Most people read Romans 1:1–7 as a polite hello.
They are wrong.
Paul begins with thunder: God sovereignly appoints, sets apart, promises, declares, calls, and saves — all before we ever move a finger. Election is not hidden in Romans 9; it is blazing in the very first lines.
This short Bible study from my morning notes shows plainly:
Paul was chosen, not a chooser.
Gentiles were always saved by grace alone.
The resurrection crowned Jesus as Lord.
Faith obeys because it is already saved.
“Called” means God decides who belongs to Christ.
No free-will myths survive these seven verses.
Only boasting in the Lord remains.
Come. Let Romans 1 kill your pride and heal your heart.