Liberty University
Worldview Essay
Bibl 425
Lucas Maggard
October 11,
2013
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Creation
The Book of Romans tells us that creation was done by God and it can be seen through the
design all around us that there is a great designer and He wants us to see and know Him. The
entire understanding of humanity and our nature is tightly clung to the fact that we as people are
worthy of salvation and good in nature because we were created in the image of the greatest of
good which is God.
It is sin that transformed humanity’s nature from what it was in the beginning which was
perfect. I believe that it is this flaw in the facet of ourselves that prevent us from knowing His
divine nature because an imperfect being cannot fully conceive a perfect one although we may
obtain an awareness and understanding of Him. This is what the Bible allows us to do and why
it is the ultimate life book for all of humanity.1
Paul tells us that although we are granted another chance with the grace of God for redemption
we are lost without it and shall find nothing other than death (Romans 1:17-18). Although there
are many that live in different cultures and may not have been exposed to God directly they still
instinctively know God through the existence of the world and they obey His laws by aspiring to
goodness so there really is no excuse for not knowing of His existence.2
Sin
1Hawkins, Robert M. Romans: Interpretation. Journal of Biblical Literature, Vol. 60, No, 2 (June 1941) 129-140.
2 IBID.
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The consequences of sin are a terrible judgment when God’s terrible anger is made clear. God
will judge everyone according to what they have done (Romans 2:5-6). The worst punishment
for those who deny God and live for themselves although going into hell will beforehand have to
stand before the glorious Father as a small child and answer for each transgression which is
ultimately against Him.3
Salvation
Salvation is offered to all because all whom have been created are guilty and must seek His
salvation. For “all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). First
Romans establishes that we are in need of salvation due to this sin nature. It even gives the
description of sin so that we may identify its presence in our lives so we can not only take His
word for it but we can identify it in our lives (Romans 3:10-18).
Next just to drive the point home Romans tells us of the consequences of continually committing
sin (Romans 6:23). That punishment is the ultimate price to pay for it not merely a physical death
but an enduring and eternal one. This really demonstrates the gravity of the situation to any and
all that can read. It is simple, believe or die. The next step morphs easily into the answer which is
to receive the gift of eternal life one must do so through Jesus Christ.4 This acceptance is
performed by acknowledging that God loved us so much that He gave and sacrificed His son
Jesus Christ to die for our sins (Romans 5:8).
3Betz, Hans Dieter. Christianity as Religion: Paul’s Attempt at Definition in Romans. The Journal of Religion, Vol. 71, No. 3, (July, 1991) 315-
344.
4Hawkins, Robert M. Romans: Interpretation. Journal of Biblical Literature, Vol. 60, No, 2 (June 1941) 129-140.
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The mission of Jesus Christ was to die for our sins so that we may be reunited with the Father in
Heaven. We first accept God verbally and follow His laws. For this statement not to be a hollow
one it must be accompanied by action. This proof in action is what is referred to as the
justification by faith. When one does so their life becomes empowered by the Holy Spirit where
they may not necessarily know where they will be led but they will be active in professing the
Lord and He will provide for them as long as they have faith.5
Eschatology and Ethics
God’s ultimate goals are to grant salvation to every one of us for we are all His children and we
need Him. We Christians are to treat all others with the same respect and values that the
example Jesus has given us. Love should permeate the Christian follower. The first step is to
realize we are sinful and broken and in need of Him. The end step is to be with Him.6
Theology
The nature and attributes of God are that of eternal patience, love and a limitless knowledge of
understanding that only a perfect parent could have.
5Williams, Sam K. The “Righteousness of God” in Romans. Journal of Biblical Literature, Vol. 99, No. 2 (June 1980) 241-290.
6Wagner, J. Ross. The Christ, Servant of Jew and Gentile. Journal of Biblical Literature, Vol. 116, No. 3, (Autumn 1997) 473-475.
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Biography
Betz, Hans Dieter. Christianity as Religion: Paul’s Attempt at Definition in Romans. The
Journal of Religion, Vol. 71, No. 3, (July, 1991) 315-344.
Hawkins, Robert M. Romans: Interpretation. Journal of Biblical Literature, Vol. 60, No, 2 (June
1941) 129-140. Accessed on October 5, 2013. http://jstor.org/stable/3262360.
Wagner, J. Ross. The Christ, Servant of Jew and Gentile. Journal of Biblical Literature, Vol.
116,
No. 3, (Autumn 1997) 473-475.. Accessed on October 5,
2013. http://jstor.org/stable/3266669.
Williams, Sam K. The “Righteousness of God” in Romans. Journal of Biblical Literature, Vol.
99, No. 2 (June 1980) 241-290. Accessed on October 5, 2013.
http://jstor.org/stable/3265815.
