Pauls
Letter to the Romans
Pauls letter to the Romans stands like Shakespeares
Hamlet or Beethovens Fifth Symphony: the master-work of
a master craftsmen. In this letter, Paul creates a tradition
of Christian thought where none had existed before. | Romans
9-11: Gods Faithfulness to Israel
Gods
promises to Abraham have been fulfilled in Christ--not for ethnic
Israel, but for all people--which is being accomplished through
the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit. |
Romans 1-4:
Gods Justice Revealed in Christ
Paul
believed that Gods purpose is to bring order and celebration
to all of creation, which has been distorted because humankind,
like Adam and Eve, worships the creature rather than the creator. | Romans
12-16: Gods People in Gods World
Paul tells his readers how to live as Christians in pagan Rome:
by presenting themselves as visible, living witnesses to God.
He ends the letter with greetings to his many friends in Rome. |
Romans 5-8:
Gods New Exodus in Christ
Gods action in Christ is the new exodus. Through Adams
disobedience, sin came into the world; through Christs
obedient faithfulness to Gods saving plan, the effect of
Adams disobedience has been reversed. | Romans
Then and Now
The
main theme of Romans is Gods plan to redeem the world,
which was accomplished in and through Jesus death and resurrection.
The gospel--the good news--has the power to bring people to faith,
and so to justification, and to challenge the principalities
and powers of the world. |