Paul the Apostle has just told his Roman readers that being a Jew, knowing the law and being circumcised cannot save them. They need Jesus the Messiah.

Paul has been setting the scene before he introduces the gospel. The gospel is the 'good news', so first he has to explain the 'bad news'. He says that the human heart is naturally opposed to God.

Some people, who do not know Jesus, say things like, "When I see God I will tell Him what I think ...!" What arrogance!

Most people, who know anything about Jesus Christ,understand that He died a criminal's death on a Roman execution cross. But surprisingly few people know why He died.