What does Romans 1:32 reveal about God's judgment on sinful behaviors? Setting the Scene • Romans 1:18–31 charts humanity’s slide from knowing God to exchanging His truth for lies. • Verse 32 is the sobering climax, exposing how far rebellion can go. The Text “Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things are worthy of death, they not only continue to do these very things, but also approve of those who practice them.” (Romans 1:32) What the Verse Reveals about God’s Judgment • God’s decree is righteous—His standards are flawless and unchanging. • The penalty is clear: “worthy of death.” This refers both to physical death (Genesis 2:17) and eternal separation (Romans 6:23). • People possess awareness of this decree (“they know”), so ignorance is not an excuse. • Ongoing practice of sin is willful, not accidental. • Approval of others’ sin compounds guilt; endorsing evil is itself evil. Layers of Accountability 1. Knowing: inner conscience and creation’s witness (Romans 1:20) leave humanity without excuse. 2. Doing: persistent practice despite knowing the consequence. 3. Applauding: encouraging others deepens responsibility (Isaiah 5:20; Habakkuk 2:15). Echoes in the Rest of Scripture • “For the wages of sin is death.” (Romans 6:23) • “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked. For whatever a man sows, he will reap.” (Galatians 6:7) • “The wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God.” (1 Corinthians 6:9–10) All reinforce that divine judgment is certain, just, and proportionate to knowledge and response. Why Approval Matters • Endorsing sin normalizes it, spreads it, and mocks God’s holiness. • It signals hardened hearts that have moved from secret rebellion to public celebration (Philippians 3:18–19). • It invites shared judgment; silence or cheerleading both identify one with the sin. Living in Light of This Truth • Take sin—and its penalty—seriously. • Reject the cultural drift that applauds what God condemns. • Embrace the gospel’s rescue: “But the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23b) |
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