What is the book of Romans about?

An ancient stone road bathed in dramatic sunrise light breaking through dark storm clouds.

Romans 1:16-17

16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.

17 For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”

New International Version (NIV)

The answer

Romans is Paul’s letter explaining the gospel of Jesus Christ: God justifies guilty sinners by grace through faith in Christ, gives them new life by the Holy Spirit, and forms Jews and Gentiles into one obedient, worshipping people. Paul writes to the believers in Rome (Romans 1:7), identifying himself as an apostle set apart for God’s Good News and describing that message as God’s promise concerning His Son, Jesus Christ (Romans 1:1-4).

The gospel and its central theme

Romans 1:16 calls the gospel “the power of God for salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first, and also for the Greek.” Romans 1:17 says that God’s righteousness is revealed in it “from faith to faith,” quoting, “But the righteous shall live by faith.” The letter therefore addresses far more than moral improvement: it explains how sinful people can be made right with a holy God.

Universal sin and justification by faith

No one can earn justification through the law: Romans 3:20 says that “by the works of the law, no flesh will be justified in his sight,” because the law reveals sin. Romans 3:23 states the universal problem plainly: “for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God.”

God’s answer is Christ. Romans 3:24-26 describes believers as “justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,” whom God sent as an atoning sacrifice through faith in His blood. God remains just while justifying the person who has faith in Jesus. Romans 3:28 concludes, “We maintain therefore that a man is justified by faith apart from the works of the law.” Abraham illustrates this pattern: Romans 4:3-5 says that his faith was accounted as righteousness and that God justifies the ungodly who believe in Him. Salvation is therefore gracious, not wages owed for human achievement.

Peace, new life, and assurance

Justification brings “peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ” (Romans 5:1). Its foundation is God’s love: “while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). Through His death, sinners are reconciled to God and saved from His wrath (Romans 5:9-10).

Grace is not permission to continue in sin. Romans 6:1-4 teaches that those baptized into Christ are united with His death and resurrection so that they may walk in newness of life. Sin no longer has rightful dominion over those under grace (Romans 6:14). Consequently, there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus who walk according to the Spirit, because God accomplished through His Son what the law could not accomplish through weak human flesh (Romans 8:1-4). This section reaches its heights of assurance in Romans 8:38-39: no created thing can separate God’s people from His love in Christ Jesus.

Israel, the nations, and God’s faithfulness

Chapters 9–11 address God’s dealings with Israel and the Gentiles. Salvation comes through confessing Jesus as Lord and believing that God raised Him from the dead; there is no distinction between Jew and Greek, and “whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:9-13). Faith comes through hearing God’s word (Romans 10:17).

Paul also teaches that Israel’s hardening is partial, that “all Israel will be saved,” and that God’s gifts and calling are irrevocable (Romans 11:25-29). His purpose is to display mercy, leading Paul to worship the unsearchable wisdom and knowledge of God (Romans 11:32-36).

The gospel worked out in daily life

God’s mercies call believers to present their bodies as “a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God,” resisting conformity to the world and being transformed through renewed minds (Romans 12:1-2). This transformation also governs life together. In disputed matters such as food and special days, believers must not despise or judge one another, because each belongs to the Lord and will give an account to God (Romans 14:1-12). Romans 15:7 grounds Christian unity in Christ’s own welcome: “Therefore accept one another, even as Christ also accepted you, to the glory of God.”

Answered from Scripture · reviewed November 11, 2026

The book of Romans is the Apostle Paul's definitive exposition of the gospel—the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes. Walking methodically from universal condemnation to eternal glory, the epistle unveils God's righteousness revealed in Jesus Christ apart from the law. Tracing this masterwork provides the church with an unshakable foundation for assurance, unity, and holy living.

The Gospel Theme

The Power of God for Salvation

An ancient stone Roman road extending straight across a rugged terrain toward the horizon under dawn light.

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.

Romans 1:16 (NIV)

This verse states the central thesis of the entire epistle: the gospel is God's power saving all who believe, Jew and Greek alike.

