The book of Romans, likened to a metaphorical song by a skilled musician, contains memorable lines whose full meaning emerges only within the context of the entire work. Within nominal Christianity, select verses from Romans are often used to suggest that God's law, or at least certain parts of it, has been done away. While few argue that commandments against idolatry, adultery, or murder are obsolete since Christ died for our sins, discussions about the fourth commandment, the seventh-day Sabbath, frequently evoke hostility toward God's law in the carnal mind, often citing Romans to justify breaking it. Due to the arrangement of material in Romans, Paul sometimes appears to contradict himself, though such is not the case since God's Word cannot be broken. He explores one side of an issue in a passage, then switches to another side in the following passage, explaining it before returning to the initial perspective. Nominal Christianity tends to enthusiastically emphasize sections that seem to suggest the law is obsolete, but when Paul upholds God's law, it becomes quiet and uncomfortable, waiting for lines that appear to support disregarding the law. Peter's caution about the difficulty in understanding Paul's writings applies particularly to Romans, where timing, context, and purpose are critical to grasping the apostle's arguments and explanations, aspects often misunderstood or missed altogether.

The Book of Romans is a central focus in understanding the doctrine of justification by grace through faith. In its doctrinal portion, Romans emphasizes this concept as a key theme, highlighting that justification aligns believers with God's standard through His unearned gift of grace. This process does not eliminate the law but establishes it, as faith in the blood of Jesus Christ confirms the law's relevance. Romans illustrates that justification applies most strongly to past sins, bringing believers into a righteous status before God and granting access to His presence. However, it does not equate to salvation, which remains a future event, secured by Christ's ongoing intercession. Justification is a necessary step in God's plan, providing the foundation for further spiritual growth, but it does not grant freedom to disregard the law. Instead, it underscores the importance of aligning with God's standards to avoid falling out of alignment again.

In the early chapters of Romans, Paul addresses both Jews and Gentiles, explaining that God's law was designed to make us aware of sin and was never intended to fix the problem of sinning. Paul emphasizes that no one can claim righteousness through their own efforts to keep the law perfectly. Instead, he urges the Jews to shift their focus to the righteousness that comes by faith in Jesus Christ rather than trying to earn salvation through lawkeeping. Paul points to Abraham, who was declared righteous because of his faith, not his works. As Paul continues, he addresses the relationship between God and Israel, clarifying that God is still working with a remnant of Israelites, not the masses. He explains that God calls individuals through His love and mercy, offering them grace, made available because of Jesus' sacrifice. Paul compares Adam and Christ, noting that while Adam chose to sin, Christ chose not to, bringing righteousness into the world. Just as God condemned Adam for his choice, He condemns everyone who chooses a lifestyle of sin. Paul also clarifies which law he discusses, pointing out that the penalty for sin existed from the time of Adam. He explains that no matter how hard someone works to be obedient, they can never achieve righteousness because they cannot erase past transgressions. Only Jesus' sacrifice can restore the right relationship with God. In Romans chapter 6, Paul asks if a person can continue living in sin because of grace, answering clearly that they cannot. Receiving God's grace washes away the past, allowing the new man to live in Christ. In verse 15, Paul reiterates that grace does not grant permission to sin; it frees us from the penalty of breaking the law through Christ's sacrifice. He emphasizes that the law regarding sin remains in place, but living faith in Christ's sacrifice removes us from being under that penalty, closing with the statement that the wages of sin is death. In Romans chapter 10, verse 4, Paul states that Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. He tells the Jews that if they think they can keep the law perfectly to make themselves right with God, they are mistaken. Once someone sins, the penalty is in play, and only Christ's death can substitute for that penalty. Throughout the first 11 chapters of Romans, Paul's message is not about abolishing the law but about understanding that the law alone cannot save us. His focus is on how sinful man, under the law of death, can be put into a right relationship with God.

