ROMANS 1-8:
THE ESSENTIAL TRUTHS IN LIFE
BIBL 110-B04 LUO
Summer 2014
Ginger Martin L26468224
Turabian
Introduction: Living by a Biblical Worldview
A worldview is a set of beliefs and convictions an individual has in life. It is a group of
principles by which men and women live and view things around. This worldview, however, is
derived from something – the truth or some relative information. The Bible is a source of
essential truths that constitute a sound worldview. It contains assertions and information
concerning the natural world, human identity, human relationships, and culture – the basic bodies
of knowledge in life. In specific, these are covered within the letter to the Romans. In Romans 8-
11, Paul articulates about the natural world as God’s revelation to man, and man’s response to it.
Although man’s natural response to God is sinful, he can still obtain the righteousness of God by
grace through faith in Christ – offered to all men of every tongue and nation.
Essential Truths in Romans 1-8
The overarching theme of the book of Romans is the righteousness of God in the
redemption of mankind. Paul, in a systematic fashion, generally covers the themes of
justification (its nature and process), sanctification, and security of the believer. His letters also
covers teachings about the natural world, human identity, human relationships, and culture.
1. The Natural World
Paul touches on the natural or physical world in Romans 1:18-20. Here, he explains that
God uses the physical world to reveal Himself to man. God’s self-revelation is not merely
through the Scriptures, but also in the things around us. In the works of God in nature, man can
see God’s glory, beauty, power, righteousness, and other attributes.
Practical Implications
Paul already states the practical implication of God’s revelation to man through nature
(Rom. 1:20c). No one can make an excuse that they did not comprehend God and His words
upon men. Throughout countless generations, atheism penetrates the minds of men, women, and
children. However, it is evident that Atheists do not fail to see God, but simply deny seeing God.
Therefore, this means that, having seen God, man ought to respond to Him. We are to live not as
if there is no God. Instead, we should live in active awareness of God.
2. Human Identity
The book of Romans is rich in describing the condemned state of mankind before God.
The depravity of mankind ranges from commission of sin to approval of it (cf. Rom. 1:18-31). At
first, man commits sin as his natural mode of action. All men are born naturally with the sinful
flesh, which even Paul himself struggles with (cf. Rom. 7). Following this commission of sin,
man goes further into a deeper form of depravity. He begins to be pleased with sin. Then, even
further into the morass of man’s depravity, men and women begin to approve of sin. When left to
his sinfulness, man does not only naturally commit sin but also deem it appropriate to do so.
This sinful nature of man extends to all generation. Men, women, and children are all
condemned sinners in the eyes of the just God. The depth and weight of this condemnation is
also realized in respect of the glory of God. By sinning against God, man fails to manifest God’s
glory – which is supposedly evident in their lives [as God’s creation] (Rom. 3:23). Although man
has the knowledge of the existence of God, he continues destroying the honor of God with his
life. Even those who have the knowledge of God’s word fail in perfect fulfillment of it (Rom. 2).
For this reason, man needs the righteousness of God. Right at the early part of his letter,
Paul already makes his premise that man needs to be right with God. He opens the door leading
to the message of the Gospel. Man is sinful and he cannot save himself. Therefore, he needs
God’s righteousness imputed and imparted to him in order to be righteous. Men are dependent on
this righteousness that comes by faith alone in Christ alone. Apart from this, man carries the title
of being sinners, helpless, and enemies of God (Rom. 5:6, 8, 10).
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Further, Paul asserts that those who are justified by faith [apart from human works] are
given newness of life. Believers are made free from the power of sin by the death and
resurrection of Christ. Therefore, they are able to live a righteous life through the help of the
indwelling Sprit of God. Man can now respond to God as instruments of righteousness (Rom. 6).
Lastly, chapter 7 and 8 emphasizes on the sanctification and the security of the believer.
Those who now have the righteousness of God will still face the struggle against sin.
Nevertheless, believers have the assurance that the righteousness of God imputed and imparted
to them is made established forever. In Christ, men can have full freedom and security in God.
Practical Implications
The message of the book of Romans in Paul’s time is no different from today. The
depravity of mankind is evident in our society. Men and women do not only live sinful lives, but
also promote and advocate for it (e.g. media, adult films, prostitution, Gay rights, etc.) Like the
people in Paul’s time, people today also need the righteousness of God.
Also, Christians today, having received the righteousness of God, are also called to live in
newness of life. Further, they should also be assured and confident of their security in Christ.
3. Human Relationships
First, Paul shows the joint approval of sin among men and women. The epidemic nature
of sin in human society involves all men, for all of mankind are sinful. Men and women are
sinful alike. There is a mutual responsibility in committing and approving of sinful acts.
Second, we can see the distortion of human relationships in terms of the sexes. Romans
1:26-27 shows how men and women distort the natural function of their bodies given by God.
Third, we can see Paul’s equal regard towards believers. His passion for the Gospel is not
merely for the sake of Jews, but also to the Greek or even the barbarians (Rom. 1:14, 16).
Practical Implications
First, this affirms that many people lead one another to sin. Even today, people join one
another advocating for sinful pursuits, such as same-sex marriage, divorce, and abortion. It is a
sad reality in society that people support one another in living against God.
Second, this calls all men to exercise human relationships according to the sexes given by
God (Rom. 1:26-27). People can glorify God by living according to God’s original design of
human relationships, and believers are called to become examples of it.
Further, this shows that believers should show no partiality to one another or even to
those who need the message of salvation in God.
4. Culture
Paul does not refer to any specific culture or race in describing man and salvation. Sin
and depravity is not confined in any cultural or racial background. All men of every culture,
every race, and every language are sinners. Also, the Gospel message (justification,
sanctification, and security) is not addressed only to Jews, but to every believer (cf. Rom. 1:7).
Practical Implications
First, this implies that we should show no cultural bias in terms of our spirituality. For
instance, we should not think that only a certain group of people from a certain culture has the
right and gifts to speak effectively about God. We should not think highly of someone, and think
lowly of the other. Second, this also makes us realize that we should place no cultural bias in
sharing the gospel to the lost. For the righteousness of God through faith in Christ is available to
all men. We should share the Gospel to everyone.
Word Count 1307
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