Romans, Day 2
GOD’S RIGHTEOUSNESS COMES BY FAITH IN JESUS
“The Prevalence of Sin #1”
Romans 1:18 – 2:16
God’s Wrath Against Mankind
Romans 1:18 – 32 Paul explains to the church at Rome that the sin of mankind infuriated God to point of wrath. Mankind has suppressed the truth by their wickedness. He goes on to say that mankind should have known the existence of and knowledge about God, spiritual matters and truth through what we call today, “general revelation.” Before the written Word of God was given through biblical authors (called “specific revelation”), God revealed His existence to mankind through His 1. creation and nature, 2. history, 3. man’s conscience, and 4. man’s will (general revelation). Paul’s conclusion in Verse 1:20 is “men are without excuse.” Their rebellion and sin against God demand judgment. Because of mankind’s continual sinful behavior:
- He gave them over to the sinful desires of their hearts defiling their bodies with one another (1:24).
- He gave them over to shameful lusts (1:26).
- He gave them over to a depraved mind and removed the “knowledge of God” so that mankind could do whatever kind of wickedness, evil, greed, and depravity that their mind desired to do (1:28 – 29).
- Mankind’s response is “… they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them” (1:32b).
God’s Righteous Judgment
In Romans 2:1 – 16, Paul explains that when a human being judges another human being, the former is condemning himself because you who pass judgment do the same things. Paul explains that God’s judgment against mankind is based on truth; therefore, JUDGEMENT is reserved for God to execute (2:1 – 2).
Paul goes on to write that each person is storing up the wrath of God until the final day of judgment. Since the earthly standard for the Jew is the Law, the Law condemns them for future judgment. The Gentile is judged apart from the Law but is still judged because of the conscious given to them through general revelation (see above). Once again “they are without excuse.”
Application
Because of mankind’s rebellious response to the general revelation of God, mankind is headed for judgement. Paul in Romans 3:23 explains this: “For all have sinned and fall short of glory of God.” SOUNDS DEPRESSING. But as you will see in the next few devotionals this week, God has provided a solution. He provided a way to deal with death resulting from judgment on sin through the shedding of the blood of a perfect sacrifice. God sent His own Son to come to Earth to pay the penalty for our sins and deal with the sin issue once for all for those who believe and accept the sacrificial gift on their behalf. Romans 6:23 states, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Yes, apart from receiving Christ as our personal Savior, our judgement for our actions is eternal death.
Yes, receiving Christ as our personal Savior allows His shed blood to cover your sins before God. His grace has given you life with Him in heaven eternally, and therefore, He grants you mercy from eternal death.
What a wonderful GIFT!
Blessings from Carlton Ringer