Paul’s great thesis in this letter is found in Romans 1:16-17. He confidently declares that the gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes. For in the gospel, the righteousness of God is revealed and by that same gospel, the righteous shall live by faith. But who are the righteous? Last week, we saw how all of us are guilty of the various sins against which God’s wrath is being and will be revealed.
In this week’s text, we are confronted with a confusing and potentially contradictory underlying theological principle: God judges according to works and on the last day, we shall all (both Jews and Gentiles) give an account to God of our works: blessings for those who have kept the law and curses for those who have violated it.
How do these two great truths go together? How can salvation be by faith and by works? The ascent up Mount Romans is steep this week but the vista is worth the effort!
