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The Finished Work of Christ: The Truth of Romans 1-8
Augustine. Luther. Wesley. These great leaders of the church all traced their spiritual awakenings to the book of Romans. To this day Paul’s letter continues to amaze and awaken those who seek to plumb its depths, including one of the most influential Christian thinkers of the 20th century, Francis Schaeffer.
In his landmark commentary on the first eight chapters of Romans, Schaeffer expounds on the foundational doctrines that undergird the core of Christian teaching, offering us vital insights into the message of Romans and an arresting perspective on our own times.
In his landmark commentary on the first eight chapters of Romans, Schaeffer expounds on the foundational doctrines that undergird the core of Christian teaching, offering us vital insights into the message of Romans and an arresting perspective on our own times.
240 pages, Hardcover
First published September 24, 1998
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341 people want to read
About the author
Francis A. Schaeffer
95 books807 followersFrancis August Schaeffer was an American Evangelical Christian theologian, philosopher, and Presbyterian pastor. He is most famous for his writings and his establishment of the L'Abri community in Switzerland. Opposed to theological modernism, Schaeffer promoted a more historic Protestant faith and a presuppositional approach to Christian apologetics which he believed would answer the questions of the age.
Wife: Edith Schaeffer
children: Susan Schaeffer Macaulay
Wife: Edith Schaeffer
children: Susan Schaeffer Macaulay
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
March 10, 2021
4.5 stars
"Can you imagine the Roman Christians as they were being led to the Coliseum, simply slapping each other on the shoulder saying, 'Courage, man! Courage!'...Our faith is not just a theoretical thing. It is faith amid temptation. It is faith amid tribulation. It is faith amid the rough-and-tumble of life. What is the rough-and-tumble of your life? What challenges do you face? Whatever they are, whether they include eventually martyrdom or whether they involve something more 'prosaic' such as bearing the scorn of nonbelieving friends and relatives, whatever your particular challenges are, your faith in Christ is sufficient to meet them."
"We must be so careful never to let faith become a work....Faith is the act whereby you raise your empty hands, believe God's promise, and accept the finished work of Jesus Christ on your behalf, whereupon God declares you justified."
"This focus on a specific promise helps people understand that belief in Christ is not just some sort of generalized faith. It isn't a vague thing. It isn't an emotion. It isn't a 'leap of faith.' It is choosing to believe a specific promise of God."
I am SO glad I read this book when I did. Thank you to Crossway for not only sending me these amazing books to review but allowing me to choose what to read. When I picked The Finished Work of Christ, I had no idea the month I would have but God knew. I moved up my "quiet time" 30 minutes earlier to 5 am just to get enough time in with this commentary and Romans before I started my day because it was NECESSARY. This is definitely one worth the time. It requires careful attention, but it is not tedious. I have so many takeaways, but the idea I found most interesting was the concept of believing a specific promise of God. I have thought about and discussed this idea probably every day since I read it. I think it is largely convicting, (especially when coupled with the truth that only the work of Christ saves us) because it requires us to STUDY the Word of God. I have considered this as I also learned about Pascal's Wager and considering how an avoidance of studying the promises of God, the character of God, the history of our faith can really lead us down the path of confusing traditional Christianity with "Progressive Christianity." Very interesting stuff! To sum it up, I highly recommend this incredible verse-by-verse commentary on Romans 1-8.
"Can you imagine the Roman Christians as they were being led to the Coliseum, simply slapping each other on the shoulder saying, 'Courage, man! Courage!'...Our faith is not just a theoretical thing. It is faith amid temptation. It is faith amid tribulation. It is faith amid the rough-and-tumble of life. What is the rough-and-tumble of your life? What challenges do you face? Whatever they are, whether they include eventually martyrdom or whether they involve something more 'prosaic' such as bearing the scorn of nonbelieving friends and relatives, whatever your particular challenges are, your faith in Christ is sufficient to meet them."
"We must be so careful never to let faith become a work....Faith is the act whereby you raise your empty hands, believe God's promise, and accept the finished work of Jesus Christ on your behalf, whereupon God declares you justified."
