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SALVATION THROUGH FAITH
ROMANS 1:18-11:36
Paul’s letter to the Romans, like most of his other letters, is divided into two sections: the theological and the practical. In this letter, the theological section is the larger part of the letter. It begin here at verse 18 of chapter one and continues to the end (v. 36) of chapter 11 (see outline of the letter).
ROMANS 1:18-5:21
At verse 18 of chapter one of his letter to the Romans, Paul begins to explain the theme of his letter, which theme he introduced in verse 17; that is, “the righteousness of God is being revealed from faith to faith” or salvation through faith. This explanation continues to the end (v. 21) of chapter 5. This explanation is subdivided into three sections:
(1) the need for salvation through faith (1:18–3:20),
(2) the meaning of salvation through faith (3:21–5:11), and
(3) the basis of salvation through faith (5:12-21).
ROMANS 1:18-3:20
The first subject that Paul takes up in his explanation of the theme of this letter is the need for salvation through faith. This need is first stated, then explained and applied in the following passage which begins at verse 18 of chapter one and continues unto verse 20 of chapter 3.
ROMANS 1:18-32
The wrath of God is the reason that man needs salvation through faith. Here at these verses, Paul explains the present operation of the wrath of God and its cause — idolatry. Paul characteristically states his subject in verse 18. Then in the following verses (19-32), he explains this statement. Thus in verses 19 and 20, he explains what is the truth. And in verses 21 thru 23, he explains how men hold down the truth in unrighteousness. Then in verses 24 thru 32, he explains how the wrath of God is continually revealed (actualized) in the present against all their ungodliness and unrighteousness.
ROMANS 1:18-32.
18. For the wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19. because that which is known of God is manifest in them; for God manifested it to them. 20. For since the creation of the world the invisible things of Him, both his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, so that they are without excuse: 21. because that, knowing God, they glorified him not as God, neither gave thanks; but they became vain in their reasonings, and their undiscerning hearts were darkened. 22. Asserting themselves to be wise, they became fools, 23. and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into the likeness of an image of corruptible man, and of birds, and of four-footed beasts and of crawling things. 24. Wherefore God gave them up in the desires of their hearts to uncleanness, that their bodies might be dishonored among themselves: 25. who exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshipped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. 26. For this cause God gave them up to dishonoring passions: for their women exchanged the natural use into that which is against nature, 27. and likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the women, burned in their desire toward one another, men with men working unseemliness, and receiving back in themselves the due recompense of their error. 28. And even as they refused to have God in their knowledge, God gave them up to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not proper;
29. having been filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malignity; they are whisperers, 30. slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, 31. without discernment, untrustworthy, without natural affection, unmerciful: 32. who, knowing the ordinance of God, that they who practice such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but also consent with those who practice them.
1:18. For the wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness,
Paul states the need for salvation through faith here in verse 18. The need for salvation through faith is the revelation of the wrath of God. The righteousness of God (God’s deliverance) is being revealed (actualized) in the preaching of the gospel because the wrath of God is being revealed (actualized) from heaven. Thus the revelation of the wrath of God is the need and reason for the revelation of the righteousness of God.
In his statement of the need, Paul introduces the concept of “the wrath of God.” God’s attitude toward sin is expressed in the Scriptures by the concept of the wrath of God. God is completely opposed to all sin and evil. In both the Old and New Testament, this opposition of God to sin is expressed in terms used also to describe human emotions of anger, indignation and wrath. It is not, however, to be thought that God’s wrath is an unstable, capricious action. It is true that men’s anger is so often such an impulsive passion, usually involving a large element of fickleness together with a lack of self-control. But the wrath of God is not to be so conceived. Neither is it to be thought of as like the anger of heathen deities. The writers of the Bible have nothing to do with the pagan concept of a capricious and vindictive deity, inflicting arbitrary punishments on offending worshippers who must then bribe him back to a good mood by appropriate offerings. The Biblical concept of the wrath of God should be thought of as the stern and settled personal opposition of God against sin and evil. Neither should God’s wrath be set in opposition to God’s love. Since love is the choice of a person to act for the good of the person loved, love is opposed to the evil that would harm and destroy the person loved ( Rom. 13:10). Love is not an easy-going, good-natured sentimentalism; neither is it a romantic feeling nor purely a liking of a person. But rather it is a strong and intense commitment and concern for the well-being of the person loved. And it is because of this concern that love may be pictured as a purifying fire, blazing out in fiery wrath against everything evil that hinders the loved-one from the best (Psa. 119:75; Prov. 3:11-12; Heb. 12:5-10; Rev. 3:19). Thus the wrath of God is the reverse side of the love of God. And it is because of His intense love, which is jealous for the good of the loved one, that God hates everything that is evil in man (Psa. 5:5; 11:5; Jer. 44:4; Zech. 8:16-17; Hab. 1:13; Prov. 6:16-19).
