Reading Romans with Luther

See Romans through Luther's Gospel-centered lens: grace for guilty sinners, peace for troubled consciences, and freedom from a faith defined by "do more, try harder."

Paul's Letter to the Romans exposes the self-righteousness hidden in every human heart. It shows why God's Law can reveal our sin but cannot heal it, and why the death and resurrection of Jesus provide the righteousness, forgiveness, and hope we could never achieve on our own.

In Reading Romans with Luther, Pastor R. J. Grunewald guides readers through Paul's most influential epistle alongside insights from Martin Luther's Romans lectures. Combining Scripture, carefully selected excerpts from Luther, and clear contemporary reflections, this accessible study explores the human condition, God's saving grace, Baptism, faith, suffering, and life in Christ.

Inside, readers will:

• Understand the life-giving difference between God's Law and God's Gospel
• Discover justification by faith as Christ's righteousness received rather than earned
• Find comfort in the Christian's daily reality of being both sinner and forgiven child of God
• See how God's grace naturally bears fruit in loving service to others

This is not a call to improve your spiritual performance. It is an invitation to hear the Gospel as the final word. Whether you are studying Romans for the first time or returning to a familiar book with fresh questions, Reading Romans with Luther points you to Christ: the One who covers your shame, meets you in suffering, and speaks a promise stronger than every accusation.

RJ Grunewald is a pastor at Faith Lutheran Church in Troy, Michigan. His writing has been featured in several online publications, including ChristHoldFast, KeyLife, and Christianity Today. RJ, his wife, and their two children live near Detroit, Michigan.