Romans 1:13 “I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that I have often intended to come to you (but thus far have been prevented), in order that I may reap some harvest among you as well as among the rest of the Gentiles.
Romans 1:14 I am under obligation both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to the wise and to the foolish.
Romans 1:15 So I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome.”
Verse 14 reminds me that Paul was a zealot for the Jewish religion at one time. They considered themselves the children of God and the only true religion accepted by God. But now, as a Christian, he views all people as needing the gospel preached to them.
Paul, born a Roman Citizen, was raised as a Jew due to his family’s heritage. Today, many experience the same scenario or storyline. Some are born American citizens while their family holds to a particular religious belief.
From the time of the birth of Christianity, multiple denominations have come into existence. Each with its own beliefs and traditions, with many believing they are the only true and right way. Some have stirred up so much division as to start religious wars. Paul addressed this issue in his letter to the Corinthian Church.
“I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment. For it has been reported to me by Chloe’s people that there is quarreling among you, my brothers. What I mean is that each one of you says, “I follow Paul,” or “I follow Apollos,” or “I follow Cephas,” or “I follow Christ.” Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?” (1 Corinthians 1:10-13)
So many today associate themselves with a particular church or denomination rather than Christ. Belonging to a specific group of people and doing a lot of work in the name of the Lord or your church doesn’t get us into Heaven.
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’” (Matthew 7:21-23)
There is a significant difference between being born into something and being born again, which is required to become a citizen of Heaven.
“Jesus answered him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3)