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Tag: Book of Romans

Debased mind

Written by LWOM Amsterdam on . Posted in Romans, What’s new?.

What is a debased mind in Romans 1:28?

A key theme in the book of Romans is the righteousness of God. Before presenting his case that humans can partake of God’s righteousness by placing their faith in Jesus Christ (Romans 3:21—8:31), the apostle Paul explained why they need it. In Romans 1:18–32, he began his argument. Even though God has unmistakably revealed Himself through creation (Romans 1:20), people persistently reject Him because they are condemned, powerless, and hopeless apart from Him. Since some people refuse to acknowledge God, Paul asserted, “God gave them up to a debased mind and to things that should not be done” (Romans 1:28, NRSV).

When we willfully choose to trade the glory of God and the truth about God for lies, to worship idols and created things instead of the Creator, God gives us what our heart desires, and we fall deeper and deeper into moral decline. One aspect of the downward spiral described by Paul in Romans 1:18–32 is “a debased mind.” The word for “debased” in the original Greek means “morally reprehensible, depraved, worthless, despicable.” The expression is alternatively translated as “corrupt mind” (CSB), “foolish thinking” (NLT), and “worthless mind” (HCSB).

God has given humans internal (Ecclesiastes 3:11) and external (Acts 17:23–31; Romans 1:20) evidence of His existence. Some even “knew God, but they wouldn’t worship him as God or even give him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. As a result, their minds became dark and confused” (Romans 1:21, NLT). They became like the people of Noah’s time: “The Lord saw how great the wickedness of the human race had become on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of the human heart was only evil all the time” (Genesis 6:5).

Paul stated that a debased mind leads people into “every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; they have no understanding, no fidelity, no love, no mercy. Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them” (Romans 1:29–32).

A debased mind cannot discern what is good, righteous, moral, or ethical. It estranges people from God, making them “his enemies, separated from him by [their] evil thoughts and actions” (Colossians 1:21, NLT). Paul explained, “Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so” (Romans 8:5–7).

A debased mind substitutes what is good for what is evil. It exchanges “the truth about God for a lie” (Romans 1:25). It places more importance on the creation than the Creator (Isaiah 44:16–18). It seeks guidance from the universe rather than pursuing the God of the universe. Paul warned Timothy, “These people always cause trouble. Their minds are corrupt, and they have turned their backs on the truth. To them, a show of godliness is just a way to become wealthy” (1 Timothy 6:5, NLT). According to Paul, “depraved minds and a counterfeit faith” describe the condition of false teachers (2 Timothy 3:8).

Paul urges Christians to “no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts” (Ephesians 4:17–18). As believers, we must guard our minds and “let the Spirit renew [our] thoughts and attitudes. Put on [our] new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy” (Ephesians 4:23–24, NLT). We must let God transform all traces of our previously debased minds “by changing the way [we] think. Then [we] will learn to know God’s will . . ., which is good and pleasing and perfect” (Romans 12:2, NLT).

Where sin abounded grace abounded more

Written by LWOM Amsterdam on . Posted in Romans, What’s new?.

What does it mean that where sin abounded grace abounded more (Romans 5:20)?

Paul’s Epistle to the Romans is important in that it explains the mercies of God and what we are expected to do in light of those mercies. In Romans 1—3:20 Paul explains that all people fall short of God’s standards, are unrighteous, and need His grace. In Romans 3:21—4:25, Paul explains how God expressed His grace in His good news (or gospel) of righteousness. Romans 5—8 describes the results of that grace applied in salvation through Jesus Christ and what that means for those who have believed in Him. It is in that section that Paul asserts that where sin abounded grace abounded more (Romans 5:20). Romans 9—11 illustrates God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His salvation promises by using the example of Israel and explaining how one day the entire people of Israel will be delivered. Romans 12—16 underscores the responsibilities believers have to walk in the mercies that God has shown.

As Paul is explaining in Romans 5—8 the results of salvation by grace through faith, in order to show the magnificence of God’s grace, Paul first illustrates the human need for grace. We have been justified (declared righteous by God), and now we have peace with God (Romans 5:1). Before that we were helpless (Romans 5:6), and we were enemies of God (Romans 5:10). We were in bondage under sin because we were born from Adam, whose sin left a stain on all those who would follow in his line (Romans 5:12–19). As if sin wasn’t grievous enough, sin was amplified by law or ethics and rules of behavior in general (Romans 5:20) and was later amplified even further by the Law of Moses, which became a tutor to show people their need for Christ (Galatians 3:17–24). But in His grace God did not leave us in this hopeless and helpless position. While we were still helpless, Christ died for us (Romans 5:6), expressing the ultimate gift of grace and providing for our justification by faith in Him. The result is peace with God.

