Romans

Romans is an influential book in Christianity. 

Paul’s purpose in writing this book was to strengthen the church in Rome,  and prepare for his missionary work in Italy and Sicily. The church, at the time of writing, was faced with influence from heresies and pagan religions. The church was in need of strengthening in faith.  At the same time, this letter acted to strengthen Paul’s connection with the local churches. 

In Romans, Paul shared his thoughts about the Christian faith in details. In the Letter to the Ephesians, Paul had said “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8). Paul expanded this concept fully in Romans. He explained that believers were saved because of God’s redemptive grace. Because of such grace, we are justified before God and are free from the bondage of sin. Because of such grace, we now have a new identity in Christ.  Therefore, we do not earn our salvation. Salvation belongs to God alone.