Paul asserts that this wrath of God “is being continually revealed.” Revelation in this verse as in verse 17 is not just a disclosure of truth to be understood by the mind but it is the working of God that makes effective and actual the truth. Thus, the wrath of God is revealed in its actualization and this actualization is the revelation of the wrath of God. Paul’s use of the present tense of the Greek verb translated “being revealed” indicates that this revelation of the wrath of God is not just future as the Jews thought but is going on now in the present. The present nature of this revelation of the wrath of God is set forth and explained in verses 24 thru 32.
Paul now says that the source of this revelation is “from heaven.” Heaven here does not mean the atmospheric or stellar heavens but the invisible residence of God. Where is heaven? Heaven is wherever God is and reigns. Note the “Lord’s prayer”: “Thy kingdom [reign] come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matt. 6:10). Thus for the revelation of God’s wrath to come from heaven means for it to come from God (Compare the Jewish usage of “heaven” for “God” as seen in Luke 15:18, 21; 20:4-5; Matt. 16:1).
Paul asserts that the object of the revelation of the wrath of God is the ungodliness and unrighteousness of men. This revelation of God’s wrath from heaven is directed “against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men.” In the O.T., the wrath of God is directed against wrongdoing in any shape or form (Jer. 21:12; Ezekiel 8:17-18; 22:29, 31) and particularly against idolatry and rebellion (Deut. 4:25-26; 6:14-15; 29:25-28; Josh. 22:16-18; 23:16; Isa. 66:15-17; Jer. 11:11-13; 19:3-4; 44:2-6; Ex. 32:10, 35; Num. 25:3; Lam. 3:42-43). The root cause of God’s wrath is man’s failure to trust God (Psa. 78:21-22; John 3:36). As will be seen later on, Paul traces the cause God’s wrath to the same root (see below the comments on verse 25). This failure to trust, worship and serve the Creator is what is here (verse 18) apparently meant by the “ungodliness and unrighteousness of men.” As we will see, the unrighteousness comes from idolatry (trust in a false god) and this seems to be indicated by the order of these two words “ungodliness and unrighteousness.” Paul now describes the men who are the objects of God’s wrath. These men are described as those “who hold [the Greek says literally “to hold down, suppress”] the truth in unrighteousness.” These words are explained in verses 19 thru 23.
THE TRUTH
ROM. 1:19-20.
19. because that which is known of God is manifest in them; for God manifested it to them. 20. For since the creation of the world the invisible things of Him, both his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, so that they are without excuse:
In verses 19 and 20, Paul explains what is the truth. The truth is “that which is known of God” (v. 19). And in verse 20, Paul identifies this truth of “that which is known of God” with “the invisible things of him,” namely, “his everlasting power and divinity.” This truth (“that which is known of God”) “is manifest in them; for God manifested it unto them” (verse 19). In verse 20, Paul explains (“for”) how God manifested it unto them. Or, in the words of verse 20, he tells us how “the invisible things of him… are clearly seen,” or manifested, laid open to public view. How are they clear seen? They are clearly seen by a rational act, the act of the mind, “through the things that are made.” For the things that are made are analogous in their being to the unseen things of Him. That which God has created reflects the invisible things of Him, the Creator, like a work of art reflects the artist. (Of course, this analogy of the artist and his work cannot be applied to the Creator and his creation without reservation.) All examples of power in creation, the earthquakes, storms, even nuclear energy, are analogous to God’s eternal power. But what in all creation is analogous to His Godhead or divinity, that is, divine nature? Only man himself is analogous to His divine nature because man alone has been created in God’s image and likeness. (Compare verse 19: “that which is known of God is manifest in them.”)
Man’s person is analogous to God’s person. Paul uses this very analogy between God’s and man’s being in his Mar’s Hill sermon recorded in Acts 17 to argue against idolatry. After he had quoted one of their own (Greek) poets as saying “For we are also his offspring,” Paul argues,
“Being then the offspring of God, we ought not think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and device of man” (Acts 17:29. Compare theion einai here in Acts 17:29 translated “the Godhead” with theiotes in Romans 1:20 translated “divine nature”.)
God’s being must be as personal as our being if we are His offspring, that is, created in His own image. But not only is it true that in man alone is there found that which is analogous to God’s being, but it is also true that in man alone is there found that which is the best analogy of God’s eternal power. The human will in its limited power is the best created analogy of the divine will with its unlimited power. What greater created power is there than the power to bless or destroy? In this sense, the power to choose to use the atomic bomb is greater that the power of the bomb itself. In summary. the mind of man employing these analogies of being perceives the invisible things of Him through the things are made or created by God. Thus “God manifested it unto them” (v. 19). The unseen things of God are clearly seen because “that which is known of God is manifest in them.” The result of this knowledge of God is that they are without excuse. It does not result in salvation. This is a knowledge about God, not of God; that is, it is not a personal knowledge of God as a living reality which one has in a personal relationship of fellowship or communion with God. The knowledge of God here is only about God and not of God. It leaves them without excuse for their idolatry.