No longer are we enemies of God or children of wrath as we once were (Ephesians 2:1–3), because where sin abounded grace abounded more (Romans 5:20). Even when human law and the Law of Moses brought increased opportunity for sin (Romans 7:7–8), God’s grace still covered all of it through the shed blood of Jesus on the cross, because while we were yet sinners Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). Paul explains this later as the essence of the gospel—that Christ died for our sin (1 Corinthians 15:1–3). Because where sin abounded grace abounded more (Romans 5:20), we can have justification and new life through Jesus Christ by believing in Him.

Because of God’s grace expressed through the blood of Jesus poured out as a substitute for us, we are no longer in bondage to sin and are now free to live in Christ (Romans 6:6–8). This is why Paul could exclaim that he was not ashamed of the gospel—it is how God has provided for the salvation of all who believe in Jesus Christ, no matter their past (Romans 1:16–17). Where sin abounded, grace abounded more (Romans 5:20), and because of God’s abounding grace, we can now be filled with joy, peace, and hope (Romans 15:13).

The gift of God is eternal life

Written by LWOM Amsterdam on . Posted in Romans, What’s new?.

What does it mean that the gift of God is eternal life (Romans 6:23)?

In Romans 6:20–23, Paul invites Christians to consider their lives before coming to Christ and since. He also compares the contrasting rewards of each way of life: “When you were slaves to sin, you were free from the control of righteousness. What benefit did you reap at that time from the things you are now ashamed of? Those things result in death! But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Before salvation, we were slaves to sin and destined for death. But through faith in Jesus Christ, we received the gift of God, which is the salvation of souls unto eternal life: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him” (John 3:16–17).

The word gift (charisma in Greek) in Romans 6:23 means “a present given as a sign of good favor.” Ephesians 2:8–9 elaborates on this gift: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” The gift of God does not depend on our behavior. It cannot be earned, like a wage. The Bible calls it a “free gift” (Romans 6:23, ESV). We don’t work for the gift of eternal life; we receive it simply because God’s good favor is poured out on us.

The gift of God is His “abundant provision of grace.” It is “not like the trespass,” which brings death through sin. “God’s grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ” brings everlasting life (Romans 5:15–17; see also Romans 3:24; Ephesians 1:7–8). Sin pays its wages in death, and sinners get what they deserve. But God bestows a free gift, and believers in Jesus Christ receive what they don’t deserve—eternal life.

The gift of God is Jesus Christ, His Son. The apostle Paul thanks God for His “indescribable gift” in Jesus (2 Corinthians 9:15). Jesus calls Himself “the gift of God” in the form of “living water” to the woman of Samaria (John 4:10). Jesus provides this definition of eternal life: “Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent” (John 17:3). The gift is knowing the One True God through a relationship with Jesus Christ, His Son, who is Himself eternal life.

Christians receive all of Christ’s benefits because of our union with Jesus Christ. Jesus died, and therefore we have died in Him (Romans 6:3; Galatians 2:20). Christ was raised from the dead; thus, we were introduced to new life (Romans 6:4–5). He lives to God, and now we live to God (Romans 6:10–11). Jesus Christ will live forever, and we will live eternally with Him (John 17:3; 1 John 2:25).

The only grounds for receiving the gift of God is the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. Jesus is the righteous channel of God’s gift of grace poured out by His blood (1 Peter 1:18–19; Revelation 1:5). If we are in Christ through faith, we receive every spiritual blessing in Him (Ephesians 1:3–14). “God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life” (1 John 5:11–13).

The gift of God is abundant spiritual life—a life with meaning, purpose, and joy—from the moment of salvation and for all eternity (John 10:10; 1 Corinthians 2:9). The old life of sin has no benefit and only leads to death. But serving God has the advantage of sanctification leading to holiness and the gift of God—eternal life in Jesus Christ.

Sin shall not have dominion over you

Written by LWOM Amsterdam on . Posted in What’s new?.

