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 Romans 1:1-17 - Good News: God Loves - You are Called to Be a Christian



It is incredible what can be done with a letter. Of course, Romans is much more than a letter written in an obscure prison to the people of an ancient empire’s capital. In this letter the Holy Spirit explains to everyone everywhere the Good News of Jesus Christ and what it does.

If you read the words of this Scripture - or have them read to you - then you have been called to belong to Jesus Christ - to be a Christian (1:6). Yes, you! And you, if you are a baptized believer in Jesus Christ, share the mission - the privilege and authority to tell people everywhere what God has done for them so that they will believe and obey God. This process of reconciliation - bringing lost sinners to new life in God brings glory and honor to His name. His name is Christ Jesus - our Lord and Savior.

So let’s recap this passage. This is where I stand. The Holy Spirit chose Paul to write this letter to those in the capital of the ancient Roman Empire. But He also wrote this letter to you and me. The Good News, God’s gift of salvation, of rescue from this evil world, is all about God’s Son, Jesus Christ. Jesus died to pay for our sins but was raised to life by the power of the Holy Spirit. God’s message is for all people, everywhere. We are all called by God to belong to Jesus Christ. To belong to Jesus Christ, you must believe in God and what He’s done for you. You must trust only in Jesus Christ as your Master, Savior, and Rescuer from this evil world. You are not your own savior. Money, status, power, or family connections will get you zilch in eternity. If you believe that God died for your sins, repent of your sin, and accept this gift of eternal life, you will receive the Holy Spirit. And you then belong to Jesus Christ. You are a Christian. You are a child of God. A vital member of the family of God, God’s holy people. You and I are privileged, loved, and blessed by the Almighty Creator. This is the Good News, the Greatest Treasure. Now you share in God’s inheritance for his people, and you will live to bring glory to the name of Jesus Christ.

Lord Jesus, I am your slave. Everything I have is from you and is yours. I live for you. I’m a broken man, saved only by Your grace. Please bless us today. Our future is in your hands. Only you can plant us and help us grow. Please help us to listen closely to you today, to be loyal to you, humble, strong, and courageous.

Amen.

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