Letters to the Faithful - Romans 1:1
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light. I, a servant of the gospel, though unworthy apart from His grace, greet you in the name of Him who is our hope and our salvation. To the saints scattered abroad, united by faith in the risen Lord, I write to you concerning the words of our brother Paul, set forth in the opening of his epistle to the Romans.
Beloved, consider the words of Romans 1:1, where Paul declares himself "a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God." Herein lies a foundation for our faith, a truth that echoes through the ages to every heart that seeks the Lord. Paul, once a persecutor of the church, was transformed by the mercy of Christ and set apart for a holy purpose. So too, you who have heard the call of grace are no longer your own, but belong to Him who purchased you with His precious blood.
First, let us marvel at this title, "servant of Jesus Christ." In a world that prizes power and self-rule, Paul embraces the yoke of servitude to the King of kings. You, dear brothers and sisters, who cherish the priesthood of all believers, know well that this servitude is no burden, but a liberty. For in Christ, we are not slaves to sin, but bondservants to righteousness, willingly bound to the One who sets us free. Reflect, then, on your own calling—are you living as servants of the Savior, surrendered to His will, as Paul was?
Second, he is "called to be an Apostle." This calling is not of human origin, but from God Himself, who chooses the weak to confound the mighty. Though you may not bear the office of apostle, you are no less called. To you, who hold fast to the Scriptures as your guide, I remind you of Peter’s words: you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, appointed to declare the praises of Him who called you (1 Peter 2:9). Paul’s apostolic mission was to proclaim the gospel, and so is yours—to your neighbors, your kin, and even to the ends of the earth.
Third, he is "separated unto the gospel of God." Here is the heart of our unity, O church! The gospel is not a mere teaching, but the power of God unto salvation to everyone who believes (Romans 1:16). It is the good news of Christ’s death and resurrection, foretold by the prophets, fulfilled in the Son. You who rejoice in sola fide—faith alone—know that this separation is not a retreat from the world, but a consecration for its sake. Like Paul, we are set apart not to condemn, but to carry the message of reconciliation to a lost and dying world.
Therefore, I urge you, beloved, to stand firm in this gospel. Let no division of doctrine or tradition tear asunder what Christ has joined together. For though we may differ in practice, we are one in the faith that saves—faith in the crucified and risen Lord. Examine your hearts: are you separated unto this gospel, or entangled still with lesser things? The days are short, and the harvest is plentiful; let us labor as Paul did, with eyes fixed on the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.
Now may the God of all grace, who has called us to His eternal glory by Christ Jesus, strengthen you, establish you, and keep you blameless until the day of His coming. I commend you to His care, praying that the Spirit of wisdom and revelation may abound in you all. Farewell, until we meet in the presence of our Lord.