Romans 1

Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ — Jehovah saves, the Anointed One

Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, Romans 1:1

Paul introduces himself first as a servant (literally a bondservant) of Jesus Christ. His whole identity is defined by belonging to the Savior.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him

Son of God

(Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,) Romans 1:2–3

The gospel was promised long before by the prophets, and its subject is God's Son, Jesus Christ. The Old Testament prophets were testifying of Him.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• the same title in Acts 26:22-23 — Paul teaches only what the prophets and Moses said should come concerning Christ.
• alludes to Jacob 7:11 — None of the prophets have written or prophesied save they have spoken concerning this Christ.

Son of David

Seed of David — the promised royal descendant of King David

Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; Romans 1:3

In His mortal body Jesus descended from King David, fulfilling God's promise that David's heir would reign forever. He is both David's son and God's Son.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• fulfils 2 Samuel 7:12-13 — I will set up thy seed after thee ... I will stablish the throne of his kingdom for ever.
• fulfils Jeremiah 23:5 — I will raise unto David a righteous Branch.
• the same title in 2 Timothy 2:8 — Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead.

Resurrection

And declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead: Romans 1:4

Jesus' Resurrection is the powerful proof that He is the divine Son of God. Rising from the dead is something only the Son of God could do.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• alludes to Acts 13:33 — God raised up Jesus, as written in the second psalm: Thou art my Son.
• alludes to Psalm 2:7 — Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.

Grace

By whom we have received grace and apostleship, for obedience to the faith among all nations, for his name: Romans 1:5–6

Grace and apostleship come through Christ, and the work is done 'for his name'. The Roman Saints are 'the called of Jesus Christ' — people who belong to Him.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him

• alludes to Mosiah 5:7-8 — Ye shall be called the children of Christ; take upon you the name of Christ.

Jesus Christ

Lord Jesus Christ — the Master, Jehovah saves, the Anointed One

To all that be in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 1:7

Paul's blessing comes from two distinct persons: God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace and peace flow from both.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him

• the same title in 1 Corinthians 1:3 — The same greeting from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Mediator

First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. Romans 1:8–9

Paul approaches God in thanks 'through Jesus Christ', the one through whom we come to the Father. The gospel he serves is 'the gospel of his Son'.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him

• alludes to 1 Timothy 2:5 — One mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.

Christ

Christ — the Anointed One

For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. Romans 1:16

The good news about Christ carries God's own power to save everyone who believes. Paul refuses to be embarrassed by it, even in proud Rome.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• interpreted by D&C 76:40-42 — This is the gospel: that Jesus came into the world to be crucified and to save all.
• interpreted by 3 Nephi 27:13-14 — The risen Lord defines His gospel: He came to do the Father's will and be lifted up on the cross.

Faith in Christ

For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. Romans 1:17

The gospel of Christ reveals how people become righteous before God: by faith. In Romans that faith is faith in Jesus Christ.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• quotes Habakkuk 2:4 — The just shall live by his faith.
• interpreted by Romans 3:22 — The righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ.

Creation bears record

For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Romans 1:20

Paul says creation itself makes God's power plain. Latter-day scripture teaches all created things bear record of Christ, through whom the worlds were made.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• alludes to Moses 6:63 — All things are created and made to bear record of me.
• alludes to Alma 30:44 — All things denote there is a God, the earth and all things upon it.

Creator

Creator — the one who made heaven and earth

Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. Romans 1:25

People worshipped created things instead of the Creator. Under the Father's direction, Jesus Christ is the Creator of heaven and earth, so this title belongs to Him as well.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• the same title in Mosiah 3:8 — Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Father of heaven and earth, the Creator of all things.
• alludes to John 1:3 — All things were made by him.