Paul's Epistle to the Romans is one of the most extensive statements of theology in the entire Bible, because in it he attempts to outline and describe the entire process by which mankind is initially condemned for its sinful nature, and therefore doomed for a final judgment according to the actions taken in life, but is offered the chance for redemption through faith in Jesus Christ. Paul at the same time confronts some of the most pressing theological issues at the time of the epistle's writing, such as the relationship between God and Israel as well as the salvation of Gentiles, but he also provides more general insights into how the beliefs expressed in Romans should influence and inform the everyday life of a Christian. By analyzing the process of condemnation, justification, sanctification, and preservation described in Paul's Epistle to the Romans, one can begin to appreciate the greatness of Paul's contribution to Christian theology as well as continuing position of Jesus' message to everyday Christian faith and experience. Paul highlights the fact that the only means to salvation is through faith, and not actions, but that actions nevertheless play an important role in the outward expression of God's will as enacted in the Christian life.
Paul's discusses mankind's condemnation due to the universal stain of sin, as well as the historical example he uses to show the feeling of justification through faith.`Paul states explicitly that:
For those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger. There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile; but glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. For God does not show favoritism.1
While Paul is obviously arguing against Jewish focus, this argument is very basic, rather than important, because as Paul states later on, the main point of his message is...