ROM. 1:21-23.
21. because that, knowing God, they glorified him not as God, neither gave thanks; but they became vain in their reasonings, and their undiscerning hearts were darkened. 22. Asserting themselves to be wise, they became fools, 23. and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into the likeness of an image of corruptible man, and of birds, and of four-footed beasts and of crawling things.
Paul now explains the suppression of the truth in verses 21 thru 23. In these verses, Paul tells how man holds down or suppresses the truth that was discussed in the previous two verses (19 and 20). Man suppresses the truth in a twofold way:
- Negatively, they suppress the truth by not glorifying God as God or giving thanks (verse 21a). They did not give him the rightful place in their hearts as their God (“glorified him not as God”) nor did they express their gratitude to him for his bountiful gifts. The negative side of man’s sin is unbelief and ingratitude. In his sin, man rejects God and despises His gifts. The rejection of God leads to ingratitude for His gifts.
- Positively, they suppress the truth by becoming “vain in their reasoning and their undiscerning hearts becoming darkened” (verse 21b). Sin is not just negative, unbelief and ingratitude but it is a positive act of the mind and heart. In this act of sin, the mind becomes vain in its reasoning and the heart becomes darkened (the heart is the seat of all volition and consequently of all reasonings and feelings; it is that which makes decisions — the will. See Prov. 4:23; Gen. 6:5). How men become vain in their reasonings is hinted at by the use of the word “vain.” The term “vanity” or “vain things” is used in the Scriptures to designate an idol (See Acts 14:15 and Jer. 2:5; 10:14-15). An idol is not just an image made of gold, silver or wood; it is a false god, anything that takes the place of the true God and is a substitute for Him. Men become vain in their thoughts by putting something other than the true God at the center of their thinking. That is, if the basic assumption and ultimate criterion of their thinking is not the true God but a false god, then all their thinking will be empty, worthless, or vain (See Isa. 44:18-20). Since the heart is where all decisions are made, and if the ultimate criterion of their decisions is wrong, then the heart will be darkened (Compare Matt. 6:21-23).
- Negatively, they suppress the truth by not glorifying God as God or giving thanks (verse 21a). They did not give him the rightful place in their hearts as their God (“glorified him not as God”) nor did they express their gratitude to him for his bountiful gifts. The negative side of man’s sin is unbelief and ingratitude. In his sin, man rejects God and despises His gifts. The rejection of God leads to ingratitude for His gifts.
1:23. and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into the likeness of an image of corruptible man, and of birds, and of four-footed beasts and of crawling things.
In these verses, Paul focuses on the basic sin — idolatry. What was hinted at the word “vain” in verse 21b is stated explicitly in verses 22 and 23. In these verses, Paul tells how they became vain their reasonings and their undiscerning hearts darkened. Here we see clearly how men positively hold down or suppress the truth. This may be stated in one word, idolatry. This is the positive side of man’s sin. In his idolatry, man does two things: becomes a fool (verse 22; see also Jer. 10:14) and changes “the glory of the incorruptible God into the likeness of an image of corruptible man, and of birds, and four-footed beasts, and creeping things” (verse 23; see also Psa. 106:20 and Jer. 2:11). In his idolatry, man thinks he has become wise but in reality he has become a fool (I Cor. 1:20-21; see also Gen. 3:5-6). But not only does idolatry involve man himself but also it involves his perception of the true God Himself. The manifestation of the presence of God (the glory of God) is transformed into something (an image) like a created thing (man, bird, beast, or reptile). The Creator (the incorruptible God) is reduced to the level of the creation (corruptible man, etc.). (See further the comments on verse 25.)
THE REVELATION OF THE WRATH OF GOD
ROMANS 1:24-32
In verses 24 thru 32, Paul explains how the wrath of God is continuously revealed. God’s wrath is continuously revealed or actualized against man’s idolatry in three ways or stages. Paul expresses this revelation of the wrath of God by the phrase “God gave them up” (vv. 24, 26 and 28). These are the three ways or stages of the actualization of God’s wrath:
(1) God gave them up to uncleanness (1:24-25),
(2) God gave them up to dishonorable passions (1:26-27), and
(3) God gave them up to a reprobate mind (1:28-32).
ROM. 1:24-32.
