epistle. This study seeks to deepen the congregation's understanding of core Christian doctrine and the Gospel message.

Why Study Romans?

Pastor J.R. has emphasized three primary reasons for undertaking this extensive study of Romans (Paul: Servant. Set Apart. Sent., 37:51):

Romans is the Greatest New Testament Letter

Romans contains the fullest explanation of the Gospel found anywhere in Scripture. If someone had only the book of Romans and grasped its message, they would personally know God and have assurance of eternal life (Paul: Servant. Set Apart. Sent., 38:25). Many grew up learning the "Romans Road" - key verses from Romans that present the complete Gospel message, including:

  • Romans 3:23 - "for all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God"
  • Romans 6:23 - "the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord"
  • Romans 5:8 - "God demonstrated his love for us in this: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us"
  • Romans 10:9 - regarding confession and belief for salvation

Rich in Christian Doctrine

Romans addresses the deepest questions believers have and should have, creating new categories of understanding about who God is and His saving plan (Paul: Servant. Set Apart. Sent., 39:45). The book will help church members become good theologians, as the broader church today suffers from "errant and shallow theology" (Paul: Servant. Set Apart. Sent., 40:20).

John Calvin wrote about Romans: "when anyone gains a knowledge of this epistle, he has an entrance open to him to all the most Hidden Treasures of scripture" - meaning if you know Romans, you'll know the Bible (Paul: Servant. Set Apart. Sent., 41:15).

God's Powerful Use Throughout Church History

The book of Romans has played a crucial role in personal and corporate renewal throughout church history (Paul: Servant. Set Apart. Sent., 41:47):

  • Augustine was converted after reading Romans 14:13: "put on the Lord Jesus Christ and make no provision for your flesh"
  • Martin Luther discovered justification by faith while teaching Romans, sparking the Reformation
  • John Wesley experienced his heart being "strangely warmed" while hearing Luther's commentary on Romans being read, leading to his conversion and role in the First Great Awakening
  • John Bunyan, author of Pilgrim's Progress, was saved reading Romans

The Opening Verses: Paul's Identity and Mission

The series began with Romans 1:1-6, examining how Paul identifies himself through three key descriptions (Paul: Servant. Set Apart. Sent., 34:40):

Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus - The Greek word "doulos" indicates complete ownership and voluntary submission to Christ.

Called to be an apostle - Paul's apostleship was not self-appointed but divinely called.

Set apart for the gospel of God - Paul was specially designated for the proclamation of the Gospel message.

Luther's Perspective on Romans

Martin Luther called Romans "the chief part of the New Testament and truly the purest gospel," stating it is "worthy not only that every Christian should know it word for word by heart, but also that he should occupy himself with it every day as the Daily Bread of the Soul" (Paul: Servant. Set Apart. Sent., 45:30).

Personal and Corporate Transformation

J.I. Packer wrote that when Romans gets into a person's heart, "there's no telling what may happen." He described it as having unique power to address sinful habits, self-righteousness, unbelief, and worldliness, while evoking "Joy Assurance boldness Liberty and order or passion of spirit which God both requires of and gives to those who love him" (Paul: Servant. Set Apart. Sent., 46:20).

The church has made Romans scripture journals available to aid in personal study and reflection during this series, helping members process God's word more deeply as they hear the weekly teaching.

Through this comprehensive study of Romans, Church at the Cross seeks both personal renewal in individual lives and corporate awakening as a congregation, following the pattern of how God has used this epistle throughout church history to bring revival and spiritual transformation.