Romans 1

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (v16).  Paul declared that the good news is for Jews and Gentiles – because all are sinful.  Jews had broken the Law, the clearest description of God’s will, but Gentiles knew enough about God “from creation” (v20) to be held accountable.  Paul says people are condemned for sexual immorality and for being “gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful …” (29-30).  

“Called to be saints” (v7).  Jesus’ death covered all sins – public and private, action and thoughts, individual and communal. By His power we are now called to be saints – forgiven, healed, and empowered to live holy lives.