This Is the New Testament is part of a twelve-week thematic overview of the entire Bible. Each day we’ll read a thematic selection from a different book of the Bible, along with supplemental passages that show how the theme of that day’s main reading is found throughout Scripture. We’ll also read a brief summary of each book and a reflection on how the book fits into the larger story of Scripture. This week, we move from the Gospels and Acts into the Pauline Epistles.
What Is Romans? Romans is a letter written by Paul to Jewish and Gentile Christians in Rome. In it, Paul offers clarity on the source of salvation and righteousness, and he encourages unity among Christians from all backgrounds.
How Romans Fits Into the Story: The book of Romans highlights the effect of sin on all of creation. Romans includes a detailed explanation, unlike any other in the Bible, for why righteousness can only come through grace by faith in Jesus Christ. It also emphasizes the power of the cross and how it changes us—from sinners worthy of God’s punishment to His beloved children—and calls us to live in eager anticipation of Jesus’s return.
Reflection Questions:
1. After reading today’s passages, how would you describe the difference between unrighteousness and God’s righteousness?
2. How does today’s reading shape your understanding of the story of redemption?
Take time to reflect on your responses and share what you are learning with others in the community in the comments.
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57 thoughts on "Romans"
Everyone is unrighteousness before a completely righteous God. But Jesus… his life, death and resurrection is a propitiation for our sin and unrighteousness. So that whoever believes whether Jew or Gentile is presented blameless and righteous before God.
God’s righteousness lays His life down for evil people to defend them and advocate for them. Unrighteousness doesn’t step in to help the oppressed. God laid his life down so we can live in peace with him, and be his friend not wage war against him.
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When I think of unrighteousness and God’s righteousness, I imagine a HUGE gap. There is no way to get from one to the other. But thankfully, that is where Jesus comes in. He bridges that gap for us so that we can experience God’s righteousness…even though we are unrighteous.
1. After reading today’s passages, how would you describe the difference between unrighteousness and God’s righteousness?
Unrighteousness stems from our inability to ever be seen as, “morally justifiable or virtuous,” in the sight of the Law; we all fall short as has every other mortal being who has come before us. There is no person who could ever live as blamelessly as Jesus and so none of us would ever be able to be justified, or declared righteous by God. God’s righteousness however, is more than that, it’s holiness; “the condition of being consecrated or dedicated to moral excellence.” He is the full embodiment of righteousness, as is His son Jesus. God’s righteousness, or dedication to moral excellence, extended so far as to pave a new way for His children to be seen in the same way, through faith in Him, instead of through works or application of the Law.
“The righteousness of God is through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe, since there is no distinction. For all have sinned and fall short of theR glory of God; they are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. God presented him as the mercy seat by his blood, through faith, to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his restraint Godal passed over the sins previously committed. God presented him to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so that he would be just and justify the one who has faith in Jesus.” -Romans 3:23-26
2. How does today’s reading shape your understanding of the story of redemption?
These verses give us the evidence of what Chad always says, “When we couldn’t work our way to God, God in his love, grace, and mercy, worked His way to us in and through the person of Jesus.” Amen!
I love that Paul echos Jesus in that we are loved and covered by grace that God gives freely through Jesus to all who have faith in Him not deeds (or laws) cause let’s all face it we have all fallen short if we compare ourselves to the law but NO ONE falls short of Jesus and the cross. Amen love this!
Romans is probably my favorite book in the whole Bible! I love the logical progression of thought working it’s way through the book, and the message of undeserved grace and mercy is so powerful. Love!
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We have all lived in unrighteousness daily and can only receive righteousness by grace through faith in Jesus. We have all fallen short of the glory of God, but he made a way through Jesus that we may receive him and his righteousness.
Romans is my favorite book of the Bible, so much power, truth, conviction, and love.
God’s righteousness overcomes our human righteousness. The cross and the gift of Jesus Christ offered redemption to people. Jesus is the ultimate stepping stone to which we receive salvation with the Lord.
I have been that way as long as I remember. Paul is hard to understand! But lately I have been LOVING the ICB version, the International Children’s Bible! We got them for my daughters but I have decided I love the translation, especially for confusing or difficult passages! Try it out!!
