Finding readiness on a Roman road
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- Published on Sunday, June 5, 2016
By Linda Rioux
Beginning in 312 BC the Roman Empire built an elaborate system of roads and highways that covered approximately 55,000 miles and stretched from Britain in the north, Iraq in the east and to North Africa in the south. Many of these roads are still visible and in use today because they were so expertly constructed. They were straight and hard-surfaced, made with stone and a form of concrete mixed from volcanic ash and lime. Like modern roads, they were cambered for good drainage. This system allowed the Romans to conquer the known civilized world by providing fast passage of the army with its supplies and easier administration of the conquered territories. Like the much later American pony express, the Romans had a network of post houses, inns and stabling all along the road system. The roads were well-protected and patrolled – they even had toll collectors!
While this wonderful highway system allowed the Romans to dominate their world, it also provided the means for early Christianity to spread quickly. The apostle Paul, whom Jesus Christ appointed to be the apostle to the Gentiles (non-Hebrews), used this road system to personally deliver the gospel of salvation through Jesus Christ to Asia Minor, Greece, Italy and some say to Spain and North Africa as well.
Last month I asked readers if they were ready for the Resurrection and return of Jesus Christ. This month I am inviting you to take a journey along a Roman road which will lead you to that readiness. The walk along this road will also lead to salvation and assurance of eternal life in heaven – no doubts left after this little trip!
The road we will travel is found in the book of Romans in the Bible. To take this Roman road is not treacherous, but you need to check certain equipment – your mind and your heart. Involving your heart does not mean losing your mind! We have reason to believe. And what is belief or faith? Taking God at His word. If you can accept that God is not a liar, then you can believe the message He sent to you in the book of Romans. So let’s go!
FIRST STEP: Believe “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23) Put your name in place of the word “all”. Yes No
SECOND STEP: Believe “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23). It's FREE – there is nothing you can do to earn this gift! Yes No
THIRD STEP: Believe “God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5: 8) Yes No
FOURTH STEP: Believe “That if you confess with your mouth Jesus is 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) Yes No
FIFTH STEP: Pray. If you circled the “yes” answer from the four steps above, you are ready. Find a quiet spot and pray to God, something like this: “God, I know I have sinned against You and deserve punishment. I accept that Jesus Christ took the punishment I deserve so that through belief in Him, I can be forgiven. I trust You for salvation. Thank you for your wonderful gift of forgiveness and eternal life! In Jesus name I pray, amen.”
GOD'S PROMISE: “For whoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.” (Romans 10:13) Again, you can put your name in place of “whoever” and you will understand how personal this is for you and for God. Now tell someone – anyone! Fulfill the verbal part of the contract; and it is a contract, an unbreakable contract that guarantees you eternal life in a real heaven and not in a real hell. Welcome, Christian!
What an exciting future you now have!