In the Book of Romans, several key insights emerge regarding the role and purpose of God's law. Romans 7 reveals that it is not the law that brings death, but sin. The law, described as holy, just, good, and spiritual, was ordained to life, contrasting with sin's deadly effect. Romans 3:20 emphasizes that the law serves to reveal what sin is, not to give life, aligning with the understanding that life comes from the living, not from legal codes. Romans 8:7 highlights the carnal mind's enmity against God's law, portraying it as antagonistic due to its inherent opposition to divine standards. This enmity often leads to blaming the law for sin, though the law's true function is to make sin understood more thoroughly, not to provoke it. Romans 6:1-2 provides a clear directive that Christians are not to sin, implying that God's law, which defines sin, remains in effect. This passage underscores the necessity of the law's existence to identify sin, countering any notion that it has been abolished. Additionally, the Potter-clay analogy in Romans illustrates God's law as a fundamental description of His character and way of life, shaping humanity toward His image. These references collectively affirm that the law holds a vital place in revealing sin, guiding conduct, and reflecting God's purpose, without being the source of life or justification.

The overriding theme of Romans 1-8 is the doctrine of justification by faith and its application to the Jew-Gentile divide in the early church. Chapters 9-11 address the grafting of Gentiles into the Body of Christ and the current standing of physical Israelites, while the final chapters discuss Christian conduct in light of the preceding doctrinal explanation. Paul poses a significant question in Romans: Does trusting in Christ's sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins nullify God's law? He answers firmly that this faith does not overthrow the law but actually upholds and confirms it. Justification by faith means being aligned with God based on belief in Christ's sacrifice rather than personal worthiness. Paul emphasizes that justification comes from this belief, not from obeying God's commands, addressing the concern of how someone is accepted by God and how that relationship begins. Whether Jew or Gentile, no one can approach the Father on the basis of works, as everyone falls short of His standard. However, this truth does not abolish God's standards; it only indicates that diligent efforts to live up to them will not justify us. Paul is not against God's law but opposes its misapplication, such as believing one can approach the Father based on not having sinned in specific ways. He asserts that we must begin with the acknowledgment of being sinners, unable to be justified by our best efforts once we have transgressed. The law remains valuable as it reveals where we are out of alignment with God, guiding us to change course. Thus, inherent in the belief that Christ's blood pays the death penalty is an acknowledgment that God's law has been broken, confirming that the law is still in effect and that we need salvation from the penalty of breaking it. Understanding the principle in Romans 3:31, that faith in Christ's sacrifice upholds God's law, clarifies Paul's broader argument. He aims to prevent two errors: neither keeping the law nor doing works of charity will justify us, and both withholding good from others and continuing in sin will separate us from our Savior. God justifies us freely through belief in His Son's redemptive work, providing a clean slate to begin a spiritual relationship with Him and learn to live by His every word.

The Book of Romans addresses critical issues of belief and conduct, emphasizing the importance of living according to God's Word. Paul reminds us that baptism symbolizes a burial following death to sin, mirroring Christ's death and burial, which literally pays for our sins. Just as Christ was raised to life, our resurrection from the watery grave signifies a call to walk in newness of life, no longer habitually sinning but striving to overcome it with all our might. Paul provides no authority for breaking God's law, urging believers to stop letting sin rule their bodies and to yield to righteousness, which means keeping God's commandments. He counters the notion that grace permits sin, asserting that there is absolutely no authorization in God's Word for such behavior. Instead, believers are obligated to grace, ensuring that sin shall not have dominion over them. Furthermore, Paul highlights a personal relationship with Christ, into whom we are baptized, emphasizing a deep indebtedness and responsibility to live as closely as possible to His way, fostering warmth, intimate affection, and caring that leads toward a spiritual marriage with Him.

The Book of Romans, alongside Galatians, is often cited as a key source for arguments regarding the law, yet it is significant to note that both books were already written and circulating through the church by AD 58 or 59, prior to Paul's trial before Felix. During this trial, Paul affirmed his belief in all things written in the law and the prophets, demonstrating his consistent stance despite the content of Romans and Galatians being available at that time. In Romans, Paul's use of the term "law" is notably broad, appearing 110 times across various contexts. He employs it to signify a single law, the Mosaic law, the Pentateuch, or specifically the Ten Commandments. In Romans 2, Paul refers to the law as the will of God written in the hearts of Gentiles, suggesting a natural law that operates even without formal instruction. Additionally, in Romans 3:19, he uses "law" as if God Himself were speaking, without directly naming Him. Paul's application of the term can seem contradictory, at times establishing the law and at others appearing to abolish it, depending on whether the context pertains to justification or sanctification. In matters of justification, he often takes a "no law" approach, indicating that no amount of law-keeping can justify a person. Conversely, when addressing sanctification, which concerns right living and character building, Paul emphasizes the law's value and necessity. Further insights from Romans 3 reveal that the law serves to define duty, outlining right and wrong. It highlights human weakness and shortfall, fostering awareness of sinfulness. This awareness, if met with the right attitude, promotes shame and guilt, leading to humility and repentance. The law aids in developing a proper conscience, distinct from cultural influences, by providing a clear standard of right and wrong. Moreover, Romans 3 explains that expecting the law to transform lives or make one upright is beyond its capacity; it requires a deeper motive connected to the personal and holy nature of God behind the law. Romans 7 elaborates on the law's role in revealing sin, showing the disparity between what individuals do and what they ought to do. Additionally, the law in Romans not only identifies sin but also reflects God's character through love, serving as a guideline to becoming like Him. It provides both the negative definition of wrongdoing and the positive portrayal of love, justice, mercy, and faithfulness, all of which are integral to understanding God's will.

