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St. Paul's The Epistle To The Romans

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St. Paul's The Epistle To The Romans
The Epistle to the Romans is one of the most crucial elements of the New Testament. St. Paul wrote this book on his third missionary journey to Corinth around 57 A.D. The whole intention of this letter was to edify and encourage the beloved Roman church; he knew he was called to remind them of “God’s plan and purpose in matters of saving sinners” (“What You Need”, 2010). In Romans 1-8, Paul uses the resources around him, such as the natural world, human identity, relationships, and culture, to relay his message.

The Natural World Creation and the whole natural world are a part of God’s general revelation; nature testifies to His existence (Stewart, n.d.). In Romans 1:18-21 (ESV), Paul discusses that God has left a witness of Himself for
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Paul was specifically writing to the Church of Rome, the literary context is still applicable today. All of mankind is unworthy and broken because of the Fall of Man. However, justification is an instant, holy work where the righteousness of Jesus Christ is made ready to all sinners through His sacrifice on the cross. In order to walk in that freedom of eternal life, humanity must realize that they have fallen short and need to be justified by faith through the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:1, ESV). Once justification takes place, sanctification, the process of being completely set apart and transformed into the image of God, is the next step. Sanctification is a daily choice to seek holiness and solidify human identity in Him (Romans 6-8, ESV). Human identity in the Lord is essential in making known God’s …show more content…
St. Paul’s powerful message to the Church of Rome was reminding them of this truth. It is crucial for mankind to realize that they are not dealing with human opinion or philosophy in his letter; it is a revolutionary truth that breaks through cultural, national, and educational distinctions (Piper, 2002). Romans 1:5 (ESV) says, “We have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of His name among all the nations.” The Good News that the God of the Universe sent His one and only Son to die for all sinners and rise again on the third day is a multi-cultural truth that applies to all nations. In order to see all cultures and nations justified, sanctified, and glorified, Christians must spread the gospel by living like

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