Augustine’s Transformation and the Power of the Gospel
The story of Augustine, a brilliant mind who initially embraced Manichaeism before encountering the transformative power of the Gospel, mirrors the themes Paul addresses in Romans. Like many, Augustine sought wisdom and understanding, but true fulfillment only came through embracing the scriptures. As Paul declares, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” (Romans 1:16)
The gospel’s power transcends cultural and intellectual barriers.
The Context of Romans: Jewish and Gentile Christians
Paul’s letter to the Romans addresses tensions between Jewish and Gentile Christians in Rome. The Jewish Christians, returning after a period of expulsion, struggled to reconcile their heritage with the evolving Gentile-dominated church. Both groups held misunderstandings about salvation and their roles in God’s plan. Paul writes to correct these misconceptions, emphasizing that salvation is received through faith in Jesus Christ, available to all, regardless of background. The central thesis of Romans is found in Romans 3:22 “This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile.”
Paul strategically dismantles arguments for cultural or ethnic superiority within the church.
The Wrath of God and the Rejection of Truth
Paul asserts that God’s wrath is revealed against all ungodliness and unrighteousness. He argues that God has made Himself known through creation, leaving humanity without excuse for rejecting Him. “For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.” (Romans 1:19-20) Despite this clear revelation, people suppress the truth and exchange the glory of God for idols.
The visible world testifies to God’s existence and power.
From Wisdom to Foolishness: The Consequences of Rejecting God
Paul describes how those who claim to be wise become foolish by rejecting God. They exchange the glory of the immortal God for images, resembling mortal man, birds, animals, and creeping things. This rejection leads to futile thinking and darkened hearts. Just as Augustine initially sought wisdom outside of God, many fall into the trap of intellectual pride, blinding themselves to the truth. Paul says of those who reject God that they “exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator” (Romans 1:25)
Intellectual arrogance can obscure the simple truth of God’s existence.
Paganism: Worshiping the Creation Instead of the Creator
Paul defines paganism as worshiping the creation rather than the Creator. This can manifest in various ways, from venerating ancestors to worshiping idols and natural objects. Paul emphasizes that all humans have an innate desire to worship, and if they do not worship God, they will inevitably worship something else. Many pagan religions may incorporate strange practices, but paganism is at its core, simply directing worship to things that are created, rather than the Creator.
Humanity’s inherent need to worship is misdirected in paganism.
The Slippery Slope: From Idolatry to Immorality
Paul argues that rejecting God leads to moral decay. He describes how God gives people up to dishonorable passions, resulting in unnatural relationships and a host of other sins. This downward spiral begins with the failure to acknowledge God and culminates in a debased mind, filled with unrighteousness, evil, covetousness, and malice. Paul calls out the homosexuality present in the region. Homosexuality, in this context, is not simply an isolated act but a symptom of a deeper rejection of God. “For this reason God gave them up to dishonorable passions. For their women exchanged natural relations for those that are contrary to nature; and the men likewise gave up natural relations with women and were consumed with passion for one another, men committing shameless acts with men and receiving in themselves the due penalty for their error.” (Romans 1:26-27) Paul makes it clear that this behavior is a consequence of turning away from God.
Moral decline is a consequence of rejecting God’s authority.
Conclusion: Acknowledging God and Rejecting Paganism
Paul concludes by emphasizing that those who practice such things deserve to die, not only for doing them but also for approving of those who practice them. The root of ungodliness and unrighteousness lies in misdirected knowledge. We must recognize God’s attributes in creation and worship Him alone. Just as Augustine found true fulfillment in scripture, we must turn away from paganism and embrace the gospel. If you love nature, mountains, and the world around you, Romans 1:25 reminds us to worship “the Creator who is blessed forever! Amen.”. Reject paganism; embrace the Gospel!
True worship is directed to the Creator, not the creation.