1. Introduction:
In the first section of Romans, Paul demonstrates the dastardly nature
of sin. In Romans, Paul beautifully balances and emphasizes the nature of God –
His love,
forgiveness,
and righteousness
as well as His wrath and judgment – and the eternal
destiny of those who reject Him.
Paul declares that the Gentiles are terribly, grossly, sinful (Chap. 1).
Paul also shows that the Jews are also sinful (Chap. 2). In Romans 3, we
discover Paul’s belief that Every-one is sinful. God’s judgment is always based
upon the fact of sin and the potential of salvation through Jesus Christ.
God judgment is unwelcome news. We don’t want to hear about it. However,
the bad news must be heard before we can be receptive to the Good News. One reason
the church has not done as well stems from the fact that until people are
convinced of their sin through the bad news about the reality of judgment, they
cannot become receptive to the good news about Jesus’ love and forgiveness.
