So That All Nations Might Believe and Obey Him—Romans 16:25-27

"Now to him who is able to establish you by my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery hidden for long ages past, but now revealed and made known through the prophetic writings by the command of the eternal God, so that all nations might believe and obey him- to the only wise God be glory forever through Jesus Christ! Amen" (Romans 16:25-27)

This book is about grace, how Christ has made us right with God. Believing in Him and accepting this wonderful gift is the only thing it takes on our part. This is the amazing truth that Christ came to this earth to share. The gospel is God's message of love, mercy and grace in the person of Jesus Christ. It is the good news that was hidden in the ages past and unknown until Jesus came to earth, as a man, to show us the love of the Father.

Through this word and through the person of Jesus Christ, we can know and understand God in an intimate way. Paul started this letter by declaring that the gospel was the "power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes" ( Romans 1:16 ). So it is only fitting that as he closes this final chapter, he is reminding us that this proclamation of Christ was manifest so that "all nations might believe and obey him". The gospel truly is the power of God that can unwrite, all the wrong, ever done in this life. All we need to do is believe in Jesus and this unlocks the power of God for our eternal salvation.

I can imagine how the Apostle Paul felt as he finished up this amazing letter to the church in Rome. Knowing what it contained must have given him incredible pleasure. These wonderful truths had been recorded and plans were made to send it to the ends of the earth. He must have felt relief and joy knowing that the course of people's lives would be changed by reading these words and understanding the revelation of grace that he held onto. I wonder if he had a glimpse of the magnitude of impact this letter would have on the many people who have since read it. Did he know how many lives beyond his time and influence would be touched as he closed this letter with a wonderful exhortation to the only wise God and the glory of Jesus.

I can relate in a very small way to what Paul must have felt, as I have spent the past year of my life studying this incredible book. I have recounted the revelation which the Lord has given me in this blog.  I've received comments, emails and personal testimonies from my readers and have been blessed and encouraged by each one, knowing that these words, written by Paul, continue to bring freedom to everyone who reads and understands them.

As I close this chapter and finish this wonderful blog on the book of Romans I am forever changed by the grace I have been given through Jesus. I am so thankful that the Lord has chosen me to write this commentary. And now I commend you to this gospel of grace, that you may be rooted and established in it. May God's grace and mercy carry you through this life and equip you for the next. To God be the glory both now and forever, amen!