An Exhortation from the Epistle to the Romans: Manifesto of Christian Life

The 5 Divisions of New Testament Books

1. The Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John

2. History: Acts

3. The Pauline Epistles: Romans, 1 & 2 Corinthians, Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, 1 & 2 Thessalonians, 1 & 2 Timothy, Titus, and Philemon

4. The General Epistles: Hebrews, James, 1 & 2 Peter, 1, 2, & 3 John, and Jude

5. Prophecy: Revelation

Broadly, the New Testament can be summarised into three main sections: The Gospels, History, and Epistles.

The Significance of Rome in the First Century AD

During the 1st century AD, Rome was the epicentre of the Roman Empire, one of the most powerful and influential civilisations in history. Understanding its significance helps us grasp the context in which Paul wrote the epistle to the Romans.

1. Political Power: Rome was the capital of the Roman Empire, which controlled vast territories across Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. The city was the seat of the Emperor and the Roman Senate, making it the political heart of the empire.

2. Economic Hub: As the center of a vast empire, Rome was a major economic hub. It facilitated trade and commerce across its extensive network of roads and sea routes, connecting various regions and promoting economic prosperity.

3. Cultural Influence: Rome was a melting pot of cultures, attracting people from different parts of the empire. It was a center for art, literature, philosophy, and education, influencing cultural developments across the empire.

4. Military Strength: The Roman legions, based in and around Rome, were among the most formidable military forces of the time. Their strength and discipline helped maintain the empire's dominance and secure its borders.

5. Architectural Marvels: Rome was renowned for its impressive architecture and engineering feats, including the Colosseum, aqueducts, and roads. These structures not only showcased Roman ingenuity but also facilitated the city's growth and functionality.

Key Themes in the Book of Romans

Three pivotal words emerge repeatedly in the book of Romans:

1. Law – mentioned 78 times

2. Righteousness – mentioned 66 times

3. Faith – mentioned 62 times

When connected, these terms encapsulate the essence of the epistle: "How we are made righteous before God by the law of faith."

The Impact of Romans on Christian Revivals

The book of Romans has been instrumental in inspiring some of the greatest revivals in Christian history:

• Martin Luther (15th century) – was profoundly impacted by the doctrine of the righteousness of God, which sparked the Protestant Reformation.

• John Wesley (18th century) – was influenced by Martin Luther’s commentary on Romans, leading to the Evangelical Revival spearheaded by John Wesley and Charles.

Every major Christian doctrine is systematically discussed in Romans, making it foundational to Christian theology.

Entire letter to Romans can be divided into four:

1. The wrath of God Romans 1:18 - 3:20 (NIV)

2. The grace of God Romans 3:21 - 8 (NIV)

3. The plan of God Romans 9 - 11 (NIV)

4. The will of God Romans 12 - 16 (NIV)

Paul: The Author of Romans

The apostle Paul, formerly known as Saul, was the author of this epistle. His name carries deep significance:

• Saul – means "Asked of God."

• Paul – means "Little," reflecting his humility and transformed identity in Christ.

Romans 1:1-18 (NIV)

Paul introduces himself in Romans as a bondservant (Greek: doulos), signifying his complete devotion to Christ and separation for the Gospel. He also identifies as an apostle, meaning "sent by God," and a saint, meaning "set apart" for God's purpose.

Romans 2

Salvation is free, but Discipleship is costly: While God's grace provides forgiveness and a relationship with Him without any cost, actively following Jesus and living a life dedicated to Him requires a conscious choice and often involves personal sacrifice.

Salvation can be obtained only in two ways:

1. Through work (Karma Margam)

2. Through Faith (Viswasa Margam)

Romans is talking about justification through faith (Viswasathal ulla neetheekaranam)

Old Testament is justification through work

Soteriology: Salvation theology- Romans, 1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians and Galatians.

2. Moralist

3. Religionist

Moralist: Vs: 1-11

A person who teaches and promotes morality. Busy pointing out other man’s mistake.

Heart of a moralist is stubborn & unrepentant

How we should be:

· Point others sin in humility

· Practice first in personal life, then at home, then at church

· God’s kindness is to lead to repentance(vs:4)

Vs:6: God will repay according to work

Vs:9: Trouble for every human being who does evil

Vs: 11: God doesn’t show favoritism

Religionist: Vs: 12-29

A person who is comfort with the knowledge of Bible.

How we should be:

· Those who know the word of God should obey it

· Work of God need to start with faith in God.

Steps of Faith

1. Faith Begins with Hearing the Word:

Romans 10:17 (NIV)

"Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word about Christ."

🔹 Explanation: Faith starts when a person hears the gospel. It's not blind or random—it’s a response to divine revelation.

2. Faith must be confessed : Believing in the Heart and Confessing with the Mouth

Romans 10:9-10 (NIV)

"If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved."

3. Faith must be tested:

James 1:2-3 (NIV)

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance."

1 Peter 1:6-7 (NIV)

"...your faith—of greater worth than gold... may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honour when Jesus Christ is revealed."