24. Wherefore God gave them up in the desires of their hearts to uncleanness, that their bodies might be dishonored among themselves: 25. who exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshipped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. 26. For this cause God gave them up to dishonoring passions: for their women exchanged the natural use into that which is against nature, 27. and likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the women, burned in their desire toward one another, men with men working unseemliness, and receiving back in themselves the due recompense of their error. 28. And even as they refused to have God in their knowledge, God gave them up to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not proper; 29. having been filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malignity; they are whisperers, 30. slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, 31. without discernment, untrustworthy, without natural affection, unmerciful: 32. who, knowing the ordinance of God, that they who practice such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but also consent with those who practice them.
ROM. 1:24-25.
24. Wherefore God gave them up in the desires of their hearts to uncleanness, that their bodies might be dishonored among themselves: 25. who exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshipped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.
In these verses, Paul sets forth the first stage. This stage of the revelation of the wrath of God involves giving idolaters up “in the desires of their hearts” unto uncleanness. This results in the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves which Paul describes more specifically in verses 26 and 27. Their idolatry is the cause of the wrath of God. Paul shows this in two ways: by the word “wherefore” at the beginning of this sentence, which connects the divine action described in this sentence to previous description of idolatry in verse 23, and by the following subordinate clause in the next verse, which describes them as those “who exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshipped and served the creature rather than the Creator.” Paul here characterizes a false god (an idol) in two ways: as a lie (Jer. 10:14; Isa. 44:20) which was exchanged for true God (the truth of God) and as the creature (a created thing) being worshipped and served instead of the Creator. Verse 25 ends with a doxology — a praise of the Creator who alone should be worshipped and served.
ROM. 1:26-27.
26. For this cause God gave them up to dishonoring passions: for their women exchanged the natural use into that which is against nature, and likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the women, 27. burned in their desire toward one another, men with men working unseemliness, and receiving back in themselves the due recompense of their error.
In these verses, Paul sets forth the second stage of the revelation of the wrath of God which involves giving idolaters up unto dishonoring passions. This echoes the dishonoring of their bodies in verse 24b. The first area effected by idolatry is sexual practices: worshipping the creature rather than the Creator results in actions contrary to the Creator’s intention. (Compare the “exchange” here in verse 26 with the “exchange” in verse 25.) Paul does not just mean sexual immorality in general but specifically female (lesbianism) and male (sodomy) homosexuality. According to the Creator’s plan sexual intercourse was intended for a husband and his wife, for no one else! (Gen. 2:24). (See also Matt. 19:5; Mark 10:7-8; I Cor. 6:16; Eph. 5:31) In Lev. 20:13 the death penalty is pronounced upon those who practice such acts.
(See also Gen. 19:4-9; Lev. 18:22; 20:13; Deut. 23:17-18; Judges 19:22-24; I Kings 14:24; 15:12; 22:46; II Kings 23:7; Isa. 3:9; Lam. 4:6; I Cor. 6:9-10; Eph. 4:19; I Tim. 1:10; II Pet. 2:6; Jude 7) The result of these acts are expressed in the last clause of verse 27: “receiving back in themselves the due recompense of their error.”
ROM. 1:28-32.
28. And even as they refused to have God in their knowledge, God gave them up to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not proper; 29. having been filled with all unrighteousness, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, malignity; they are whisperers, 30. slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty, boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, 31. without discernment, untrustworthy, without natural affection, unmerciful: 32. who, knowing the ordinance of God, that they who practice such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but also consent with those who practice them.
In these verses, Paul sets forth the third stage of the revelation of the wrath of God which involves giving the idolaters up unto a reprobate mind. Paul describes their idolatry, negatively, as refusing (disapproving) to have God in their knowledge. The effect of this refusal is God giving them up to a reprobate (disapproved) mind and the result of this disapproved mind is to do those things which are not proper. In verses 29 thru 31 Paul describes these improper things by a list of vices which may be divided into three groups of 4, 5 and 12 items.
a. Group of Four (1:29a). They are filled with all:
1. Unrighteousness
2. Wickedness
3. Covetousness
4. Maliciousness or Evil
b. Group of Five (1:29b). They are full of:
1. Envy
2. Murder
3. Strife
4. Deceit
5. Malignity
c. Group of Twelve (1:29c-31). They are:
1. Whisperers
2. Slanderers
3. Haters of God
4. Insolent
5. Haughty
6. Boastful
7. Inventors of evil
8. Disobedient to parents
9. Undiscerning
10. Untrustworthy
11. Without natural affection
12. Unmerciful
1:32. who, knowing the ordinance of God, that they who practice such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but also consent with those who practice them.
These persons, even though they know “the righteous act (decree or ordinance) of God that they who practice such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but also consent with those who practices them.” They think that they can get away with doing such things and thus approve those who does them.