The main thrust of the book of Romans is to provide Paul’s clear explanation of the ‘good news’ which he was proclaiming and hoping to continue to proclaim. In order to provide the good news of the gospel, however, he begins in the first three chapters by providing the ‘bad news’ of our sinfulness. In order to establish just how sweet the gospel is, Paul begins in Romans 1:18–32 by showing how bitter life is when we choose to live apart from God. This is all designed to lead us to see God’s mercy in Jesus and the sweet salvation he provides to all who will believe.