The heartbeat of the letter rings out in Romans 1:16, where Paul declares that he is unashamed of the message he carries, for the gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. This good news is not an afterthought or an improvisation; as Romans 1:1 and Romans 1:2 establish, Paul was set apart as an apostle for a promise long declared by God's prophets in the holy Scriptures. It is rooted wholly in history and covenant, centering on God's Son, who was born of David's line according to the flesh (Romans 1:3) and marked out as the Son of God in power through His bodily resurrection from the dead by the Spirit of holiness (Romans 1:4). Through this triumphant Lord, grace and apostleship go out to summon all nations to the obedience of faith (Romans 1:5).

Writing to the saints gathered across the imperial capital (Romans 1:7), Paul unfolds how this message turns the world right side up. In the gospel, the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, vindicating the ancient word of Habakkuk that the righteous shall live by faith (Romans 1:17). Salvation does not emanate from imperial decrees or human striving, but from God's sovereign initiative in His Son.

The passages
PassageWhat it says
Romans 1:1Paul identifies himself as a servant of Christ and an apostle set apart for God's promised gospel.
Romans 1:2The Good News was promised beforehand through God's holy prophets across the Old Testament scriptures.
Romans 1:3The gospel concerns God's Son, who was born of David's physical lineage according to human flesh.
Romans 1:4Jesus was declared the Son of God with power through His resurrection from the dead by the Spirit.
Romans 1:5Apostleship was received through Christ to bring about the obedience of faith among all Gentile nations.
Romans 1:7Paul addresses all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be holy saints.
Romans 1:16The gospel is the saving power of God for everyone having faith, both Jew and Gentile.
Romans 1:17God's righteousness is revealed from faith to faith, fulfilling the prophetic word that the righteous live by faith.

The Universal Need

All Humanity Stands Guilty Before God

A desolate desert plain of dry, cracked earth stretching under a heavy, overcast grey sky.

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,

Romans 3:23 (NIV)

It delivers the universal verdict that wipes away human boasting: every person has sinned and fallen short of God's glory.

The urgent necessity of grace becomes undeniable in Romans 3:23, which delivers the level verdict that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Paul begins this sober indictment by revealing that God's wrath is actively unveiled against all ungodliness and suppression of truth (Romans 1:18). Creation itself leaves every human conscience without defense, for God's eternal power and divine nature are clearly seen in what He has made (Romans 1:20). Yet humanity refused to honor Him, plunging into futile thoughts and darkened hearts (Romans 1:21), trading the uncorrupted glory of God for mortal images (Romans 1:23).

Nor does moral or religious heritage grant exemption. The self-appointed judge is trapped by his own standards (Romans 2:1), for God judges every soul with strict impartiality (Romans 2:11). External circumcision and ancestral pedigree mean nothing without an inward reality; true circumcision is of the heart, wrought by the Spirit (Romans 2:28-29). Gathering the testimony of Scripture, Paul proves that both Jews and Greeks are under sin's tyranny (Romans 3:9), with none righteous or seeking God (Romans 3:10). The law serves not to grant merit, but to silence every boasting mouth and hold the entire world accountable before a holy God (Romans 3:19-20).

The passages
PassageWhat it says
Romans 1:18God's wrath is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of people suppressing divine truth.
Romans 1:20God's invisible attributes and eternal power are clearly perceived in creation, leaving all without excuse.
Romans 1:21Mankind failed to honor God or give thanks, becoming futile in speculation and darkened in heart.
Romans 1:23Fallen humanity exchanged the glory of the immortal God for manufactured images of creatures.
Romans 2:1The moral judge is equally without excuse, condemning himself by practicing the same wrongful deeds.
Romans 2:11God demonstrates absolute partiality to none, judging all men impartially according to their actual deeds.
Romans 2:28Outward physical descent and external circumcision do not constitute true covenant membership before God.
Romans 2:29A true Jew is one inwardly, whose circumcision is of the heart by the Holy Spirit.
Romans 3:9Both Jews and Greeks are under the power and penalty of universal human sin.
Romans 3:10Scripture declares that none is inherently righteous or morally upright before God, not even one.
Romans 3:19The law speaks so every mouth is silenced and the entire world is held accountable.
Romans 3:20No human being is justified by works of the law, for the law brings sin's awareness.
Romans 3:23All individuals have committed sin and perpetually fall short of the divine glory of God.

Justification by Faith

Righteousness Imputed Apart from Works

A weathered wooden altar standing in a peaceful green field under dramatic sunlight breaking through clouds.

and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.

