Objective 8
- At the end of this topic, you will be able to relate the theme of the epistle to the Romans to the use of the term faith throughout the epistle.
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Lesson 1: Introduction and Preview to Romans
Topic 2: Paul's Introduction to the Epistle (Continued)
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Romans 1:16-17 is a summary of the entire epistle. The theme of the book of Romans is the righteousness of God revealed.
Previously, we stated that religion is not good news. What does that mean? The righteousness of God has not been discovered by religion. Every religion has one basic characteristic: Its followers are trying to reach God, find God, and please God through their own efforts. Religions are systems of worship that reach up toward God. Is this the gospel? Is this "good news"? Would the righteousness of God be found in religion?
Paul tells us in Romans 1:17 that the righteousness of God is "revealed." The Greek word translated "revealed" in Romans 1:17 refers to uncovering something that has been hidden. The only way that men could know about how to have right standing with God (the righteousness of God) is for God to choose to make it known. We could not recognize the rightness of God or find a way to make our lives right without a revelation from God.
The righteousness of God is revealed in the gospel. The gospel is the story of God revealing Himself to man through His Son. The story concerns the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus. All of this originated with God and was accomplished through His Son Jesus Christ. How do we receive the revelation of the righteousness of God in the gospel? Entirely by faith.
In what sense is the gospel "to the Jew first"? This refers to the historic order in which the gospel was offered to mankind. While the opportunity to accept the gospel was offered to mankind it was first given to the Jews, God's chosen people (see Acts 3:25-26). When Paul says "and also to the Greek," he is using the term Greek loosely as the equivalent of Gentile or non-Jew. The message was first to the Jews and then to those of every nation.
You will want to use Romans 1:16-17 often in your ministry, and its summary will help you in your study of this epistle. We recommend that you memorize these two verses now.
According to Romans 1:16, the gospel provides salvation. This salvation is available to everyone who believes. Here is a clear confirmation that the only condition a person must meet in order to receive the benefits of the gospel is faith.
The righteousness of God that is revealed in the gospel, to men who have faith in Christ, is God's own righteousness. The term righteousness in Romans 1:17 speaks of a standing with God that a man receives when he believes. He is declared to be "in the right" before God. This condition conforms to God's law and His own personal righteousness.
As you have seen, the principle that brings this right standing with God is faith. The words "from faith to faith" mean that the first act of faith, which brings the right standing with God, will result in a life received by the same principle of faith. Paul quotes the Old Testament to emphasize this: "The righteous man shall live by faith" (Hab 2:4). This means that the man who is declared "righteous" by God is to live a righteous life. The ruling principle of the righteous man's life is faith.
