My ladies’ Bible study group is studying Paul’s letter to the Romans this year. I love this book for many reasons.

First, it’s a masterpiece of theology that explains the gospel. By the time we’re finished, we should have a deeper understanding and greater appreciation for the foundation of our faith: the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Too often, we think of the gospel as something we heard and believed in the past. After receiving the truth, confessing and repenting of sin, and turning to Christ, we then attempt to live our lives as good people, often without dwelling much on the gospel. This is a mistake.

The gospel impacts our lives every day, and we will never exhaust its influence and power. Paul says in Colossians 2:6, “Therefore as you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him.” Studying, meditating, and dwelling on the gospel helps us understand how to live out our faith daily.

Another reason I love Romans is because of its writing style. Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Paul provides a systematic framework that practically outlines itself. He tells us who we are without the gospel, why we need it, and how it empowers us to live. He describes God’s purpose and plans for Israel. He offers a blueprint for living a life that is pleasing to God in this present world.

The book of Romans reveals a great deal about the character and nature of God, which is one of the primary reasons we study the Bible—to know our God. In just his introductory remarks in the first seven verses (literally, one sentence), Paul shares seven truths about Jesus, the focal point of the gospel.

Romans 1:1-7 – Paul, a bond-servant of Christ Jesus, called as an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God, ²which He promised beforehand through His prophets in the holy Scriptures, ³ concerning His Son, who was born of a descendant of David according to the flesh, ⁴ who was declared the Son of God with power by the resurrection from the dead, according to the Spirit of holiness, Jesus Christ our Lord, ⁵ through whom we have received grace and apostleship to bring about the obedience of faith among all the Gentiles for His name’s sake, ⁶ among whom you also are the called of Jesus Christ; ⁷ to all who are beloved of God in Rome, called as saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Here are a few observations about Jesus that I see in these verses:

1. Jesus calls—first to salvation, then to sanctification (v. 1,5-7).

2. Jesus was promised through the Old Testament prophets (v. 2).

3. Jesus was fully human, born in the flesh (v. 3).

4. Jesus was a descendant of David, fulfilling prophecy (v. 3).

5. Jesus physically died (v. 4).

6. Jesus was proven to be fully God, the Son of God, by His resurrection (v. 4).

7. Jesus is the means by which we receive grace and peace (v. 7).

We also see clear evidence of the Trinity in these verses, as Paul speaks of God the Father (the One who promised and sent Jesus), Jesus Christ the Son (the One sent to die and be raised again), and the Holy Spirit (by whose power Jesus was resurrected). The gospel is a work of the Trinity.

Do you believe these seven essential facts about Jesus? Recognizing who He is and why He came is fundamental for salvation. We can’t call ourselves Christians if we do not believe these truths and build our faith upon them. 

Are you among the called?