"This focus on a specific promise helps people understand that belief in Christ is not just some sort of generalized faith. It isn't a vague thing. It isn't an emotion. It isn't a 'leap of faith.' It is choosing to believe a specific promise of God."
I am SO glad I read this book when I did. Thank you to Crossway for not only sending me these amazing books to review but allowing me to choose what to read. When I picked The Finished Work of Christ, I had no idea the month I would have but God knew. I moved up my "quiet time" 30 minutes earlier to 5 am just to get enough time in with this commentary and Romans before I started my day because it was NECESSARY. This is definitely one worth the time. It requires careful attention, but it is not tedious. I have so many takeaways, but the idea I found most interesting was the concept of believing a specific promise of God. I have thought about and discussed this idea probably every day since I read it. I think it is largely convicting, (especially when coupled with the truth that only the work of Christ saves us) because it requires us to STUDY the Word of God. I have considered this as I also learned about Pascal's Wager and considering how an avoidance of studying the promises of God, the character of God, the history of our faith can really lead us down the path of confusing traditional Christianity with "Progressive Christianity." Very interesting stuff! To sum it up, I highly recommend this incredible verse-by-verse commentary on Romans 1-8.
August 27, 2012
Schaeffer is more commonly known for the titles "How Shall we Now Live" and "The God Who Is There", but this lesser known book is one of the best explanations of grace and salvation I've ever come across. The book itself actually comes from a series of Bible studies hosted by Schaeffer with local university students. I feel this gives the book a more personal and down to earth presentation of the Gospel. Admittedly, some of Schaffer's books are not easy reads, however this book and simple and direct.
March 4, 2012
The Finished Work of Christ provides a clear, articulate, well-structured exposition of Romans 1-8. Though the subject matter could easily have gotten bogged down in academic fog, Schaeffer’s simple phrases and leisurely pace make the book accessible by most any reader.
It was my first Francis Schaeffer book, and I look forward to many others.
It was my first Francis Schaeffer book, and I look forward to many others.
March 10, 2012
Indeed, I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ. It is the power of God to save every one that believes... To save initially, to save continually, and to save restoratively. Justification, sanctification and glorification. Amen and amen.
February 12, 2015
This book helped bring Romans 1-8 even MORE alive to me. Such a great book if you are looking for a companion to study the word of God.
May 12, 2025
The Finished Work of Christ by Francis A. Schaeffer
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/5
This is probably the best book to unpack Romans chapter 1 to 8. Francis A. Schaeffer is a wonderful writer and very knowledgeable on the bible. Here Francis A. Schaeffer does what he does best, he evagalises us by removing the roof we have built over our heads. Everyone has built their own objections to the revelation of God through the bible and in this book that roof is removed as we see that everyone is condemned before a Holy God because everyone has fallen short of the glory of God, when we understand that we are fallen and in need of a mediator between God and Man, Francis A. Schaeffer shares the gospel from Romans, that God sent forth His Son who lived, died and rose again for our justification.
I love this book and will most likely read it again as there is so much for the struggling Christian to hold onto and have hope.
⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/5
This is probably the best book to unpack Romans chapter 1 to 8. Francis A. Schaeffer is a wonderful writer and very knowledgeable on the bible. Here Francis A. Schaeffer does what he does best, he evagalises us by removing the roof we have built over our heads. Everyone has built their own objections to the revelation of God through the bible and in this book that roof is removed as we see that everyone is condemned before a Holy God because everyone has fallen short of the glory of God, when we understand that we are fallen and in need of a mediator between God and Man, Francis A. Schaeffer shares the gospel from Romans, that God sent forth His Son who lived, died and rose again for our justification.
I love this book and will most likely read it again as there is so much for the struggling Christian to hold onto and have hope.
December 5, 2020
Overall a great exposition of Romans 1-8. It was classic Schaeffer in many ways. The only reason I don’t give it 5 stars is because it wasn’t an in depth exposition with many insights. Rather, it was more Schaeffer explaining some of Paul’s argument but then using it to springboard into typical Schaeffer points. This wasn’t eisegesis by any means, but he did choose to emphasize things he usually emphasizes.