Yes- this is a common reaction to Paul. Paul was highly educated and writes as one who is highly educated. In comparison, the gospels are simple bc they were written by less-educated people, except Luke, who was a doctor, and the writing of his gospel is more complex than that of the others. John’s gospel is beautiful and more advanced in that way, but the sentence structure isn’t complicated. So, yes, you are not alone in your reaction to Paul’s writing, and that’s because it is more difficult.
Thank you, Kelly! I don’t remember ever reading that verse from 2 Peter regarding Paul’s writing… I appreciate your pointing it out!
I love how Romans makes it clear that our righteousness doesn’t come from our own efforts, but it is a gift from God. It makes it clear that all have fallen short of the glory of God.
True righteous will only be obtained when we die and go to Heaven, if we have ask for redemption from God. All of mankind is unrighteous. Jesus Christ was the only human to be righteous.
Romans 5:5 and Romans 5:8 really spoke to me. They talk about how God’s love will never end no matter what we do.
Have a great day sisters and I’m praying for all of you. Be blessed and shine God’s heavenly love.
@Bridget Vaschak – yes, Paul has always been that way. Read 2 Peter 3:15-16!
Thank you Kelly! I don’t remember ever reading those verses in 2 Peter regarding Paul’s writing… that you for pointing them out!
I’m loving this study! Romans 5:1 Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have PEACE with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. 2 We have also obtained access through him by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we boast in the hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only that we boast in our afflictions, because we know that *affliction produces endurance, endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope. This hope will not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out in our hears through the Holy Spirit who was given to us. I also thought of James 1:12 Blessed is the one who endures trials, because when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.
Every podcast is so good. I love to follow along in our study books and take notes for each day. They ask us to rate their podcast but I havn’t figured out how to do that? So, I give them a 5+.
Romans 15:13 May the God of hopefully you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him. So that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. ♥️
So much here in Romans. I love the emphasis on salvation by grace as a free gift. Sometimes I struggle with trying to “earn” God’s love which is crazy I know. To answer the question it seems that unrighteousness came not only once original sin entered the world but when the law was received because it just defined the ways in which man was failing. God’s righteousness is by faith. I pray for myself and all of us here that we might continue to increase our faith daily. Taylor, I am so glad to hear of your ministry this weekend. Foster mama I will pray for your meeting. If I can ask for prayer for peace and continued healthy pregnancy and comfort while my husband is away another 2.5 weeks that will be very much appreciated. Thank you.
Does anyone else struggle with Paul’s writings? Not the content, but his style and long sentences/sentence structure? For some reason, I do and always have. Sometimes, I read and think “what did he just say?” It’s Thoughts?
Also, wishing you all a wonderful start to your week.
@Bridget Vaschak sometimes! I find the NIV or NLT translations a bit more coherent to read in that case.
Yes! If I don’t understand then I’ll look at different versions. Personally, I love the NLT!
I love how clear and direct Romans is about the law, salvation, righteousness and unrighteousness. I love how clearly it is stated that if we are going to teach and share we must remember that we are just as sinful and broken without Christ. Romans 5:1-11 really stood out to me… this is what I got out of it:
– This is all the result of salvation. This is what we gain through faith and relationship with Christ. Peace, Grace, Ability to Endure, Character, Hope, Shameless, Love, and The Holy Spirit. And additionally we receive reconciliation with God – our creator whom we have denied. All this is through Christ – His son.
That’s quite a deal.
Praying for you, Foster Mama. May God go before you this morning and prepare the hearts and minds of those at the meeting.
Good morning! What a blessing you ladies are! I don’t usually answer the questions in comments but felt led to do so today. Even though I am not following the true definition of righteousness/unrighteousness, my heart sees the difference as: unrighteousness – never-ending selfish depravity.
RIGHTEOUSNESS – God’s never-ending unselfish GRACE. To God be the glory forever!
Joining in the prayers listed. TAYLOR, thank you for sharing the joy of ministry and may God move in a mighty way!
ANGIE, thank you for sharing that diagram!
Great analogy CeeGee❤
Praying for you, Foster Mama.
Foster Mama, praying you know that He is right beside you this morning. And, as His daughter that He sees all and is holding you in these moments. Have grace with yourself that you would have for anyone else that might be in and has gone through what you have and speak what He gives you to speak boldly. May you feel the Holy Spirit’s power this morning guiding you in this conversation and praying peace for you. Mari V also praying for you, hoping you know He has you in His hands as always. Hugs. Taylor, such joy in what you shared. God gives so much to us in the opportunities we have to give to others daily. What joy.