Romans 3:24 (NIV)

This verse reveals the heart of the remedy: justification is an unearned gift of grace through Christ's redemption.

Against the dark backdrop of human inability, Romans 3:24 shines with astonishing brilliance, declaring that believers are justified by His grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. God's righteousness has now been manifested entirely apart from law-keeping, though the Law and Prophets bear witness to it (Romans 3:21), and it comes through faith in Christ to all who believe without distinction (Romans 3:22). On the cross, God put forward His Son as a propitiation by His blood to demonstrate His flawless justice while justifying the one who has faith (Romans 3:25). Boasting is eliminated because a person is justified by faith apart from works (Romans 3:28).

To prove this was always the divine pattern, Paul points to Abraham, whose faith was counted as righteousness long before circumcision or the law (Romans 4:3, 5). The promise rests on grace so that it might be guaranteed to all spiritual offspring (Romans 4:16). This redemption was sealed when Christ was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification (Romans 4:25). Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God (Romans 5:1). God demonstrated His love by dying for us while we were still sinners (Romans 5:8-9). Though one man, Adam, plunged humanity into condemnation and death (Romans 5:12), the obedience of the second Adam, Christ, pours out an abundance of grace, making many righteous (Romans 5:19).

The passages
PassageWhat it says
Romans 3:21God's righteousness has been manifested apart from the law, though attested by the Law and Prophets.
Romans 3:22Righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who place their trust in Him.
Romans 3:24Believers are justified freely by God's grace through the redemption purchased in Christ Jesus.
Romans 3:25God displayed Christ as a propitiation through faith in His blood, demonstrating divine justice.
Romans 3:28A person is justified by faith completely apart from observing the deeds of the law.
Romans 4:3Scripture records that Abraham believed God, and his faith was counted to him as righteousness.
Romans 4:5To the one who does not work but believes, his faith is credited as righteousness.
Romans 4:16The promise depends entirely on faith so that it rests on grace for all Abraham's offspring.
Romans 4:25Christ was delivered over for our offenses and raised back to life for our justification.
Romans 5:1Having been justified through faith, believers possess abiding peace with God through our Lord Jesus.
Romans 5:8God proves His own love toward us in that Christ died while we were yet sinners.
Romans 5:9Being justified by His blood, believers shall be saved from wrath through Christ.
Romans 5:12Sin entered the world through one man, Adam, bringing death upon all humanity.
Romans 5:19As by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by Christ's obedience many become righteous.

Sanctification and Security

Alive in Christ and Inseparably Kept

A steadfast stone mountain summit standing firm and unshakeable under a bright, clear blue sky.

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus,

Romans 8:1 (NIV)

It proclaims the absolute freedom of the justified believer: there is now zero condemnation for those united to Jesus.

The glorious climax of redemption arrives in Romans 8:1 with the triumphant decree that there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Grace does not foster license; those who died to sin cannot continue living in it (Romans 6:2). United with Christ in His death through baptism, believers are raised to walk in newness of life (Romans 6:4). The old self was crucified so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin (Romans 6:6), enabling us to count ourselves dead to sin and alive to God (Romans 6:11). Sin has lost its dominion because grace reigns (Romans 6:14), and while the wages of sin is death, the free gift of God is eternal life (Romans 6:23). Released from the condemnation of the law by the body of Christ, we now belong to Him who was raised (Romans 7:4).

Walking in the Spirit, believers are assured that God's Spirit dwells within them (Romans 8:9), having received the Spirit of adoption by whom they cry, 'Abba! Father!' (Romans 8:15). Present trials fade before the weight of coming glory (Romans 8:18). God sovereignly orders all things for good for those who are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28), binding them in an unbreakable chain from foreknowledge to final glorification (Romans 8:29-30). Facing every hostility, believers stand utterly secure: neither death nor life, powers nor depths, can ever sever them from the love of God in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:38-39).