What does it mean that sin shall not have dominion over you in (Romans 6:14)?

In Romans 6:9–14, the apostle Paul communicates a key concept of justification referred to as “imputed righteousness.” He is teaching Christians how they can experience freedom from the control of sin over their lives. When Jesus Christ died and was resurrected from the dead, the victory He achieved over sin and death was imparted to all who believe in His name and receive Him as Lord and Savior. Paul writes, “For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under law but under grace” (Romans 6:14, NKJV).

Before salvation, sin was like a slave-driving master over us. Now, as “prisoners of Christ Jesus” (see Ephesians 3:1), we no longer live under the requirements of the law but under the freedom of God’s grace: “Just as sin ruled over all people and brought them to death, now God’s wonderful grace rules instead, giving us right standing with God and resulting in eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 5:21, NLT; see also Romans 7:4, 6; Galatians 2:19). Because we belong to Jesus, “the power of the life-giving Spirit” has set us free “from the power of sin that leads to death” (Romans 8:2, NLT). We are no longer obligated to do what our sinful nature urges us to do (Romans 8:12).

In Romans 6:9, Paul explains that “Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has dominion over Him. For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God” (Romans 6:9–10, NKJV). Then Paul clarifies how we can experience what Jesus experienced: “In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus” (Romans 6:11). To “count” is “to consider, to reckon, to think, to credit.” In the same way that Jesus is free from sin and death and alive to God, we must think of ourselves as free. We get to credit or apply to ourselves the same truth that applies to our Savior. Christ’s freedom is now our freedom. Sin shall not have dominion over you because it has no mastery over Christ in whom you live and move and have your being (Acts 17:28; see also 1 John 4:9).

Through the death of Jesus, the believer has died, and his life is now “hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3). We are new creations in Christ; the old life of sin under the law is gone, and a new life of spiritual freedom under God’s grace has begun (2 Corinthians 5:17). If we are truly dead, we are free from sin’s influence. The penalty for sin has been paid, and we no longer must answer to sin’s dominion over us.

God counts Christians dead to sin because of their identification with the death and resurrection of Christ. If God considers us dead to sin, we must also think of ourselves as dead to sin’s dominion. If God says it is so, then we must believe it. Counting yourself dead to sin means you “don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect” (Romans 12:2, NLT).

In Romans 6:12–13, Paul firmly cautions believers to make a clean break from their old sinful ways of living: “Do not let sin control the way you live; do not give in to sinful desires. Do not let any part of your body become an instrument of evil to serve sin. Instead, give yourselves completely to God, for you were dead, but now you have new life. So use your whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God” (Romans 6:12–13, NLT). Peter affirms that Jesus carried our sins in His body on the cross so that we could be dead to sin’s dominance and live to do what is right for God’s glory (1 Peter 2:24).

Sin shall not have dominion over you when you offer your body “as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship” (Romans 12:1). Before salvation, we lived under the law. Sin was our master because adhering to legalistic rules could not give us the power to resist sin. “So God did what the law could not do. He sent his own Son in a body like the bodies we sinners have. And in that body God declared an end to sin’s control over us by giving his Son as a sacrifice for our sins. He did this so that the just requirement of the law would be fully satisfied for us, who no longer follow our sinful nature but instead follow the Spirit” (Romans 8:3–4, NLT). The law merely served to reveal our weakness and failure. God’s amazing grace in the form of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice on the cross is the only thing sufficient to empower us to live according to the Holy Spirit’s control.

Walking in the truth of our salvation does not mean we will never sin again. We have the choice not to sin, and we have the grace of God empowering us not to sin, but we are still human and imperfect. The apostle John says, “If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us” (1 John 1:10). When we fall short of the mark, we have an advocate or legal representative in Jesus Christ, “the one who is truly righteous,” who pleads our case before the Father (1 John 2:1, NLT). John explains, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). God responds in grace and mercy toward our human weakness because Jesus Christ died for our sins to give us His righteousness.

Sin shall not have dominion over you as a Christian because the grace of God saves you and enables you to turn away from “godless living and sinful pleasures” and “live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God” (Titus 2:11–12, NLT).

Hope does not disappoint

Written by LWOM Amsterdam on . Posted in Romans, What’s new?.

What does it mean that hope does not disappoint (Romans 5:5)?

