Romans 1 - April, 13^th

Today we begin the first chapter of the book of Romans. Romans is one of the most theologically rich books in the entire Bible. Let us consider several truths within this morning’s text.

Is Plain To Them

There is truly no such thing as an atheist; scripture is clear that everyone understands that there is a God. Paul says that “what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them.” And in what way does God show himself to humanity? Through his creation! This is known as general revelation. Verse 20 says, “For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.” However, man has surpassed this truth by their unrighteousness. Man, in their wickedness, has failed to acknowledge God and instead has turned from God to idols (verse 23). They claim to be wise but are instead fools who have decided to worship the creation rather than the creator. When Paul says, “and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things,” I think of the idolatry of ancient Egypt who made their gods in the form of various animals. I think of the foolishness of the Hebrew people, who set up a golden calf and worshiped that rather than the true God who had just delivered them. Men know there is a God, and they even know what kind of God he is, but by suppressing and rejecting this knowledge, their hearts have grown dark. There is an instinctive human understanding that there is a God; when humanity considers creation, it is obvious that there must have been a creator. This is why there are so many false religions; men know there must be a God, but instead of honoring the true God, they have created idols in his place. Men are natural worshippers, and when men refuse to recognize and worship the true God, they create idols to worship in his place. One made after their likeness.

God Gave Them Up

The judgment of God can come in many forms, but the judgment that we find here in Romans 1 is God giving men over to the evil desires of their hearts. Verse 20 says, “Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to purity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever! Amen.” God’s mercy is shown in saving his elect and displaying his steadfast love in discipline and sanctification. God’s judgment is shown in leaving men to their own devices. In other words, the mercy of God is transforming men into the image of Christ, and the judgment of God is leaving men to become more and more like themselves. God, in judgment, will allow humanity to have the sin that they desire, and by doing so, they are increasing their guilt and crimes on the day of judgment.