The passages
PassageWhat it says
Romans 6:2Believers who died to sin can no longer continue living under its pervasive control.
Romans 6:4Buried with Christ through baptism into death, believers are raised to walk in newness of life.
Romans 6:6Our old self was crucified with Christ so that sin's enslaving dominance might be abolished.
Romans 6:11Believers must consider themselves dead to sin but alive to God in Jesus Christ.
Romans 6:14Sin shall not master believers who are not under the law but under divine grace.
Romans 6:23The wages of sin is death, but God's free gift is eternal life in Christ.
Romans 7:4Believers died to the law through Christ's body to belong to Him who was raised.
Romans 8:1There is now no condemnation at all for those who are in Christ Jesus.
Romans 8:9Anyone who possesses the indwelling Spirit of Christ belongs truly to God's family.
Romans 8:15Believers received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry out, 'Abba, Father!'
Romans 8:18Present sufferings are not worthy of comparison with the glorious inheritance to be revealed.
Romans 8:28God works all things together for good to those who love Him and are called.
Romans 8:29Those God foreknew He predestined to be conformed to the image of His beloved Son.
Romans 8:30Those God predestined He called, justified, and ultimately glorified in an unbroken chain of redemption.
Romans 8:38Neither death, life, angels, rulers, things present, nor things to come can separate believers from God.
Romans 8:39No created entity can separate us from God's love found in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Sovereignty and Israel

God's Unbroken Faithfulness to His Word

An ancient olive tree with new grafted shoots flourishing on a terraced hill bathed in golden morning sunlight.

and in this way all Israel will be saved. As it is written: “The deliverer will come from Zion; he will turn godlessness away from Jacob.

Romans 11:26 (NIV)

This verse anchors the future hope of covenant redemption, promising that all Israel will be delivered by the Redeemer.

In Romans 11:26, Paul brings his profound defense of divine faithfulness to a magnificent crescendo: the Deliverer will come from Zion, banishing ungodliness and bringing about the salvation of all Israel. This promise resolves the agonizing dilemma Paul confronts across chapters 9 through 11 regarding the current unbelief of ethnic Israel. He insists from the outset that God's covenant promises have not collapsed. In Romans 9:6, he affirms that physical descent never guaranteed spiritual sonship; rather, God's election has always rested entirely on sovereign grace. Quoting Exodus in Romans 9:15, Paul shows that God retains the absolute prerogative to extend mercy and compassion according to His perfect will, just as a potter exercises rightful authority over clay in Romans 9:21 to fashion vessels according to His eternal purpose.

Israel's stumble occurred because they sought righteousness through legal works rather than through faith. As Romans 10:4 proclaims, Christ is the end and goal of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. The way of life is neither remote nor unreachable: Romans 10:9 promises that whoever confesses with their mouth that Jesus is Lord and believes God raised Him from the dead will be saved. Drawing from the prophet Joel, Romans 10:13 announces that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord will be rescued, an invitation carried worldwide because faith arrives through hearing the word of Christ (Romans 10:17).

Yet Israel's rejection is neither total nor final. In Romans 11:1, Paul asks if God has cast off His people, responding with an emphatic denial. Just as in the days of Elijah, Romans 11:5 reveals that God preserves a faithful remnant chosen by pure grace. The present stumbling of many in Israel opened the door for Gentile salvation, likened in Romans 11:17 to wild olive shoots grafted into the rich root of Abrahamic promise. This mystery, unveiled in Romans 11:25, involves a partial hardening upon Israel only until the full harvest of the Gentiles enters in. Because God's calling and gifts are irrevocable (Romans 11:29), history moves toward covenant vindication. Overwhelmed by the depth of divine wisdom and unsearchable judgments (Romans 11:33), Paul concludes with pure adoration: from Him, through Him, and to Him are all things (Romans 11:36).

The passages
PassageWhat it says
Romans 9:6God's word has not failed, because not all physical descendants from Israel constitute true Israel.
Romans 9:15God declares to Moses that He has mercy and compassion on whomever He wills.
Romans 9:21The Potter possesses sovereign right over the clay to shape vessels for different purposes.
Romans 10:4Christ is the culmination and goal of the law for righteousness to all who believe.
Romans 10:9Confessing Jesus as Lord and believing God raised Him brings certain and full salvation.
Romans 10:13Everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be graciously and completely saved.
Romans 10:17Faith comes through hearing the proclaimed message, and hearing through the word of Christ.
Romans 11:1God has not rejected His chosen covenant people whom He foreknew from the beginning.
Romans 11:5At the present time there remains a preserved remnant chosen entirely according to grace.
Romans 11:17Gentiles are wild olive branches grafted in to share the rich root of the olive tree.
Romans 11:25A partial hardening has occurred in Israel until the full number of Gentiles comes in.
Romans 11:26The Deliverer will come from Zion to banish ungodliness, and all Israel will be saved.
Romans 11:29The gracious gifts and irrevocable calling of God can never be altered or withdrawn.
Romans 11:33Paul praises the unsearchable depth, wisdom, knowledge, and judgments of the Sovereign Lord.
Romans 11:36From Him, through Him, and to Him are all things; to God be glory forever.

