Salvation: Understanding the Romans Road to Eternal Life

Every Christian should not only know the gospel but be able to explain it with clarity and passion. The good news we proclaim has the power to transform lives, but far too often, believers find themselves fumbling for words or scriptures when sharing their faith. If you’re one of those who struggle with presenting the gospel, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Click the link above for a video that breaks down the Roman’s Road journey to Salvation.

What is the Roman’s Road?

The “Romans Road” is a simple, powerful tool that helps you understand and communicate the essential elements of the gospel message. Rooted in the book of Romans, this road provides a clear pathway through scripture that outlines our need for salvation, God’s provision, and the response He desires from us.

Let’s take a journey through the five stops on the Romans Road to salvation, each highlighting a key aspect of the gospel message. Whether you’re sharing your faith with a friend or wanting to deepen your understanding, these scriptures will serve as a guide for both learning and explaining the gospel.

Stop #1: Understanding Our Need for Salvation (Romans 3:23)

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” — Romans 3:23

Before we can grasp the good news, we must first understand the bad news. Why would anyone need saving if they didn’t realize they were lost? Romans 3:23 provides the sobering truth that we are all sinners. No one measures up to God’s perfect standard, no matter how “good” we may think we are.

Every human being has failed to meet God’s standard of holiness. Whether we’ve told a small lie or committed a major crime, we’ve all sinned. The consequence of even one sin is separation from God. Our inability to keep God’s law makes us accountable. James 2:10 reminds us, “Whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.” We need a solution, and that’s where the next stop comes into play.

Sin is Universal

• We cannot escape the fact that every human being is inherently sinful.

• The separation between us and God is not because of a lack of effort, but because of the impossibility of living up to His perfect standard.

• Even if you’ve lived what you’d consider a morally good life, failing once means falling short.

Stop #2: God’s Love and the Cross (Romans 5:8)

“But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” — Romans 5:8

Stop number two on the Romans Road reveals God’s overwhelming love for us, even in the midst of our sin. While we were still sinners—far from perfect, undeserving of grace—God made the ultimate sacrifice. His love for us wasn’t contingent on our goodness. In fact, it was precisely because we weren’t good that He sent Jesus to save us.

God’s love isn’t just a warm feeling; it’s an active, sacrificial love. In our brokenness, God’s answer was not to condemn but to redeem. Jesus stepped into history, lived a perfect life, and then took the punishment that we deserved. His death was not just a demonstration of love; it was the only way for us to be reconciled to God.

The Cross is the Answer

• God didn’t wait for us to clean up our act before sending Jesus. He took the initiative.

• Christ’s death was a purposeful, loving action to save sinners.

• No matter how far you feel from God, He has already made a way for you through Christ.

Stop #3: The Consequence of Sin and the Gift of God (Romans 6:23)

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” — Romans 6:23

The third stop on our journey deepens the reality of sin and its consequences. Romans 6:23 tells us plainly that the wages, or the payment, of sin is death. This death isn’t just physical; it’s eternal separation from God in a place the Bible calls hell.

But, thankfully, this verse doesn’t stop with bad news. It presents a stark contrast: while we deserve death because of our sin, God offers us the free gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ. Notice the word “gift.” We didn’t earn it, and we don’t deserve it. It’s a gift freely given by God’s grace.

The Two Paths: Death or Life

• Sin leads to death, but Jesus offers eternal life.

• You can’t work your way to heaven. It’s a gift that can only be received, not earned.

• Jesus paid the penalty that we should have paid. He took our place.

Stop #4: No Condemnation in Christ (Romans 8:1)

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” — Romans 8:1

Once we’ve accepted Christ, we can breathe a sigh of relief because we are no longer under condemnation. Romans 8:1 declares that if we are “in Christ,” we are not guilty before God. This truth is transformative—no more shame, no more guilt for past sins. When Jesus died on the cross, He didn’t just cover up our sins; He completely washed them away.

This stop on the Romans Road reassures us of our new standing in Christ. If you’ve put your faith in Him, you can be certain that you’re forgiven. This freedom allows us to live with a new sense of purpose and joy, knowing that our past no longer defines us.

Freedom from Guilt and Shame

• If you’re in Christ, you are no longer condemned. Your sin is washed away.

• You don’t have to live in the shadow of your past mistakes.

• God has declared you not guilty through the sacrifice of His Son.

Stop #5: Confess and Believe (Romans 10:9)

“If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” — Romans 10:9

The final stop on the Romans Road brings us to the moment of decision. Salvation isn’t automatic; it requires a response from us. Romans 10:9 outlines two things we must do to be saved: confess with our mouths that Jesus is Lord, and believe in our hearts that God raised Him from the dead.

This confession is not just lip service; it’s a declaration of trust and surrender. By confessing Jesus as Lord, we’re saying that we submit our lives to Him. Believing in His resurrection is essential because it means we trust that God has the power to save us, just as He raised Jesus from the dead.

The Act of Faith

• Confession and belief are the two responses God requires from us.

• Salvation is a gift, but it requires us to actively receive it.

• Faith in Jesus leads to a transformed life—no longer enslaved to sin, but set free.

Embrace the Gospel

The gospel is more than a set of beliefs; it’s the power of God for salvation. As you walk along the Romans Road, you’ll see the incredible gift God has offered to all humanity. But this journey also calls for a response. Will you confess and believe in Jesus? Will you share this good news with others who need to hear it?

Now is the time to embrace the life-changing message of the gospel. If you haven’t made that decision yet, let this be your moment. And if you’re already a follower of Christ, commit to sharing this simple yet profound message with others.

Further Reading

• Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis - A classic exploration of Christian beliefs, including why we need salvation and how Jesus provides it. Link

• “The Roman’s Road to Salvation” by Costi Hinn

Other Links

• Want to hear more? Check out Daybreak Church’s YouTube page for past messages on similar topics.

• Explore the Daybreak Church website to find classes and resources to deepen your faith journey.