🔹 Explanation: Trials refine faith like fire refines gold. Tested faith is deeper, stronger, and more precious.

4. Faith must be worked out:

Philippians 2:12-13 (NIV)

"Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed... continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfil his good purpose."

James 2:17 (NIV)

"In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead."

🔹 Explanation: Genuine faith transforms how we live. It doesn’t earn salvation, but it proves it through obedience and good works.

5. Faith Perseveres until the end:

Hebrews 10:38-39 (NIV)

"But my righteous one will live by faith. And I take no pleasure in the one who shrinks back."

🔹 Explanation: True faith endures. It holds fast to God even through hardship, doubt, and suffering.

Hebrews 11:1 (NIV)

"Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see."

🔹 Explanation: Faith is forward-looking. It trusts God’s promises even when they’re not yet visible or fulfilled.

Faith can be

1. Intellectual Faith: Knowing God: John 17:3 (NIV)

"Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent."

2. Practical Faith: Test if you are in faith. 2 Corinthians 13:5 (NIV)

“Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves. Do you not realise that Christ Jesus is in you—unless, of course, you fail the test?”

Different types of Faith

1. It could be a weapon: Mentioned in warfare: Ephesians 6:16 (NIV)

“In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one.”

2. It could be a creed: Jude tells it as a creed: Jude 1:3 (NIV)

“Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt compelled to write and urge you to contend for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people.”

🔹 Explanation: Jude refers to “the faith” as a body of doctrine—a set of beliefs passed down, like a creed to be preserved and defended.

3. It could be a fruit: In the fruit of spirit: Galatians 5:22 (KJV)

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith…”

🔹 Explanation: In the KJV, "faith" is listed as one of the fruits of the Spirit. Other translations may render it as "faithfulness", highlighting its outworking in character and behaviour.

4. It could be a gift: In the gifts of grace: 1 Corinthians 12:9 (NIV)

“…to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit…”

🔹 Explanation: This speaks of a supernatural gift of faith, given by the Holy Spirit to certain individuals for extraordinary trust in God, especially in challenging or miraculous situations.

• All faith is not same. Faith should be deep rooted.

Faith and Hope: Inseparable Companions

📖 1 Thessalonians 1:3 – “Your work produced by faith, your labour prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope…”

🔹 Theology: Faith and hope are linked - faith anchors the present to God's promises; hope stretches faith into the future.

🔹 Key Concept: Faith trusts; hope waits.

Romans 3

A Question by Socrates

How Does a Righteous God forgives the Sin without compromising His Righteousness?

"He [God] 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 3:26 (NIV)

Verses 9-20: The Universal Sin Problem

Paul declares that all are under sin, both Jews and Gentiles, using quotations from the Psalms and Isaiah to support his argument. He concludes that the law makes us conscious of sin, not a means to attain righteousness.

Romans 3:10-12 states, There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God. All have turned away; they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one. This passage underscores the universal nature of sin, affirming that all humanity is in need of salvation.

Verses 21-31: Righteousness through Faith in Christ

Romans 3 underlines our universal need for grace due to the inherent sinfulness we all share. However, it also announces the marvelous news of God's righteousness granted through faith in Jesus Christ. It reminds us that no matter how far we fall, God's grace is more abundant, His forgiveness is always available, and His righteousness is ours through faith, calling us to live in the light of this incredible grace.

Paul proclaims the good news: the righteousness of God has been made known apart from the law. This righteousness comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe, as all have sinned and fall short of God's glory. God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, demonstrating His justice and righteousness. Paul confirms that the law still holds its value, but it is faith that justifies a person.

Romans 3:22-24 declares, And this righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no distinction, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. This highlights the central message of the Gospel: salvation is a gift of grace received through faith.

Law & Grace

Law: Exodus 20:1–17 (Ten Commandments), Romans 3:20 ("through the law we become conscious of sin")

Grace: John 1:17 – "For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ."

Purpose of the Law

The role of the Law is explained as bringing awareness of sin rather than providing righteousness. Paul states, "through the law we become conscious of sin" (Romans 3:20). The Greek term νόμος (nomos) refers to the Mosaic Law, which reveals human shortcomings.

The Law doesn’t divide the guilty from the innocent — it declares all guilty.

“The Law levels the playing field — it puts the most moral person and the most depraved person on the same footing: desperate for mercy.”

The Law is diagnostic, not therapeutic.

But Now… (Romans 3:21) – The Great Turning Point

“The Law anticipates Grace. Grace fulfils the Law. They are not enemies; they are in covenantal tension, resolved in Christ.”

Grace

Justification by Grace

The apostle explains that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, but are justified freely by His grace through the redemption in Christ Jesus (Romans 3:23-24). The Greek term χάρις (charis) signifies the unmerited favor of God.

Grace isn’t a free pass to sin (Romans 6:1-2), but power to overcome it.

Salvation by works leads to pride; salvation by grace leads to worship.

Grace doesn’t give us room to boast — it gives us reason to kneel.