Missed you. Hope you had a restful vacation
I woke up this morning praying for vengeance. That God would take away all of the wickedness in this world. Then I read today’s reading and was reminded that none of us are righteous, not even me. We are all under God’s Grace. God sees everything that is going on in this world and He knows every heart. That’s more than enough. FOSTER MAMA I’m praying for you today. May God go before you and make your path straight. May God prepare everyone’s heart so that the love of Christ is evident in the meeting. May God give you favor. In Jesus name. Amen
Good Morning Ladies, I am still away on vacation and it has been a little overwhelming which is why I have missed so many days of the New Testament. I went over the comments of the weekend including Friday and prayed for your requests yesterday. Praying you all know He is with you in all you are facing And as scripture reveals He is so faithful, even to die for us sinners, we can have faith that this love He has for us is always fighting for, teaching us even in our sufferings as He reveals to us and as we look to Him we are called to be thankful for our suffering because in it we are held and learn and we can bring God glory. So very good. Dear ERB, I have been praying for you and your brother. I still have more comments to catch up on and all of the readings. My time with my parents was good, my Dad really has forgotten most of his life as a father, but God is graceful and he is still in the present and not angry, or fearful in the present. We went bowling several times and I see that he is holding on to life by that which he is familiar with in his daily routines and God’s grace. He does get a bit demanding at times and I think it is much harder on my Mom than she lets on. But, she handles it with love and grace. So thankful for all of this and for my brother who doesn’t live far away and SIL who watch out for them. I am now at my daughter’s and having some time with my Baby Granddaughter, she is not feeling well, but so very sweet, even in her tired and fussy times. Again thankful, for while I was with my parents, the judge ordered some things to help my older granddaughters and my daughter move toward reunification. So again He is working, He is faithful and He is moving mountains. So thankful for the time ERB, love you Sis, grateful and that you knew I would need it. I need a little more and ask again your grace as I hope to respond back soon but I have much to catch up with when I get back so if we could keep our Isaiah time to resume next week, that would help me. I head home early tomorrow, so might not be able to be back until Wednesday, God willing. So enjoyed today’s reading and the comments. Look forward to catching up when I can. Hugs to you all my Sisters. His joy, His Word, His love over you all, for it is more than enough and oh so good.
MIRI AM – Amen!! I love that
ANGIE – I also wish there was a way to send the picture but I will spend some time tonight trying to put it together. Do we do anything special with the horizontal lines?! (I wonder if it can be found online…I’ll look after my meeting this morning.)
I’m going to be raw here. The hypocrisy of the church (which dates back to the days of the Jews and the beginning of time itself) is its biggest downfall and the devil’s greatest scheme. I know we all can name pastors and public figures who have fallen from great heights and some have even used Christianity as a cloak to commit evil. It’s so important for us to never let our fire for God turn into egos which corrupt righteousness into self-serving power trips. We ALL fail miserably every day because the reality is sin exists and until we’re in His glory we will face it every day. But our suffering in sin produces endurance a s endurance character in Christ and character hope. We have a savior who has born it all and it was at the cross where God’s justice and love joined to give us salvation.
It is kind of a mess, sorry. the verse, John 3:16 should be under Jesus name and the verse Romans 6:23 under the word death.
Close to the word man on the bottom line starts the 3 arrows up titled, ritual, works, education.
Farther over starting on the top line coming down is the arrow cross from Jesus that says, FOR GOD SO LOVED. The first arrow of the cross goes from top to bottom and the returning side goes from bottom to top.
I don’t know if this helps. I wish I could take a picture and send it or just draw it. It is a powerful tool to present the message of salvation.
Tried drawing it out but just not getting it. Is there anyway you could link it or something? I would love to see this!
Romans is one of those foundational books that could be titled, “But God.”
All have sinned, but God provides forgiveness.
Forgiveness through faith.
Salvation.
Justification.
Righteousness.
In Jesus.
I love the visual of 2 horizontal parallel lines.
I don’t know if it will transfer correctly.
God____________________________________Jesus______________________Eternity
Gen. 1:1 John 3:16
2 vertical arrows
3 vertical arrows form a cross,
(from bottom up) try with GOD SO LOVED
to get to God/never written in them.
enough. They are labeled: The 1st from heaven to earth
Ritual, Works, Education 2nd from earth back to heaven
Man________________________________________________________________Death
Rom 3:23 Rom. 6:23
In the beginning was God (Gen. 1:1) and life with God is eternal. However, man sinned (Rom. 3:23) which separated us from God. We tried to get back up with rituals, our own works, and even knowledge…but nothing we did was enough. So Jesus came from heaven to earth (John 3:16) to make a way back to God for us and save us from the death result of our sin.