That being said, I will definitely use this as a resource whenever I’m studying Romans. I’m glad it was published after his passing. Worth getting and using as a resource, but I wouldn’t necessarily recommend reading through it like I did.
That being said, I will definitely use this as a resource whenever I’m studying Romans. I’m glad it was published after his passing. Worth getting and using as a resource, but I wouldn’t necessarily recommend reading through it like I did.
March 24, 2018
The Romans Road is a great road to walk, but perhaps not as good as the road to Damascus or the road to Calvary. The Romans Road is not whole story, but the robes that remain. How does one fit this in with Jesus’ life, His walking of this earth? Was it solely and primarily for the Romans Road? Or was that part of the Way? A segment of the interstate?
June 1, 2021
I really appreciated many of the thoughts and themes that Schaeffer shared here from Romans. Much of the language is very dated, but Schaeffer always has some great observations.
November 20, 2013
Source: Free copy from Crossway for purpose of review.
I'm often amazed at some books who have more publicity than others. The Finished Work of Christ is a diamond among a sea of books.
In The Finished Work of Christ, Francis Schaeffer teaches from the first eight chapters of Romans. These were originally recorded teachings that have now been published. I'm anxious to read the next book which will be the other half of Romans, chapters nine through sixteen. The key verses for this section of Romans is found in Romans 1:16-17, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, 'The righteous shall live by faith.'" Schaeffer breaks it down to only a verse or two at a time to teach on. He defines key words and themes for chapters. We're most familiar with the words justification and sanctification in the book of Romans. Schaeffer points out words we hear less and less about in the modern Church age: morality, judgment, slave for Christ Jesus, and debt of sin.
Before reading The Finished Work of Christ, I'd not read anything else by Francis Schaeffer. I was familiar with his name, a few of the books he'd written, and L'Abri. I have been blown away by The Finished Work of Christ. Several times while reading it I had to back up and re-read chapters of the book because I needed to read them "aloud". A few times I became emotional with tears in my eyes because of Schaeffer's ability to explain a passage of Romans that I'd read countless times before, yet it was as if I was reading it afresh. I feel as if a defining light has shone in to my heart. You are probably wondering, what in the world could Annette be alluding to that she has learned something new?
"The righteous shall live by faith." Romans 2:17 ESV.
Schaeffer explains I am to "live in the present by faith". Live by faith in Jesus Christ and not just with my finances, but in every single area of my life.
Why didn't I "get" this before? I don't know, hardheadedness. Probably. But, I get it now.
My dad died recently, August 18. I've thought about death and the brevity of life a lot lately, no not really a morbid thought as you might think. Death comes to all of us, some of us sooner than later.
Schaeffer teaches us to, live for just this moment, and then the next, and then the next, all by faith in Jesus Christ. We should live by faith with our jobs, driving on the freeways and highways, raising children and grandchildren, health, saving for retirement, safety. Living by faith means we turn it all over to Jesus Christ. You may be thinking: shouldn't we save for retirement? Of course. But you and I both know the economy can take a nose dive and all our hard earned savings can blow away like dust. From beginning to end, have faith in Jesus, that somehow and someway He is going to work it all out.
A second point I want to bring out that came alive for me:
"But our greatest human talent may have nothing to do with our greatest usefulness to God...We must be dead to the big things even those that seem to be good, if we're to be alive to God...the Christian's chief calling is to love God and to be in fellowship with Him. If we are seeking to be big in the eyes of the world, we will not be alive to God." page 165-166.
How often have I wanted to do big things for God. I'm ashamed to even express this. Think about it, how can I do anything big for God. God is God and I'm not. Yet, people who have talents in music or art, public speaking, writing, using these talents must be used for God?
Frances Schaeffer states emphatically: we are called to love and serve God first. We are His servant to do with as is in His will. We give ourselves over to Him in faith, to do with as He wills. This can be a hard concept and truth to grasp. People in the Christian community encourage other Christians to do big things for God; however, God may be calling the person do something quiet, something no one will cheer on, and no one will notice but God.
