Romans 1:1-7:25 - Understanding Where We Were. One of the great transitions in Romans is from chapter 7 to chapter 8. In the first half of the letter, Paul has been addressing the sin issue and its various ramifications and effects and how the cross of Christ deals with each of them. Beginning in chapter 8 he moves to the experience of living freely in Christ by the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit. This message is a review of what has been covered in Romans 1 through 7 already.