I don’t know how this will post (I wish I could have actually drawn the picture). I pray you’ll get the gist. I have it in my Bible in Romans and it is so powerful.
Exactly
Angie, what version of the bible you have if I may ask? I’m a visual person
Sorry Angie, I would live to get this chart.
Profound message from Romans… we fall short BUT through our belief in and our repentance to Christ we are redeemed and made whole.
Sin is a word that is despised these days. Yet without recognizing & confessing our sin, we cannot experience the salvation gift of our Savior, Jesus! So thankful that He forgave (& forgives) my sin, & removed (removes) them as far as the east is from the west! Oh Lord, what a Savior!
Sometimes my faith feels like learning to ride a bicycle. Sometimes I catch myself thinking “Yes! I’m doing it! Look at me go”… and then I fall off. Today’s reading reminded my heart that only God can judge righteousness, in others and my own heart. By his grace, he sees me THROUGH Christ’s righteousness and not my own (since if I have any at all, it is fleeting at best!)
@AnnaCyr Amen
We cannot consider ourselves any better than those who do not yet believe. We are only where we are because of the undeserved favor of God. Thank you Father for salvation.
PLEASE pray for me THIS morning. I have an important meeting this morning that can quite well or VERY poorly. I want to describe it in depth but, can’t find the words.
Reading @MARI V’s comment yesterday really resonated with me (although quite a different situation with different impacts)… I feel my meeting with our “boss” did not go as well as we’d hoped and we are dealing with the aftermath now and in weeks / months to come.
I have moments of such surrender to God, believing He is working and sovereign, even when I can’t see but, it seems I have a similar # of moments where I feel sad / hurt / guilty / sinned-against and I am trying to figure out how to act / speak!!! I am lousy at advocating for myself (despite so much talking) and feel in my gut like things are STILL not well understood. I want to “let it rest” as some have advised but, deep down feel this is wrong.
Basically, I just need SO MUCH JESUS this morning and in the days / weeks to come!!!!
Praying for you!
Foster mama I will pray for you
Praying for you and your situation.
Romans 5:3-4 stood out to me today “Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” Honestly all of Romans 5 was just so so good. There is so much suffering in this world. I was having dinner with a friend on Saturday who just got diagnosed w/ Lymes Disease after suffering with intense migraines and neck pain for the last two weeks. We were talking about how hopeless going through trials would be if we didn’t have the hope of Jesus to get us through. It was also amazing to offer hope to the Latino community in my area this weekend. We gave out 31 boxes of fresh food including a gallon of milk, fresh ham slices, fresh bacon, fresh vegetables, and other food items. More importantly though we gave out hope in handing out Spanish Bibles and praying over them. It was heartbreaking hearing what they’re struggling with but hopefully they will be blessed by the food and prayer and will come to experience the HOPE that we have in Christ. Happy Monday everyone! <3
I was a bit behind in reading today because of the weekend, so I read the passages for Acts as well as for Romans today. It was such an amazing contrast between the readings focused on the Holy Spirit for Acts versus the readings focused on our sin for today. What an amazing reminder not only of how far we fall short, but also of the depth of our reconciliation that now the Holy Spirit lives in us! What a marvelous redemption!
Praise GOD!!! I will be rereading these passages multiple times today! So so powerful.
After reading this I felt so sad realizing how we all fall short, we may try so hard but never succeed , thank goodness for Jesus, my heart breaks for what he did, but knew we need more, thank goodness for the Holy Sporit to guide and comfort. Oh how we are loved.
1.I believe what Paul is saying here is that obeying the Law does not male one right in God’s eyes. It only shows us how sinful we are. “The righteousness of God is through faith in Jesus Christ, to all who believe” Rom. 3:22
2. Amen, Arina
In some way, it is comforting to read that all have sinned. That all fall short. My sin does not make me worse than others. And even better, God knows that we all are sinful. That no one seeks Him. Our acts do not come as a surprise to Him. On the contrary, He has known it from the beginning, and provided for a solution. We are freely justified by His grace through Christ. Thanks be to God!