November 8, 2008

Wrath Revealed

“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed [it] unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, [even] his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified [him] not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. And even as they did not like to retain God in [their] knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.” (Romans 1:18-32 AV)

Paul begins to prove his assertion that the Gospel reveals the righteousness of God. He begins his argument by pointing out that all men are without excuse. The tribal man without any written or oral presentation of God has nature to declare God’s glory to him. This revelation is not enough to save him, but more than enough to condemn him.

The question is usually asked at this point, “If they can’t be saved with that revelation how can they be held accountable?” They are accountable because they have not humbled themselves and sought more revelation. The passage says they did not glorify Him as God.

All kinds of hypothetical situations could be put forth at this point, but remember men are saved by grace through faith. Without God’s grace, bestowed by the will of God only, no man can be saved even with the full revelation of Christ. The point being made is they rejected the light they had in favor of darkness.

God is righteous because those outside of Christ are without excuse; and God is righteous because He rightly judges wickedness. Some might question why God doesn’t save everyone out of pure mercy. The question of why God doesn’t save all men is not clear to our finite minds. However, He gives some indication for His actions later in this letter (Romans 9:15-23). At least one reason for not being merciful to all is to contrast wrath with mercy. We would not understand how blessed we are without knowing of the wrath we escaped through faith.

Paul continues to explain how God’s wrath is revealed in the lives of the unbelieving. Three times Paul says, “God gave them over.” Each time they move father and father from the light into reprobation.

The greatest wickedness is a manifestation of the greatest wrath. God takes His hand off the most stubborn and allows him to fall into the depths of wickedness. Of course in the judgment that person will receive the greatest punishment.

Dear friends knowing God has been gracious to you gives cause to rejoice. Do not be happy over the plight of the wicked, but because God has mercifully saved you from the course of the wicked. God gives grace to the humble, but resists the proud. He intercedes for the humble, but despises the wicked. Where would you be without the grace of God?

Think about this the next time you are tempted to be disgusted and say, “I can’t believe how wicked that person is.” Instead of hating those wicked people recognize the wrath of God is upon them and love them. Don’t cater to them or condone their wickedness, but love them as an enemy, pray for them, and be thankful you are not still one of them. Amen.