In the first five chapters of Romans, Paul laid the groundwork for the rest of his letter. He established six all-important facts:
– All humanity is depraved—we’ve “fallen short” of God’s holiness.
– All humanity is under the penalty of sin—separated from God.
– Instead of abandoning us, God provided a rescue for us.
– God’s “rescue operation” was accomplished at the cross of Christ.
– When we believe in Jesus’ death and resurrection, He “justifies” us.
– As a result, we are no longer under sin’s penalty or domination.
The next big issue is this: How can salvation from the power of sin become a reality? Being “saved by grace apart from works” is one thing, but being able to walk by grace . . . that’s quite another. How can we now live victoriously? What must take place in order for us to live free from sin’s control?
