By Robert E. Jackson, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Christian Studies, University of Mobile
Guilty
Romans 1:18–28, 32
Revealed in Nature (18–20)
We are confronted in this passage with both the wrath and the righteousness of God.
While some people bristle at this thought, one cannot separate His righteousness from His justice. A holy God must respond to the unholy. Can people who do not understand the gospel be held accountable? Paul says they can.
God’s self-revelation in creation is so clear that no one is without excuse. His eternal power is revealed in nature and should cause people created in His image to worship Him. Instead, people suppress this truth so they can live their lives any way they wish. Regardless of the teachings of the world, they are without excuse.
Replaced by Nonsense (21–23)
When people refuse to acknowledge and honor God, they develop a darkened heart. The more they turn away from the truth of God, the emptier their hearts become.
These people lose the ability to think, feel and see reality clearly. Human intellect becomes a god, and they are convinced their depraved thinking is wise, promoting and teaching whatever their hearts and minds desire.
Humans are created to worship; therefore, they will worship something. Needing an object to worship, foolishly they “create” a god in their own image, in their own liking. Reason is perverted, and truth is replaced by nonsense. However, St. Augustine was correct when he wrote, “Thou hast made us for Thyself, O Lord, and our heart is restless until it finds its rest in Thee.”
Delivered Over (24–28)
When I was in first grade, I wanted to read a book to my class that was well above my grade level. Over and over again, Mom told me I couldn’t read this book, and I wasn’t to take it. One day, Mom had enough. “Fine,” she said, “take the book.” It was a disaster! I could tell the story by the pictures, but I couldn’t pronounce the hard words.
Similarly, when sinful humanity rejects the glory of God and continually seeks only pleasure, eventually God delivers it over to its sins. No one is as depraved as he or she could be if it were not for the restraining grace of God.
However, much like my begging to read the book at school, God seemingly says, “OK, have it your way. Go ahead and see where your wicked heart leads you.”
Turned over to our depraved minds, humans pervert God’s intended design for human relationships. Humans believe they can do whatever they please without fear of judgment.
Created in God’s image, it is critical to live within the sexual boundaries He sets within Scripture. A depraved mind doesn’t stop at sexual sins; it progresses to all kinds of perversions, wickedness, evil and greed.
Deserving Death (32)
People who reject God are heading to judgment and death. You have often heard, “misery loves company.” Very simply, everyone who rejects the gospel deserves death and often wants to drag others along with him or her.
As Christians, we must refuse to compromise biblical teachings to the ever-changing moral standards of our world. We must base our lives on the unchanging revelation of the eternal God. At the same time, we are not to throw stones at those people who do not know Christ or are far from Him.
Instead, reach out to them in the love of Jesus Christ and the power of His gospel. Remember, this gospel can transform even the most wayward heart. Furthermore, the more a person’s eyes are opened to the righteousness of Christ, the more he or she will be broken with his or her own unrighteousness.
Salvation is by grace alone through faith alone! Even so, truth demands us to share the whole gospel and the warnings therein.
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