Romans 6 is often misread or quoted out of context. But the message, if we take the time to read it, is clear: the choice between life and death is always before us. Choose life.

Romans 5 begins with Paul’s message that the atoning sacrifice of Christ restored and secured our needed relationship with God. We have been given peace (shalom) with God.

Paul’s message in Romans 4 that righteousness has always been bestowed through faith and the grace of God is pivotal to the understanding of his letter. There was never a moment in which we earned a position of righteousness through acts of piety.

In Romans 3, the apostle Paul engaged in the debate regarding the value of the law. Paul boldly stated the necessity of upholding and uplifting the law but only with the understanding that redemption and righteousness come only by faith.

Romans 2 shouts the unwavering warning to not stand in judgment. Paul, early in his letter as preparation for the foundation of the gospel message soon coming, eliminates any inclination toward judgmentalism by remind us that we are all equally guilty.

Paul letter to the church in Rome begins within a duality. First and foremost, interwoven with his heartfelt greeting, is the truth of the gospel. However, immediately following his thesis, Paul proceeded to outline our desperate need for the mercy of God.

Paul’s letter to the believers in Rome is a needed conversation for the Church today; it is a message of profound grace and wholistic restoration for a church navigating the rich was of revival secured upon nothing but the power of the Gospel.