“To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be his holy people: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 1:7)

In Paul’s greetings to the churches named in his writings, he would address them concerning their relationship with God. In writing to the church at Rome, he wanted this primarily Gentile congregation to know their inclusion into the people of God. He would say later in this letter, “This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” (Romans 3:22-24) It is the same for us as we come to faith in Jesus Christ; we are included in the people of God.

Those who are included in the people of God have received both God’s love and God’s calling.  While we know that God loves the world, it is those who have responded to Him by faith that receive His love. “But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.” (Ephesians 2:4-5) Also by faith, we receive God’s calling to be His holy people, His saints. “As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” (1 Peter 1:14-16) We are called to know God and reflect His character to a watching world. This is not a self-righteousness, but the transformation by God to love our neighbor as God has loved us.

Paul would now offer a blessing to the church, which is also a blessing to all believers. “Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 1:7b)

We also have a reminder of the priestly blessing given to Aaron and his sons for God’s people. “The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26)

It is God’s grace and peace through which we are to live our lives for Him. Jesus has come to offer us both. First, it is by grace we receive life in victory over death. “For if, by the trespass of the one man, death reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ!” (Romans 5:17) Second, it is the peace which Jesus gives as we are forgiven because Jesus took our judgment. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27) All of this blessing comes to us through our Heavenly Father and our Lord Jesus Christ.

This was Paul’s greeting to the church in Rome. As we walk with God, may it be our blessing and our prayer for each other.

In the Love oof Jesus,

Michael Block