The Romans Road to salvation – What is it?

what does the bible say?

The Romans Road to salvation is a method based on the biblical principles found in the New Testament book of Romans to explain how a person can come to faith in Jesus Christ. Shared with millions of people around the world, the Romans Road explains why we need salvation, how God provided salvation, how we can receive salvation, and the results of salvation. One part of the Romans Road message is man’s total sinfulness, which is clear throughout Scripture (Genesis 3; Psalm 14:3; Jeremiah 17:9; Romans 3:23). This is also illustrated in the many times Israel sinned against God, despite His direct presence in their lives and the miracles He performed for them (Exodus 7—11, 14:21-31, 13:21-22; Isaiah 1:18). In the New Testament, Jesus noted the same proclivity to sin in all of humanity (John 3:19). The Romans Road also mentions the consequences of humanity’s sin: God’s wrath, resulting in eternal separation from Him—except that God provided a way back to Him through His Son (Genesis 3:15; Romans 3:23, 6:23). That latter part is the hopeful teaching included in the Romans Road. God’s love for the world was such that He sent Christ so that those who place their faith in Him are saved (John 3:16; Ephesians 2:8-9).The Romans Road equips believers to both grasp the Gospel personally and communicate it clearly to others.

from the old testament

• Genesis 3 describes the fall, the event in human history that put enmity between humanity and God, a separation that God had a plan to repair (Genesis 3, 3:15). Adam and Eve’s sin affected all of humankind.
• David declared that there is not one person who does good or seeks God. Mankind is completely depraved and goes his own way. (Psalm 14:3)
• God continued to call out Israel’s sin but always offered forgiveness and grace(Isaiah 1:18)
• The heart of man is desperately wicked and deceitful. We are born depraved and naturally desiring our own way (Jeremiah 17:9).

from the new testament

• The Romans Road message of salvation through Christ is seen during Jesus’ encounter with a Samaritan woman at a well. He told her she was living a sinful life. When she confessed, He offered her grace, mercy and salvation (John 4:7-26).
• As the Romans Road message indicates, everyone who has ever lived has a sin nature and cannot measure up to God’s standards (Romans 3:23). But God poured out His wrath on Jesus while we were still His enemies. (Romans 5:8)
• The consequence of sin is death and separation from God in eternal darkness and hopelessness. However, God offers salvation through Jesus Christ (Romans 6:23). This is the hopeful part of the Romans Road message.
• Anyone who chooses to trust in Jesus for His gift of salvation will be saved (Romans 10:13).
• The gift of salvation is nothing we earned, but is completely the work of Christ Jesus (Ephesians 2:8-9).

implications for today

The Romans Road begins with acknowledging our human sinfulness. Romans 3:23 teaches, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” We have all done things that displease God (Ecclesiastes 7:20; Romans 3:10). The Romans Road then explains the consequences of sin. Romans 6:23 teaches, “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” This refers to spiritual death and separation from God for eternity. Next, the Romans Road teaches how God has provided salvation. Romans 5:8 states, “but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” While we deserve death, Jesus has offered a way of life. He alone has provided a sufficient answer to the sin and spiritual death we face. The Romans Road then teaches how we can receive salvation. Romans 10:9 says, “because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Verse 13 adds, “For ’everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.’” Salvation is available to anyone who will turn to Jesus for eternal life (John 3:16). This occurs when we believe Jesus is Lord and that He literally came alive again from the dead. Finally, the Romans Road shares the results of salvation. Romans 5:1 declares, “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” The result is a relationship with God. This includes peace (Romans 8:1) and security (Romans 8:38-39).

Recap

understand

• The Romans Road to salvation is a simplified way of sharing the gospel.
• The Romans Road tells us that all people have sinned and are separated from God and that the consequence of sin is spiritual death.
• The hopeful message of theRomans Road is that God provides salvation through Jesus’ death and resurrection.

reflect

• How do you see your own need for God’s forgiveness in your life?
• What does it mean to you personally that Jesus died for your sins?
• How does understanding salvation affect your relationship with God?

engage

• How does the Romans Road help us clearly explain the Gospel to someone unfamiliar with it?
• How can recognizing the consequences of sin motivate us to share salvation with others?
• How can we live out the peace and security that come from being justified by faith in Christ?