February 18, 2004
The Real Roman Road: Our Path to God
The Roman Road is a common protestant technique to lead others to God. It involves a series of verses from Romans that seem to exemplify the protestant belief system (I disagree with some of the interpretations). I’m not sure if its tied to specific denominations or not – I’ve heard at from at least two. So, I decided to develop the “real” Roman Road that gives a clear direction for others to come to God through the channel He intended – the Catholic Church. Note that I felt no inclination to limit myself to Romans; there are many other important books in the Bible and I already have a reason to call mine “Roman.” Here goes:
1) Romans 1:19-21. We must realize that God created everything including us and we must recognize God’s existence and position. (I actually kept this from the protestant Roman Road – it is an excellent beginning)
2) 1 Timothy 2:3-4. God desires all men to come to be saved and to come to the knowledge of truth.
3) John 3:16. To achieve these ends and despite our sinfulness, God in his love sent Christ to die for our sins.
4) 2 Peter 1:3-4. Through Christ we can escape sin and become partakers of the divine nature – we may become part of the family of God (1 John 3:1; Ephesians 1:5).
5) Matthew 16:18. To achieve His ends, Christ established a Church that the gates of hell will not prevail against. Note also that this Church is the “pillar and foundation of truth” (1 Tim 3:15).
6) Acts 1:15-20. The Church is continued through the ages by Apostolic succession and offers to us the Sacraments: Baptism (John 3:5), Eucharist (John 6:53-54, Luke 22:19-20), Confirmation (Acts 8:15-17, Acts 19:6), Confession (John 20:21-23, 2 Cor 5:18), Anointing of the Sick (Matt 10:8, James 5:14-15), Holy Orders(Hebrews 8:1-7, 1 Tim 3:1), and Marriage(Ephesians 5:31-32, Matt 19:5-6).
7) Hebrews 3:12-14. We must be faithful until the end to be saved (see also Philippians 2:12 and 3:12-14).
I contend that this is a more accurate portrayal of the path to God. This is obviously a simplification, but it provides a road map to Truth that we all can follow.
God bless,
Jay
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Excellent post. As one who used to use that other Roman road, I can really appreciate the one you have posted here. Very true indeed, and a presentation that has universal application. Good verses to use when sharing the Gospel with anybody. I bet my apologetics class would appreciate this summary. Thx.
Posted by: Andy at February 18, 2004 02:14 PMThanks for this. I'm wondering about a more extensive road incorporating some of the OT for use with children. (I'm a DRE) Have you seen anything like that?
Posted by: Jim McCullough at February 26, 2004 04:38 PMI decided to develop the “real” Roman Road that gives a clear direction for others to come to God through the channel He intended – the Catholic Church. HOW VAIN.
read Ephesians Chapter 4. if Jesus wasn't all of our "lawyer" we would have hell to pay. that is why i am so grateful that God's ways are not our ways and His thoughts are not our thoughts. for the past 6 months all i've seen is a group of denominational killers come together and slander anything they don't find worthy in their sight. not God's but theirs. you start greatwith Romans 1 but you left out Romans 4,5,8,9 and 10. Romans 5:8 states that while we were still sinners Christ died for us. that alone is the Open Invitation. everyone who breathes has the right to accpet the free Gift of Salvation from God through Jesus, proving Jesus correct, He is the Truth, the Way and the Life. it our duty as the body of Christ to carry out this Great Commission until the end.....................
the greatest tragedy next to dying without God and without hope is to stand at the Judgement Day empty handed, having lived in a world of sinners, without winning one person to Christ......IBOC
Paul,
I think the greatest tragedy is not converting yourself to Christ; not conforming your will to His.
God bless,
Jay
