Bible Question: What is the main theme of the Book of Romans. |
Bible Answer: Greetings Venny! The following is from Ryrie's Study Bible and will give you an excellent outline of the Book of Romans.. "Contents More formal than Paul’s other letters, Romans sets forth the doctrine of justification by faith (and its ramifications) in a systematic way. The theme of the epistle is the righteousness of God (1:16-17). A number of basic Christian doctrines are discussed: natural revelation (Rom 1:19-20), universality of sin (Rom 3:9-20), justification (Rom 3:24), propitiation (Rom 3:25), faith (Rom 4:1), original sin (Rom 5:12), union with Christ (Rom 6:1), the election and rejection of Israel (Rom 9-11), spiritual gifts (Rom 12:3-8), and respect for government (Rom 13:1-7). Outline of Romans I. Salutation and Statement of Theme, 1:1-17 A. Greeting, 1:1-7 B. Paul’s Interest, 1:8-15 C. Theme, 1:16-17 II. Righteousness Needed; Condemnation, Sin, 1:18-3:20 A. The Condemnation of the Gentile, 1:18-32 1. The cause of the condemnation: willful ignorance, 1:18-23 2. The consequences of the condemnation: divine abandonment, 1:24-32 B. The Condemnation of the Moralist, 2:1-16 C. The Condemnation of the Jew, 2:17-3:8 1. He did not keep the law of God, 2:17-29 2. He did not believe the promises of God, 3:1-8 D. The Condemnation of All Men, 3:9-20 III. Righteousness Imputed; Justification, Salvation, 3:21-5:21 A. The Description of Righteousness, 3:21-31 B. The Illustration of Righteousness, 4:1-25 1. Abraham’s faith was apart from works, 4:1-8 2. Abraham’s faith was apart from circumcision, 4:9-12 3. Abraham’s faith was apart from the law, 4:13-15 4. Abraham’s faith was in God, 4:16-25 C. The Benefits of Righteousness, 5:1-11 D. The Applicability of Righteousness, 5:12-21 IV. Righteousness Imparted; Sanctification, Separation, 6:1-8:39 A. The Principles of Sanctification; The Question of License, 6:1-23 1. Shall we continue in sin? 6:1-14 2. Shall we continue to sin? 6:15-23 B. The Practice of Sanctification; The Question of Law, 7:1-25 1. Is the believer under law? 7:1-6 2. Is the law evil? 7:7-12 3. Is the law a cause of death? 7:13-14 4. How can I resolve the struggle within myself? 7:15-25 C. The Power of Sanctification; The Question of Living, 8:1-39 1. Emancipated living, 8:1-11 2. Exalted living, 8:12-17 3. Expectant living, 8:18-30 4. Exultant living, 8:31-39 V. Righteousness Vindicated; Dispensation, Sovereignty, 9:1-11:36 A. Israel’s Past; Election, 9:1-29 1. Paul’s sorrow, 9:1-5 2. God’s sovereignty, 9:6-29 B. Israel’s Present; Rejection, 9:30-10:21 C. Israel’s Future; Salvation, 11:1-36 1. The extent of Israel’s rejection (partial), 11:1-10 2. The purpose of Israel’s rejection, 11:11-24 3. The duration of Israel’s rejection (temporary), 11:25-32 4. Discourse on God’s wisdom, 11:33-36 VI. Righteousness Practiced; Application, Service, 12:1-15:13 A. In Relation to Ourselves, 12:1-2 B. In Relation to the Church, 12:3-8 C. In Relation to Society, 12:9-21 D. In Relation to Government, 13:1-14 E. In Relation to Other Believers, 14:1-15:13 1. Do not judge one another, 14:1-12 2. Do not hinder one another, 14:13-23 3. Do imitate Christ, 15:1-13 VII. Personal Messages and Benediction, 15:14-16:27 A. Paul’s Plans, 15:14-33 B. Paul’s Personal Greetings, 16:1-16 C. Paul’s Concluding Admonition and Benediction, 16:17-27" The book of Romans remains one of my favorite in all the Bible to read and study.. Blessings! Nolan |