In Romans chapter 1, verses 17 through 32, Paul addresses mankind's rejection of God's true knowledge, describing how people are unable to see reality from God's perspective and develop their own unique views, filling in gaps with their imaginations. He highlights this in Romans chapter 1, verse 24, where he notes that people change God's truth for a lie, a deception tracing back to the serpent's words in the garden. In studying the Book of Romans, a key concept emerges: Paul's teachings must be viewed from the perspective of the one true gospel message of the kingdom of God, which contains the whole truth of God's plan. Using Paul's writings as the standard, rather than the gospel, results in a twisted perspective of truth. Turning to Romans chapter 14, Paul emphasizes a primary concept to the Roman congregation: not all who are converted understand everything at the same level. Some are strong in faith on certain topics but weak in others, and they should not judge based on differing levels of faith. In Romans chapter 14, verse 2, Paul contrasts personal choices in eating, stating that one believes he may eat all things, while another, who is weak, eats only vegetables. In verse 3, he teaches not to despise or judge others for their choices, as God has received them. Paul continues in verse 5, noting that one person esteems one day above another, while another esteems every day alike, urging each to be fully convinced in his own mind. In verse 6, he combines these analogies, emphasizing that whether observing a day or eating, the action should be to the Lord with thanks to God. In verse 14, Paul states he is convinced by the Lord Jesus that nothing is unclean of itself, but to him who considers something unclean, it is unclean, focusing on individual perception rather than personal determination of God's standards. Throughout chapter 14, Paul's message centers on showing respect, love, and concern, refraining from judgment over personal choices.

In the Book of Romans, Paul addresses the critical relationship between faith, works, and judgment. He emphasizes in Romans 2:1-13 that it is not merely the hearers of the law who are justified before God, but the doers who will be justified. Within the context of judgment, Paul warns against the ease of judging others, noting that such actions pull individuals into a vulnerable position, subject to God's condemnation. He points out that those who judge often lack the full truth to make fair assessments and are themselves guilty of similar sins, highlighting that God alone judges with perfect righteousness. Paul further counsels in Romans 2:4 to lay aside pride and focus on God's patience, which leads to repentance. He contrasts the riches of God's mercy with the treasuring of judgment that condemnative individuals heap upon themselves. In Romans 2:6-11, Paul argues for the necessity of good works after justification, asserting that while a person is justified by grace through faith, establishing a relationship with God, good works are the visible expression and witness of that relationship. He states that living according to God's will is the natural consequence of faith, and judgment will be based on the works that follow justification. Paul introduces the concept of law in the context of judgment and works, indicating that good works involve law-keeping. He explains that judgment will be according to what individuals know, with greater responsibility placed on those who have more knowledge of God's law. In Romans 3:31, Paul asserts that faith upholds the law, serving as a guide for how faith is to be used and pointing out what constitutes sin. Additionally, in Romans 6, Paul elaborates on the obligation to live in obedience to righteousness, stemming from Christ's redemption. He portrays sin as a debt that enslaves, a bondage from which individuals cannot free themselves without outside help. Christ's payment for this debt creates a profound sense of obligation, compelling believers to live lives dedicated to righteousness, as their time and conduct belong to Him who paid the ultimate price.

