This Is How Romans Should Be Read

Recently I had the great pleasure of reading Adam Millers latest book, Grace Is Not God's Backup Plan. I went into this only knowing that I have enjoyed other works by Adam Miller, but not knowing even what the book contained, or what it was about. Let me just say, I was blown away.



Adam Miller shows a deep understanding of the scriptures through this translation of Paul's letters to the Romans in his language, and in how he addresses the book as a whole. He brings a new level of clarity to the book of Romans through a personal translation that is not based word for word (or even idea for idea like some translations have done) but rather, by incorporating the whole aspect of Romans--the purpose and placement of grace within our lives--to bring the whole book of Romans to life.

Miller brings the book of Romans to life through his show of the importance of grace. Through his close reading he shares an important insight that Paul shares: Grace is not something that has come about due to our sins, or the "fall" but that grace has always been working for us. Furthermore, grace is such an important and rooted part of life that one of the important aspects of it is to seal us to both God and our neighbors. Through Millers idea's (translations) of Paul's view of grace we can come to better understand the workings of empathy for our neighbors, whether they are similar in thought/action or different than us. Regardless, we find that Paul asks us to accept all, as God has already accepted all, and grace already covers all.

This book is a wonderful addition to any New Testament study. Whether you've read the book of Romans many times, through many different translations, you will gain a whole new view of what Paul was getting at, and the absolute importance of grace, and God's us of grace. Through Adam Millers translation of Romans we find a unique, relevant, and modern use of Paul's words.