In Romans 5 Paul explains some of the marvelous benefits of being justified (declared righteous) in God’s sight, but what does it mean when He says that “hope does not disappoint” (Romans 5:5)?

The full verse is “Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us” (Romans 5:5, NKJV). In the context, Paul explains that we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 5:1); because of that, we stand in His grace and we rejoice, looking forward to the unveiling of His glory (Romans 5:2). As we look forward in hope and anticipation, we can even rejoice in our tribulations (Romans 5:3a). We don’t take joy in the tribulations themselves; rather, we rejoice in what they accomplish in our lives. Paul lays out the progression of results from the difficulties we encounter: “Knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance” (Romans 5:3b, NASB). Encountering hardship strengthens us and can enable us to withstand even more.

Another word for perseverance is longsuffering—when we encounter tribulations, it can help us “suffer long” and endure. Perseverance brings about proven character (Romans 5:4a). The quality of our character is tested in trials, and when we have endured, our character is no longer hypothetical; it is proven. Proven character brings about hope (Romans 5:4b). When we have endured, and our character has been tested and shown to be faithful, that helps us to have a strong hope—not simply a wish for something, but an anticipation of what will certainly come.

Finally, Paul adds that “hope does not disappoint” (Romans 5:5) or “hope does not put us to shame” (ESV). That kind of hope is certain because it relies upon God’s power, His promises, and His sacrifice (Romans 5:6–11) and not our own merits. That kind of hope is certain because of what He has accomplished, not because of any work on our part. Because Christ died for us (Romans 5:8), we have been justified, and we will be delivered from the future wrath of God (Romans 5:9). We were not saved based on our own righteousness; rather, we were reconciled (given peace with God) even while we were enemies of God, and so we will be saved by His life (Romans 5:10).

While each of us will encounter difficulties—even tribulations or trials—Paul helps us recognize that those circumstances are part of God’s recipe for our growth. “Hope does not disappoint.” James offers a similar exhortation: “Consider it all joy, my brothers and sisters, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing” (James 1:2–4, NASB). Trials and difficulties are designed to produce in believers an eternal benefit. It is for this reason—“hope does not disappoint”—that we can and should rejoice always (1 Thessalonians 5:16).

Sometimes it helps to have an example of how “hope does not disappoint” (Romans 5:5), and Paul provides such an example for us in Philippians 4 as he explains that he has learned how to be content in any circumstances (Philippians 4:11). He can deal with humble means or prosperity, being filled or being hungry, having much or suffering need (Philippians 4:12). Whether in good or bad circumstances, Paul had learned to persevere because he recognized that he “can do all things through Him who strengthens” (Philippians 4:13, ESV). The same one who strengthened Paul to have that kind of contentment and courage strengthens us, working all things together for our good (Romans 8:28), and that ultimate good is that we will be more Christlike. Because it is His power at work, we know that His kind of “hope does not disappoint.”

God demonstrates His love

Written by LWOM Amsterdam on . Posted in Romans, What’s new?.

What does it mean that God demonstrates His love in (Romans 5:8)?

Love is a fundamental attribute of God, and numerous Bible passages declare this glorious truth. One such passage is Romans 5:8, which states, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” This depiction of love has inspired many to pledge their allegiance to Jesus, even to the point of death. God’s love should be known, relished, celebrated, and held close to our hearts.

The Bible serves as God’s special revelation to us, unveiling His attributes and showing us what love is. God manifested His love through sacrifice, by taking on human flesh in the Person of Jesus and redeeming us from the consequences of sin. John 3:16 immediately comes to mind, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

Love is not a static emotion; love acts. Sacrificial love of the type God demonstrated toward us amazes us because we know how challenging it is to give up something valuable for the sake of another. Movies like Titanic achieved global success due, in part, to the theme of sacrifice. What is even more astounding about God’s demonstration of love is that He gave His life for His enemies. Even on the cross, Jesus prayed for the forgiveness of those murdering Him (Luke 23:34). Christianity is unique in this regard as it is the only religion that welcomes the ungodly: “You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly” (Romans 5:6). In other belief systems, humanity is left to work their way up toward God, but in Christianity God came down to us.

The apostle John also reflected on God’s love in his letter: “This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins” (1 John 4:9–10).

