Growing up in a Roman Catholic household, I was taught that favour with God was earned through good works—a sentiment shared by many religions and faith traditions. But when I delved into the Book of Romans, my understanding of salvation was completely transformed. This incredible book showed me that salvation is found in Christ alone. And three words—'Faith’, ‘Grace’, and ‘Gospel’—became pillars of my newfound relationship with God.
Let’s unpack these three life-changing words:
1. The Gospel – Good News for All
The word Gospel is mentioned 12 times in Romans, and it comes from the Greek word ‘euangélion’, which means "Good News" or "Good Message." And what a message it is! The Gospel is the Good News of Jesus Christ—His life, death, and resurrection, which offers salvation to all who believe.
Growing up, I thought salvation was something I had to earn. But the Gospel showed me that Jesus already did the work on the cross. It’s not about what I can do for God but what God has done for me through His Son.
2. Grace – God’s Unmerited Favour
Romans mentions ‘Grace’ 26 times—more than any other book in the Bible! The Greek word “charis” literally means "God’s unmerited favour toward unworthy people." And wow, what a gift grace is!
I’ve come to understand that grace is not something I can work for or deserve. It is freely given by God to sinners like me—undeserved, unearned, and unconditional. This truth changed everything for me. Grace reminds me that my salvation rests entirely in God's hands, not mine.
3. Faith – Trust and Reliance on God
Faith appears 39 times in Romans, more than in any other book of the New Testament. The Greek word ‘pistis’ translates to "belief, trust, and reliance on God."
Faith is the key to unlocking the Gospel and receiving God’s grace. It’s not about perfect performance but about trusting in the One who is perfect. Faith calls us to rely fully on Jesus Christ, placing our hope and trust in Him alone.
From Sinner to Saint
One of the most mind-blowing truths I learned in Romans is that believers in Jesus Christ are called ‘Saints’. Yes, ‘Saints’! Not because of our works, but because of what Christ has done for us. Growing up, I thought sainthood was reserved for a select few who performed extraordinary deeds. But Romans reminds us that we are made holy through Christ, not through our efforts.
The Book of Romans transformed my understanding of who I am in Christ. It taught me that my identity is no longer that of a sinner but of a saint. And that is something I will forever praise God for!
If you’re searching for peace and purpose, I encourage you to open a Bible and dive into the Book of Romans. Here you’ll find the life-changing truth of the Gospel, the power of God’s grace, and the gift of faith. You’ll discover that salvation isn’t about what you can do—it’s about what Jesus has already done.
Praise God for His amazing grace, the Good News of the Gospel, and the gift of faith that makes us His Saints!
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