What is the major theme of the book of Romans?

• A. Sanctification
• B. Righteousness
• C. Faith
• D. Law

Answer: (B)

The major theme is the righteousness of God revealed in the gospel and how humans are made righteous through faith in Jesus Christ. Paul shows that all people, whether Jew or Gentile, fall short of God’s standard and are under sin. The Law exposes this need, but it is faith in Christ that credits believers with righteousness. This justification-by-faith doctrine is the heartbeat of the argument, uniting both groups in a shared solution: righteousness from God, received by faith, not earned by works. From that foundation, the letter unfolds how this righteousness leads to a transformed life by the Spirit—the practical outworking of what it means to be made righteous. So, while sanctification and the Spirit’s work are essential, they arise from and flow out of the central claim that God provides righteousness to sinners through faith in Christ.