Romans Road Part 6

In the Book of Romans, the Apostle Paul comprehensively details God’s plan for our salvation. God created man to live on the earth in a loving relationship with Him (Romans 1:20-21). Adam and each of his descendants has broken that relationship by sinning, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Death, both physical and spiritual, is a consequence of that sin, “For the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23).

There is nothing we can do to earn forgiveness for our sins. Therefore, Jesus (God in human flesh) paid the penalty for us, “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). Jesus’ death and resurrection restores our relationship with God and provides us with eternal life, “the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23).

Romans 2:4 explains, “the kindness of God leads you to repentance” (Romans 2:4). Repentance is the act of changing our minds about sin. Previously we did not understand that we were violating God’s law. Now we acknowledge that by sinning, we hurt ourselves and others and we reject the God who loves us.

The Greek word for “kindness” is chréstotés. chréstotés is derived from a root word that means “useful” or “profitable.” Therefore, kindness is an act of love that is useful to the one receiving the kindness. God’s kindness – His crucifixion for the forgiveness of our sins, was a loving action that was useful to us by providing us with eternal life.

The apostle Paul explained, “when the kindness of God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy” (Titus 3:4). Jesus did not die for “righteous” people that were seeking God, He died for people that did not know or care about God. “For if while we were enemies (of God) we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life” (Romans 5:10).

This expression of kindness is difficult to comprehend. Paul also prayed that we would understand, “the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ” (Ephesians 3:18).

Through Romans, we understand that we have sinned and will receive the consequences for our sins. It also explains that God’s grace was expressed through the kindness of Jesus’ death to pay the price for our sins. He offers forgiveness as a gift. “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).

We are moved to repentance as we consider the kindness God demonstrated through Jesus. The next step on the Romans Road explains how we demonstrate saving faith and walk with God Forever.