I'm often amazed at some books who have more publicity than others. The Finished Work of Christ is a diamond among a sea of books.
In The Finished Work of Christ, Francis Schaeffer teaches from the first eight chapters of Romans. These were originally recorded teachings that have now been published. I'm anxious to read the next book which will be the other half of Romans, chapters nine through sixteen. The key verses for this section of Romans is found in Romans 1:16-17, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, 'The righteous shall live by faith.'" Schaeffer breaks it down to only a verse or two at a time to teach on. He defines key words and themes for chapters. We're most familiar with the words justification and sanctification in the book of Romans. Schaeffer points out words we hear less and less about in the modern Church age: morality, judgment, slave for Christ Jesus, and debt of sin.
Before reading The Finished Work of Christ, I'd not read anything else by Francis Schaeffer. I was familiar with his name, a few of the books he'd written, and L'Abri. I have been blown away by The Finished Work of Christ. Several times while reading it I had to back up and re-read chapters of the book because I needed to read them "aloud". A few times I became emotional with tears in my eyes because of Schaeffer's ability to explain a passage of Romans that I'd read countless times before, yet it was as if I was reading it afresh. I feel as if a defining light has shone in to my heart. You are probably wondering, what in the world could Annette be alluding to that she has learned something new?
"The righteous shall live by faith." Romans 2:17 ESV.
Schaeffer explains I am to "live in the present by faith". Live by faith in Jesus Christ and not just with my finances, but in every single area of my life.
Why didn't I "get" this before? I don't know, hardheadedness. Probably. But, I get it now.
My dad died recently, August 18. I've thought about death and the brevity of life a lot lately, no not really a morbid thought as you might think. Death comes to all of us, some of us sooner than later.
Schaeffer teaches us to, live for just this moment, and then the next, and then the next, all by faith in Jesus Christ. We should live by faith with our jobs, driving on the freeways and highways, raising children and grandchildren, health, saving for retirement, safety. Living by faith means we turn it all over to Jesus Christ. You may be thinking: shouldn't we save for retirement? Of course. But you and I both know the economy can take a nose dive and all our hard earned savings can blow away like dust. From beginning to end, have faith in Jesus, that somehow and someway He is going to work it all out.
A second point I want to bring out that came alive for me:
"But our greatest human talent may have nothing to do with our greatest usefulness to God...We must be dead to the big things even those that seem to be good, if we're to be alive to God...the Christian's chief calling is to love God and to be in fellowship with Him. If we are seeking to be big in the eyes of the world, we will not be alive to God." page 165-166.
How often have I wanted to do big things for God. I'm ashamed to even express this. Think about it, how can I do anything big for God. God is God and I'm not. Yet, people who have talents in music or art, public speaking, writing, using these talents must be used for God?
Frances Schaeffer states emphatically: we are called to love and serve God first. We are His servant to do with as is in His will. We give ourselves over to Him in faith, to do with as He wills. This can be a hard concept and truth to grasp. People in the Christian community encourage other Christians to do big things for God; however, God may be calling the person do something quiet, something no one will cheer on, and no one will notice but God.
October 7, 2014
Hugely important book. Came at a good time for me too. After hearing so many different takes from church leaders with their own personal descriptions that in hindsight were inaccurate and blatantly against the content of Romans, having an author work through the reality of what God is saying with clarity, is immensely beneficial. Francis does a great job showing the balance of the reality that God desires a relationship with the people that are set against Him and His plan to accomplish that gap.
July 11, 2018
I'm a big Francis Schaeffer fan having read most of his works on Apologetics, Culture & History. However, I didn't know about his book study on Roman's 1-8 (The Finished Work of Christ) until I saw it discounted on Amazon. It's a wonderful review/commentary on Roman's as he unpacks Chapters 1-8 essentially in three parts: Justification Sanctification and Glorification.
May 28, 2012
As always, beautiful, thoughtful, and important exposition and application from Schaeffer. This would make an important addition to anyone's library and is a wonderful personal study.
February 16, 2013
Study of Romans from chapter 1 to 8. A Reformed Protestant perspective.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews