Grace and Peace to You Who are Called to be Saints

"Hi, how are you doing today?" This common greeting between those who are acquainted and is often followed by something like, "Nice weather we're having, aren't we?" Or perhaps, "Did you see that game yesterday?" All of these sentiments are perfectly normal and are neutral in themselves. But as the Apostle Paul greets the Lord's people in Rome, he immediately begins unfolding profound doctrine and application of that doctrine. And thus begins the New Testament's premier systematic theology. Over the course of the sixteen chapters of the book, the inspired apostle will expound on sin, salvation, and service. Or, as our Heidelberg Catechism renders it, "…how great my sin and misery is; …how am redeemed from all my sins and misery; and …how I am to be thankful to God for such redemption. In our text today, the focus is on who our Savior is, who we are in Jesus Christ our Savior, and the blessings of grace and peace which flows from the redemptive work of our Savior as the objects of the Savior's saving work. – Pastor Schlegel