It is worth noting that God demonstrated His love in a manner that does not contradict His justice and holiness. On the cross, Jesus fulfilled the just requirements of the law and displayed God’s holiness by bearing God’s wrath against sin. Christ’s atoning work granted God the freedom to exhibit His grace and mercy side by side with His judgment, all for His glory.

The transformative effect of God’s love and grace has softened many hard hearts and filled them with gratitude. Countless depraved individuals have experienced what was described in the old hymn: “The vilest offender who truly believes, that moment from Jesus a pardon receives” (Crosby, F. J., “To God Be the Glory,” 1875). A prime example is the apostle Paul, who converted from an enemy of Christianity to one of its greatest evangelists.

God’s love was not theoretical. It was demonstrated; it was proved in Christ. Ultimately, God’s love provides the foundation for our love toward others. Once again, we find guidance from John: “Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God” (1 John 4:7).

What does it mean that the wages of sin is death?

Written by LWOM Amsterdam on . Posted in Romans, What’s new?.

Romans 6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” At its core, sin is rebellion against God. Our sin separates us from God, the creator and sustainer of life. Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life” (John 14:6a). God is known as the great “I AM.” Life is in God. So, when we sin and become separated from God, we become separated from true life. Therefore, perforce, we experience death. Three points of clarification are needed:

First, sin does not necessarily result in physical death right away. Romans 6 is not telling us that when we sin we will physically die. Rather, it is referring to spiritual death.

Second, when we are saved in Christ, we are rescued from ultimate spiritual death and brought into ultimate spiritual life. Paul told the Romans, “The gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23b).

Third, even believers’ sins will still result in a type of spiritual “death.” Though we are rescued from the ultimate penalty of sin (eternal separation from God), we are not exempt from the natural consequences of a broken relationship with the Father. When we sin, we experience the symptoms of spiritual death. We may feel guilty, empty, confused, or disconnected from God. We act as the unrighteous rather than as the righteous. Our sin, even as believers, hurts the heart of God and grieves His Spirit (Ephesians 4:30). Though it does not sever our relationship with Him, our sin does put a barrier between us.

Think of a child and a parent. When a child disobeys, the relationship with his parent is strained. The parent still loves the child and still has the child’s best interest at heart. The child never stops belonging to the parent. However, the child may experience some consequences: mistrust, discipline, a sense of guilt, and the like. The relationship is ultimately restored, but generally pain comes first.

So it is with us and God. When we rebel against God’s rule in our lives, we rebel against the Life, and therefore experience “death” (a brokenness resulting in pain). When we return to God, we are also restored to spiritual life—communion with God, a sense of purpose, righteousness, freedom, etc. The rejoicing father in the Parable of the Prodigal Son said it best: “This son of mine was dead and is alive again” (Luke 15:24).

Reprobate mind

Written by LWOM Amsterdam on . Posted in Romans, What’s new?.

What does it mean to have a reprobate mind?

The phrase “reprobate mind” is found in Romans 1:28 in reference to those whom God has rejected as godless and wicked. They “suppress the truth by their wickedness,” and it is upon these people that the wrath of God rests (Romans 1:18). The Greek word translated “reprobate” in the New Testament is adokimos, which means literally “unapproved, that is, rejected; by implication, worthless (literally or morally).”

Paul describes two men named Jannes and Jambres as those who “resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith” (2 Timothy 3:8). Here the reprobation is regarding the resistance to the truth because of corrupt minds. In Titus, Paul also refers to those whose works are reprobate: “They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate” (Titus 1:16). Therefore, the reprobate mind is one that is corrupt and worthless.

As we can see in the verses above, people who are classified as having a reprobate mind have some knowledge of God and perhaps know of His commandments. However, they live impure lives and have very little desire to please God. Those who have reprobate minds live corrupt and selfish lives. Sin is justified and acceptable to them. The reprobates are those whom God has rejected and has left to their own devices.

Can a Christian have a reprobate mind? Someone who has sincerely accepted Jesus Christ by faith will not have this mindset because the old person with a reprobate mind has been recreated into a new creation: “The old has passed away; behold, the new has come” (2 Corinthians 5:17). Christians are basically “new” people. We live differently and speak differently. Our world is centered on our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and how we can serve Him. Also, if we are truly in the faith, we will have the Holy Spirit to help us live a God-honoring life (John 14:26). Those with reprobate minds do not have the Spirit and live only for themselves.