The Roman Road: Romans 1.16-32

Christianity is a trip, a journey that all of us travel. Pilgrimage is a word that is often used as an analogy for the Christian life. We are on a 'faith journey.' Someone has developed a tool that is known as the Roman Road to salvation. By referring to selected verses that occur throughout the book of Romans we can get a relatively complete view of the doctrine of salvation.

• Romans 1.16. It is important to not be ashamed of the gospel of Christ. Have no fear. God is in control. It is through the power of the gospel that we have the hope of eternal life with Jesus Christ our Lord.
• Romans 3.10, 23. Every human, no matter how good they appear to be, has a tendency to sin. The doctrine of Original Sin is beyond our scope here, but know that even the best of us is a sinner.
• Romans 6.23. The consequences of sin are severe and permanent. Those who remain in their sins have no hope for eternity or relationship with Jesus. The gift of God, however, lasts forever.
• Romans 8.1-2. It is completely possible that every person can be free from the bondage of sin and the condemnation that comes with it. If sin is too much for you, there is a way out through Jesus.
• Romans 10.9-10. God has made a way that each person can be forgiven of their sins. There are two parts. First of all, those who would follow Jesus must know that he is the Son of God. This is an intellectual assent and a heart-felt belief. Secondly, there is the requirement that each person must confess their faith in Christ in some demonstrative way. In some traditions this includes a response to an invitation, or 'altar call.' In other places confession means simply being able, and willing, to speak your faith.
• Romans 12.2. Finally, our trip on the Roman Road calls us to live in the will of God. We are not to do what others expect of us, but live only for the expectations of Christ.