Originally Presented on June 25, 2006.
The New Testament book of Romans is, arguably, the most important book ever written. Samuel Coleridge, 19th century English poet, wrote, "I think that the epistle to the Romans is the most profound work in existence." Scottish Reformer John Knox thought Romans to be "unquestionably the most important theological work in existence."
Augustine, Martin Luther, and John Wesley were all converted to Christ by means of the book of Romans. When you consider the effect those three men have had on Christianity and the world, a case can be made for Romans being the most influential book in the world.
In his commentary on Romans, John Stott wrote, "It is the fullest, plainest and grandest statement of the gospel in the New Testament." Luther said, "It [Romans] is worthy not only that every Christian should know it word for word, by heart, but also that he should occupy himself with it every day, as the daily bread of the soul." John Calvin wrote, "If we have gained a true understanding of this Epistle, we have an open door to all the most profound treasures of Scripture."
William Tyndale, in the preface to his commentary on Romans, called it, "a light and a way in unto the whole scripture." He went on to say, "I think it meet [fitting] that every Christian . . . know it by rote . . . No man can verily read it too oft or study it too well: for the more it is studied the easier it is, the more it is chewed, the pleasanter it is, and the more groundly it is searched, the preciouser things are found in it, so great treasure of spiritual things lieth hid therein."
Beloved, let us begin to give diligent study to the book of Romans on Sunday mornings that the eyes of the soul may behold the excellencies of our glorious and infinite God, revealed in His salvation in Jesus Christ.
