We begin reading the most comprehensive letter Paul wrote to any church on his missionary journeys. The book of Romans was written to answer questions from Jewish and Gentile believers. The Jews who have attacked him at every turn were categorized into two groups; those insisting that you could only be saved by converting to Judaism and those who insisted the message of salvation was for Jews and Jews alone. As such, to become a true follower of Jesus, you had to become a Jew first. Paul counters this teachings with some strong explanation throughout the book of Romans insisting the law counts for nothing, no one can be justified by the law, only faith in Christ Jesus suffices.
Paul says; "For I am not ashamed of this Good News about Christ. It is the power of God at work, saving everyone who believes - the Jew first and also the Gentile. This Good News tells us how God makes us right in his sight. This is accomplished from start to finish by faith. As the scriptures say, it is through faith that a righteous person has life."
Paul's message was clear; this Good News saves all who turn to God through Christ. It is the Good News because unlike the law that condemned, faith tells us we can be saved and how we come to a right standing with God.
Secondly, this great feat is accomplished from start to finish, not by the works and ability of the individual to obey the Jewish laws of Moses, but by faith in Jesus. From start to finish, from the point we come to God to the point we meet him, our walk is a walk of faith. Everything in between is accomplished by faith. In other words, there is nothing to boast about. Everyone of us is a product of Faith and Grace.