Transformed Christian Living

Living Sacrifices Walking in Love

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.

Romans 12:1 (NIV)

It marks the turning point where sound doctrine becomes practical devotion: believers presenting their very bodies to God.

In Romans 12:1, Paul pivots from grand theological exposition to practical Christian duty, pleading with believers by the mercies of God to present their bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to the Lord. True gospel worship is not confined to temple rituals; it encompasses the surrendered life. Romans 12:2 calls the church to reject the molding pressures of the present age and instead experience deep transformation through the continual renewal of the mind, discerning God's good, pleasing, and perfect will. Within the covenant community, this renewed mindset fosters humble unity: Romans 12:4 reminds us that just as one body contains diverse members with distinct functions, believers belong to one another in Christ. In Romans 12:9, Paul demands that our love be sincere, abhorring what is evil and clinging steadfastly to the good, while Romans 12:19 forbids personal vengeance, entrusting all justice to God's righteous wrath.

This countercultural posture extends directly into the public square. In Romans 13:1, Paul instructs believers to submit conscientiously to civil governing authorities, recognizing them as established under God's providence to preserve order. Yet the ultimate civic debt remains relentless charity: Romans 13:8 teaches that loving one's neighbor fulfills the law's moral heart. As the night of this age wanes, Romans 13:14 commands the church to put on the Lord Jesus Christ, leaving no room for the impulses of the flesh.

Within the local church, love must conquer trivial disputes. Romans 14:1 commands mature saints to welcome those whose faith is fragile without quarreling over scruples, for the kingdom of God is fundamentally righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17). Believers are to receive one another without partiality, just as Christ welcomed us to God's glory (Romans 15:7). Paul closes his monumental epistle with an urgent warning against divisive teachers who subvert sound doctrine (Romans 16:17), an assured promise that the God of peace will soon crush Satan under our feet (Romans 16:20), and a final doxology giving glory to the only wise God through Jesus Christ forever (Romans 16:27).

The passages
PassageWhat it says
Romans 12:1Believers are urged by God's mercies to present their bodies as living, holy sacrifices.
Romans 12:2Do not conform to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of the mind.
Romans 12:4Just as the physical body has many members, so believers form one unified body.
Romans 12:9Christian love must be genuine, abhorring evil and clinging tenaciously to what is good.
Romans 12:19Believers must never avenge themselves, leaving room for God's ultimate and righteous wrath.
Romans 13:1Every person must be subject to governing authorities, which are ordained by God.
Romans 13:8Owe no one anything except love, which fulfills the law's moral demands toward neighbors.
Romans 13:14Put on the Lord Jesus Christ and make no provision for fleshly lusts.
Romans 14:1Welcome those weak in faith without quarreling over disputed opinions and practices.
Romans 14:17The kingdom of God is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Romans 15:7Believers must accept one another, just as Christ accepted us to God's praise.
Romans 16:17Watch out for those who cause divisions and obstacles contrary to sound apostolic doctrine.
Romans 16:20The God of peace will soon crush Satan under the feet of His people.
Romans 16:27To the only wise God be eternal glory through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Where in the Bible

