In the book of Romans the Apostle Paul wrote to those who had believed in the city of Rome. As the center of the Roman Empire, it was a critical place for the truth of Jesus Christ to be preached. For those who lived there, their impact in the world around them was to be influenced greatly by their understanding of the Gospel and Paul goes into great detail to make sure they are clear in their grasp of the truth.
The same is true for us - as we strive to be effective as a “City on a Hill” that will not be hidden, we must also have a clear understanding of the Gospel message. In this book we see God’s magnificent plan of redemption - how we as lost and guilty human beings can be forever delivered from the penalty of sin through the righteousness of Christ. This is the truth that we are called to know and believe. And also in this book, we learn that this truth must be lived out as well. The positional truth that we understand is to be lived out on a daily basis. What we know is also what we should practically apply in our life.
“I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: ’The righteous will live by faith.’” Romans 1:16-17