Faith: The Vehicle of Grace (Romans 3:28)

• Faith is not a work — it's the anti-work. It’s surrender, not effort.

• Faith in grace is trusting that Jesus satisfied what the Law demanded and gave what we could never earn.

Repentance isn’t earning grace; it’s responding to it.

Upholding the Law Through Faith

Finally, Paul asserts that faith does not nullify the Law but upholds it (Romans 3:31). The Greek word ἱστάνω (histano) implies establishing or confirming the Law's true purpose through faith.

Connections to Additional Scriptures

Ephesians 2:8-9

For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast.

Galatians 2:16

Know that a man is not justified by works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ.

Psalm 14:1-3

Echoes the sentiment of Romans 3 regarding the universal sinfulness of humanity.

Romans 4

Faith: The Foundation of Righteousness

• Abraham's Justification by Faith: Abraham was declared righteous because he believed God, not because of his works. This underscores that faith, not deeds, is the basis for righteousness (Romans 4:3)

• Faith Precedes the Law: Abraham's righteousness was credited before the institution of the Law, indicating that faith transcends legalistic adherence and is accessible to all, Jew and Gentile alike (Romans 4:13-15)

• Faith and Grace Intertwined: Faith is the channel through which grace operates. It's not about earning God's favour but trusting in His promise, which is the essence of the Gospel (Romans 4:16)

Hope: Believing Beyond Circumstances

• Hope Against Hope: Abraham believed in God's promise despite natural impossibilities, exemplifying unwavering hope. This teaches believers to trust God's word over visible realities (Romans 4:18)

• Empowered by Faith: Abraham did not waver in unbelief but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God. This demonstrates that hope is sustained by a robust faith (Romans 4:20)

Love: The Motivation Behind the Promise

• God's Love in Justification: God justifies the ungodly, not because of their merit but because of His love. This act of grace is a profound demonstration of divine love (Romans 4:5) .​

• The Resurrection as Love's Culmination: Jesus was delivered over to death for our sins and raised to life for our justification, highlighting the depth of God's love in providing salvation (Romans 4:25)

Additional Theological Insights

• Faith as a Choice: Believers are called to choose faith over discouragement, trusting in God's promises even when circumstances seem bleak

• Grace Over Works: The passage emphasizes that righteousness comes through faith, not works, reinforcing the principle that salvation is a gift, not a wage earned.

1. Justification is Not a Transaction — It's a Covenant Invitation Romans 4 shows that faith is not merely a currency to “buy” righteousness, but a relational trust that invites one into covenant with God — like Abraham entered by believing the promise.

This aligns with Pentecostal emphasis on personal relationship and communion with God- justification opens that Spirit-filled fellowship, not just legal acquittal.

2. Abraham's Faith Was Prophetic, Not Passive

His belief in God’s promise was a prophetic act — he trusted in the impossible (life from a dead womb), pointing forward to the resurrection of Christ (v. 17).

Pentecostals often walk in prophetic expectation. Abraham is the prototype of prophetic faith- he “called those things which be not as though they were.”

3. Faith Justifies the “Ungodly”— Grace Isn't for the “Almost Good” Paul writes God “justifies the ungodly” (v. 5). That’s a shock: Abraham wasn’t justified because he was good — but because he trusted God’s goodness.

This strips pride and self-effort — very relevant to Pentecostal theology which holds that righteousness flows from God’s Spirit, not human strength.

4. Circumcision After Righteousness — Outward Signs Follow Inward Realities

Abraham was counted righteous before circumcision (v. 10). Pentecostals teach the Spirit’s work precedes outward manifestation — you’re filled before you speak in tongues; you’re born again before baptism.

This supports the Pentecostal emphasis on heart transformation before ritual observance.

5. The Promise Is Sure Because It's By Grace (v. 16)

If the promise depends on law, it’s uncertain — because human effort is inconsistent. But since it's by grace through faith, it's certain and universal.

That’s why Pentecostal believers can claim healing, deliverance, and the Spirit’s power—not based on their merit but God’s promise.

6. Abraham’s Faith Was Not Wishful Thinking — It Was Resurrection Grounded

He considered his body “as good as dead,” yet believed God could bring life (v. 19). This foreshadows resurrection power.

For Pentecostals, resurrection life isn’t just a future event—it’s a now reality. We are called to walk in the same kind of faith that expects God to bring life where death reigns.

7. Righteousness Is Imputed, Not Earned — but It Transforms

Righteousness was credited to Abraham (v. 22), but that righteousness led him into obedience.

Pentecostal theology affirms that true faith produces transformation — Spirit-led holiness, not legalistic rule-following.

8. Jesus Was Raised for Our Justification (v. 25)

The resurrection isn't just evidence that Jesus is alive — it’s the seal of our justification. The tomb is empty, so the charges are dropped.

That’s a bold preaching point: the empty grave means you’re declared righteous, empowered, and reconciled. That's the foundation of New Covenant boldness in Pentecostal worship and witness.

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