Or, Nature’s Light on Neutrality’s LiesRomans 1:18-20October 10, 2021 Lord’s Day Worship Sean Higgins

Introduction

I am not just saying this because I’m a preacher, but there may be no more relevant paragraph in Scripture for sake of the believer’s perspective on the unbeliever’s perspective. If you’ve heard of the evangelism training program that walks another person down the “Romans Road,” which is a fine set of training wheels, this paragraph really ought to be the starting point (though it’s usually Romans 3:23). I know that preachers can oversell a text, but while it may not be my favorite paragraph, I think it is the definitive paragraph for giving insight to those who live away from faith and against faith.

These six verses, Romans 1:18-23, reveal the baseline of God’s problem with men. These verses reveal the root of idolatry, immorality, sexual perversion, and cultural collapse. These verses identify every unbelieving man’s greatest threat. These verses explain how men can be so foolish and why they are so committed to their foolishness. These verses reveal both the power and the limits of true scientific observation. These verses introduce the initial stages of God’s wrath. These verses explain why the power of the gospel is so gloriously necessary. These verses pull back the curtain on the common ground for our evangelism and apologetics. These verses provide the alternative, which isn’t a good alternative, to living from faith to faith.

To receive the truths in this paragraph by faith is to increase our confidence in the gospel, and also to answer questions about what happens to those who never hear the gospel. To receive these truths by faith begins to show those of us with faith what it means to live by faith. Here is why we need the gospel. Here are the consequences of receiving and benefiting from God’s gifts without giving Him credit.

If verses 16-17 provide the thesis to the epistle, they also begin the transition from the greeting to the main body of the letter. From here in 1:18 to 3:20, the tone changes from thanksgiving to an obvious theme of judgment. The righteousness of God is revealed in 3:21-8:39, and Paul has a lot to say about it. But 1:18 begins to describe the wrath of God. His wrath is present and future, here and forever. It is especially present among the Gentiles (1:18-32), the wrath deserved by Jews will follow shortly.

Wrath, especially God’s wrath, does not mean arbitrary or vindictive rage. He is not an angry drunk, He is not an out of control monster, like so many Greek gods. God’s “emotions” are perfect, and His responses are the only responses guaranteed to be appropriate in the universe.

His wrath is revealed, the same word and idea as in verse 17 about God’s righteousness. Wrath is unveiled, in the process of being exhibited, and it is from heaven. How high do the implications of this claim go in Paul’s mind? It’s more than literary flourish. It’s also provocative that wrath originates in heaven, rather than saying that righteousness does, though of course righteousness does as well. But what good is this qualification?

That God’s wrath is revealed from heaven may highlight how inescapable it is. All of earth is under heaven; there is no place below heaven that is not seen. It may also emphasize how perfect the wrath is; no bias or bribes are in effect. It may also emphasize the divinity of the wrath. It is called “the wrath of God,” and it is God on His throne in heavenly majesty and glory. God Himself unveils this God-ly attribute.

Many so-called “Christians” are ashamed of this part of God. Many Christians are so embarrassed that it’s common to hear a claim that wrath belongs to the God of the Old Testament. But wrath belongs to the God of heaven, and there is no other God.

If God is righteous, if God is “holy, holy, holy,” if God is omniscient, if God is true, then He must judge t[...]