Paul declares the righteousness of God and the wrath of God

Romans 1:1-3, 14-21

The last twenty-two books of the Bible, except for Revelation, are letters, most of which were written by the Apostle Paul. The message of Romans, the first letter, is summarized in the second paragraph here (verses 16-17). All are sinful, but through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, God makes righteous those who believe in him by faith. Romans is unique in the profound influence it has had on Christian thinkers. Augustine understood original sin from Romans 5; Luther learned about justification by faith from Romans 3 and 4; and John Wesley developed his teaching on sanctification from Romans 6 and 8.

Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God, (Which he had promised afore by his prophets in the holy scriptures,) Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh; . . . I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise. So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also.
   
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. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.
   
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 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: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.