BookPassages
Romans80 · Romans 1:1, Romans 1:2, Romans 1:3, Romans 1:4, Romans 1:5, Romans 1:7, Romans 1:16, Romans 1:17, Romans 1:18, Romans 1:20, Romans 1:21, Romans 1:23, Romans 2:1, Romans 2:11, Romans 2:28, Romans 2:29, Romans 3:9, Romans 3:10, Romans 3:19, Romans 3:20, Romans 3:23, Romans 3:21, Romans 3:22, Romans 3:24, Romans 3:25, Romans 3:28, Romans 4:3, Romans 4:5, Romans 4:16, Romans 4:25, Romans 5:1, Romans 5:8, Romans 5:9, Romans 5:12, Romans 5:19, Romans 6:2, Romans 6:4, Romans 6:6, Romans 6:11, Romans 6:14, Romans 6:23, Romans 7:4, Romans 8:1, Romans 8:9, Romans 8:15, Romans 8:18, Romans 8:28, Romans 8:29, Romans 8:30, Romans 8:38, Romans 8:39, Romans 9:6, Romans 9:15, Romans 9:21, Romans 10:4, Romans 10:9, Romans 10:13, Romans 10:17, Romans 11:1, Romans 11:5, Romans 11:17, Romans 11:25, Romans 11:26, Romans 11:29, Romans 11:33, Romans 11:36, Romans 12:1, Romans 12:2, Romans 12:4, Romans 12:9, Romans 12:19, Romans 13:1, Romans 13:8, Romans 13:14, Romans 14:1, Romans 14:17, Romans 15:7, Romans 16:17, Romans 16:20, Romans 16:27

The story in order

  1. Creation and Fall (c. 4000 BC) · Romans 5:12 · Sin and death entered the world through Adam's disobedience.
  2. Abraham's Faith (c. 2000 BC) · Romans 4:3 · Abraham's faith was counted to him as righteousness.
  3. The Law Given (c. 1450 BC) · Romans 3:20 · The law reveals sin but cannot justify.
  4. Prophets Foretell Gospel (c. 1450 BC - 400 BC) · Romans 1:2 · The gospel was promised beforehand by the prophets.
  5. Jesus' Birth and Ministry (c. 6 BC - AD 30) · Romans 1:3 · Jesus, Son of God, born of David's line.
  6. Jesus' Death and Resurrection (AD 30) · Romans 5:8 · Christ died for sinners; raised for justification.
  7. Apostolic Ministry Begins (AD 30-60) · Romans 1:5 · Apostles commissioned to spread faith to Gentiles.
  8. Paul Writes Romans (c. AD 57) · Romans 1:1 · Paul's definitive exposition of the gospel.
  9. Gentile Inclusion (AD 57) · Romans 11:17 · Gentiles grafted into God's olive tree.
  10. Future Hope (AD 57) · Romans 8:18 · Present sufferings not compared to future glory.
  11. Christ's Return (Future) · Romans 16:20 · Satan will be crushed under believers' feet.

Key words

Gospel (euangelion, εὐαγγέλιον)
The good news of salvation through Jesus Christ. · Romans 1:1
Righteousness (dikaiosunē, δικαιοσύνη)
God's moral perfection and His imputed justice to believers. · Romans 1:17
Faith (pistis, πίστις)
Trust and belief in God and His promises, especially in Christ. · Romans 1:17
Justification (dikaiōsis, δικαίωσις)
Being declared righteous by God through faith in Christ. · Romans 5:18
Grace (charis, χάρις)
God's unmerited favor and kindness toward humanity. · Romans 3:24
Sanctification (hagiasmos, ἁγιασμός)
The process of being made holy and set apart for God. · Romans 6:19
Adoption (huiothesia, υἱοθεσία)
Being brought into God's family as His children. · Romans 8:15
Sovereignty (boulomai, βούλομαι (related concept))
God's supreme authority and control over all things. · Romans 9:15

Romans reveals that the righteousness demanded by a holy God is the very righteousness He freely supplies through faith in Jesus Christ. Because this salvation rests entirely on His sovereign grace, the believer stands permanently secure in His unchanging love. We are therefore called to live as living sacrifices, united as one body to bring glory to God among all nations.

80 passages, each cited once.

Scripture cited

  • Romans 1:1-17
  • Romans 3:19-28
  • Romans 4:1-5
  • Romans 5:1-11
  • Romans 6:1-14
  • Romans 8:1-4
  • Romans 8:31-39
  • Romans 10:9-17
  • Romans 11:25-36
  • Romans 12:1-2
  • Romans 14:1-12
  • Romans 15:7-13

Related questions

All Bible questions

Ask your own question in the Joy app

JoyProject is free on iPhone and Android.