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.
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.