#85 Evangelism: The Roman Road
Introduction
Sharing the gospel is of extreme importance. To not be ready to share the gospel ought to be an unbearable shame to any christian. Yet we may never be called upon to share God’s truth directly, even so be prepared. Peter says, “but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence” (1 Peter 3:15). From this verse from Peter we may surmise that if there is any hope in you, you ought to be ready to faith that hope with others.
The Roman Road is an evangelistic tool for sharing your faith which was developed throughout the 20th century. It is not a set list of verses but rather an outline that many different groups have personalized. The verses include, “Romans 3:23, Romans 6:23, Romans 5:8, Romans 10:9–10, and Romans 10:13” Sometimes other verses are added such as Romans 5:1, 8:1, and 5:12.
The Five Steps
The Roman road generally has five steps to it. Each step is meant to lead you further down the road towards salvation. First the realization that everyone is a sinner, second that we all deserve death but Christ came for us, three Christ came for us, four confession leads to salvation, and five call on the name of the Lord to be saved. In this setup steps two and three could be combined but are not because they each have a different emphasis. While step four and five could also be combined. But are not as step four teaches how to be saved and step five can be the call to be saved.
Step One
The first step is to realize that everyone is a sinner. As it says in Romans, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). This can be by explaining what sin is, and how we are all sinful. Sin is when you do anything that is against God’s perfect will. We are all sinful. This is similar to obeying the law. It is hard to obey every law, it is harder still to know every law. God’s law is relational; it is not just about what you do that matters but also about what you think. Have you ever failed to meet your own standards? Yes, of course. And have you ever thought about doing something bad? Yes, of course. Thus you and I are both sinners and so is everyone else.
Step Two
Just as every sin harms our relationships with ourselves, our friends and family. It harms our relationship with God. How do we restore relationships when we make mistakes? You ask for forgiveness. When we break the law what happens? The judge judges us. So that is what we are talking about here, “for the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23). Jesus steps in, he takes the first step. You hurt your relationship with Him but He is willing and ready to forgive you. When the judge is ready to pronounce his sentence Jesus steps in He bails you out, He accepts the punishment for you.
Step Three
God’s love for us is infinite. No matter how many mistakes we have made, God is ready and willing to forgive us. Again in Romans it says, “but God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). Jesus died on the cross for our sins. He is perfect, He hasn’t made any mistakes. Yet He has taken the ultimate step to restore Your relationship with Him.
Step Four
You might now wonder if God has done all this what do I need to do? Paul told us the answer, “that if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation” (Romans 10:9-10). What are the steps here? You must know that Jesus is Lord, that He was raised from the dead, and that it was to save you. That is what it takes to be saved.
Step Five
After all this is understood, there is the call. Paul says, “for “whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved”” (Romans 10:13). That is the same call that I present to you now. Will you accept this call? Will you invite Jesus into your life to be your savior?
Further study
For further study and other ways to use the roman road method click here.
