Paul urgently wanted the church in Rome to appreciate the gospel message and its implications for the present and the future. He began his letter by setting out the need and way of justification, the declaration of 'not guilty'.

God declares us righteous because Jesus has paid the penalty for our sin. Yes, we're sinners, but through redemption in Jesus Christ we can go free. We are justified by grace alone, through faith alone.

As believers, we have immense privileges. We can have peace with God, union with Christ, freedom from the law and life in the spirit.

Today, more than ever, we need a robust understanding of the gospel. And the gospel is indeed good news!