The Book of Romans tells how God can save the whole person: body, soul and spirit.
That fulfillment is accomplished, not simply as followers of a philosophy, or a philosopher,
but through relationship with a Living Person, Savior and Redeemer.
A devotion introduction for September
I don't know any letter that is more fundamental and foundational than Paul's letter to the Romans. It is unquestionably the greatest of all of Paul's letters and the widest in its scope. It is most intent and penetrating in its insight into the understanding of truth; therefore, it is one of the books of the New Testament with which every Christian ought to be thoroughly familiar. If you haven't mastered the book of Romans and aren't able to think through this book without a Bible before you, then I urge you to set that as your goal.
Master the book of Romans — be so acquainted with it that you can outline it and think of its great themes without a Bible open before you. That requires reading it and studying it and thinking it through in careful detail. It is safe to say that Romans probably is the most powerful human document that has ever been penned.
I cannot help but think of the great documents of our American history, such as one of the original copies of the Constitution and Thomas Jefferson's copy of the Declaration of Independence. We value these great documents. In many ways, our freedom rests upon them, and we Americans rightly honor and respect them. But even these great documents of human liberties could not hold a candle to the effect and impact the epistle to the Romans has had upon human history.
Paul's letter to the Romans was written about 56-58 A.D., somewhere around the middle of the 1st century, when the apostle was in Corinth on his third missionary journey. As you read this letter, you can catch glimpses of the conditions in the Greek city of Corinth. Corinth was located at the crossroads of trade in the empire. It was one of the notoriously wicked cities in the Roman world and much of that atmosphere is characterized here in the letter to the Romans.
This letter was written only about 30 years after the crucifixion and resurrection of the Lord Jesus. The memory of the cross still was sharply etched in the minds of Christians all over the Roman Empire. This letter was sent to them to teach them and instruct them and bring to their remembrance the meaning of these fantastic events that had so startled and amazed men in that 1st century.
Reason to Rejoice
Imagine yourself in a quiet corner. Your Bible is opened to Romans, a book containing many of the essentials of the Christian faith. For some, it’s an intimidating study. Invite Ray to guide you in a chapter-by-chapter study of God’s Word.