The Book of Romans provides a profound exploration of the cost associated with the New Covenant, emphasizing that it is far from free. In Romans 12:1, Paul urgently beseeches his readers to accept the teachings of the preceding eleven chapters, which cover critical spiritual concepts and practical applications. He begins this section with a strong appeal, using the term "therefore" to signal a conclusion, urging a deep commitment to the value of these teachings despite the cost involved. Paul introduces the concept of sacrificing as a central theme, likening it to the offerings at the Jerusalem Temple altar. He illustrates that the offerer, by identifying with the animal sacrifice, symbolically gives up something dear, representing the payment for sin. This vivid imagery underscores that salvation is not a free gift; rather, it involves a substitute sacrifice, freeing the offerer from paying the penalty with their own life, provided they live according to God's approval. Further in Romans, Paul shares his personal transformation, revealing the profound cost of recognizing sin's seriousness. Initially unconcerned with the weight of sin, he experienced a heart-turning moment that shattered his self-respect and life ambitions, costing him his standing and respect within the Jewish community. This personal sacrifice marked the death of his old self, highlighting the high price of repentance and obedience. In Romans 6 and 12, Paul emphasizes the ongoing battle against sin in every part of the body, urging control over actions and desires as part of the sacrificial cost. He clarifies that the problem lies not with God's laws but with sin itself, and obedience reveals sin's evil nature through the good fruit it produces. Sacrificing for Jesus Christ and God's way of life means casting aside everything not of God, living as a continuous act of worship and service. Paul's call in Romans 12:1-2 to be living sacrifices is a reasonable service to God, who owns us and commands us to live His way. This demand, hostile to the carnal mind, requires sacrificing time, energy, knowledge, and attitudes in service to Him. The cost of loving God, exemplified by Jesus Christ's sacrifice, is immense, yet God equips us with what is needed to meet these demands, making the cost reasonable. Finally, Romans 12:2 describes transformation through active participation in being a sacrifice, a process the carnal mind resists but is essential for becoming like Jesus Christ. This costly involvement in living as sacrifices is a fundamental aspect of the New Covenant, shaping us into a kingdom of priests under Jesus Christ, our High Priest.

The Book of Romans, as it relates to the broader context of Christian teachings, is significant for its discussion on justification by faith. It appears that Romans was written around the same time as Galatians, likely during a period when Paul was in prison, around 60 or 61 AD, or possibly early 62 AD. This timing suggests that Paul was somewhat out of reach to directly address the churches. In this context, there were misunderstandings and abuses of Paul's teachings on grace, law, and faith within the early church. Some members had begun to twist these writings, promoting an antinomian, or anti-law, perspective, suggesting that mere belief was sufficient for salvation. Romans, alongside Galatians, emphasizes justification by faith as a foundational principle. However, it is understood that this teaching was sometimes misused by those who neglected the importance of works alongside faith. The balance between faith and works is crucial, as Paul's focus in Romans is on the initial justification through faith, marking the beginning of the salvation process. This perspective highlights that believers are justified freely by God's grace through faith in Jesus Christ. The ongoing journey of sanctification, where works demonstrate the uprightness of one's faith, complements this initial step, showing that both elements are necessary for a complete Christian life.

The book of Romans, a foundational text in the New Testament, addresses significant doctrines of the Church of God, particularly in its exploration of Israel's role in God's purpose. Written to a mixed audience of Jews and Gentiles, with Jews likely forming a large majority, Romans raises the critical question of where Israel fits within God's plan. Paul dedicates three chapters, Romans 9-11, to explain Israel's unique position, emphasizing that everything in God's purpose for mankind relates to His relationship with Israel. This section is deemed essential, ranking high among foundational doctrines, despite being often overlooked for lacking modern relevance. Paul affirms God's choices with enthusiastic approval, highlighting Israel's privileged status as the nation through which covenants were made and from which the Savior emerged. He underscores that God does not deviate from His established patterns, asserting that if God began His work through Israel, He will finish it through Israel, even under the New Covenant. This continuity is evident as Gentiles, through conversion, are grafted into Israel, becoming part of the spiritual Body where national distinctions fade, uniting all as the Israel of God. In Romans 9-11, Paul clarifies that true Israel consists of those circumcised in heart, whether Jew or Gentile, showing that God's work continues through a spiritual remnant, the elect, chosen from all ethnic backgrounds. This new Israel, a spiritual organism, is destined to marry Christ, maintaining the pattern God established. Gentiles must become part of Israel to enter the New Covenant, aligning with God's unchanging purpose to expand His Kingdom through this spiritual nation.