Romans is a systematic presentation of what it means to be a Christian. Romans was written by Paul during his stay at Corinth, to the early church forming in Rome. Romans chapters 1 through 8 has a lot to say about the natural world, human identity, relationships, culture, and civilization. A basis is described for a firm foundation in Christianity, which goes to why the book is popular and widely interpreted. Romans 1-8 deeply affects my worldview and how I act and think.
Romans teaches a great deal about the natural world. Romans 1:20
(NLT) states "20 For ever since the world was created,
people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they
can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and
divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God."
This indicates that the natural world is a physical display of who
God is. In addition, the natural world is direct evidence for the
existence of God. The sky is beautiful, the earth is amazing, and
these are two qualities God has in abundance. When I first started
to seek God, it was the beauty of his creation that first opened my
mind to it. Instead of seeing the world as a random gathering of
evolution, I see Earth as a temporary construct, and a fallen planet
riddled with sin. I also see the beauty and majesty of the mind of
my creator. Sometimes it's hard to see the world so starkly, but in
the end the peace God gives is greater than my own fear.
Romans teaches that every individual's identity is with God, through
Christ. Romans teaches that we are all sinners and deserve death
(Romans 3:10). There is no way humanity can earn eternal life.
Eternal life is a free gift from Jesus Christ, through our faith in
him (Romans 3:22). Humanity could not fulfill the requirement of the
law and all fall short of God's standard (Romans 3:23). All humans
are sinners in identity, but find true identity through Jesus Christ
(Romans 5:21). Before I had my identity in Christ, I considered what
the world said about me. The world constantly told me I wasn't
attractive enough. It told me I needed more money, more stuff, and
more power. Now I understand that I have great value through the
eyes of my God. I am chosen, loved, and protected by the living God.
According to Romans 4:13 (NLT) "13 Clearly, God’s
promise to give the whole earth to Abraham and his descendants was
based not on his obedience to God’s law, but on a right
relationship with God that comes by faith." Romans teaches that
our righteousness with God is predicated on our relationship with him
and our trust in him. A close relationship with God is only possible
through Jesus Christ (Romans 5:2). Humans are relationally slaves to
that which they serve, which makes those saved, slaves to
righteousness (Romans 6:18). When Adam sinned, all humanity received
the curse of death. My worldview on people is that they all fall
short of God's perfection. At first this gave me a very negative
view of people around me. But knowing that I'm not any better, I
come to love those around me, and want them to have a relationship
with Jesus Christ.
Romans says quite a bit about human culture. As far as Jews are
concerned, the law of Moses had become a huge part of their culture.
Unfortunately Jews had gotten too far into the letter of the law,
without obeying the spirit of the law (Romans 7:6). They were
arrogant about their position in relation to God, and had begun to
see themselves as better than gentiles. This caused them to set a
poor example for gentiles, and then gentiles would speak poorly of
God as well. The law of Moses could not save the Jews, because of
sin's power (Romans 8:3). Due to the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on
the cross, there is now no condemnation for those who belong to him
(Romans 8:1). Jew and Gentile alike can now receive the free gift of
eternal life. This affects my world view in that I don't need to
feel utterly defeated when I'm not living up to the ten commandments.
The law of Moses simple displays that I am a sinner. It also
reminds me that all have the offer of salvation through Christ.
Every person in every country on the planet has this possibility in
front of them. I am unable to discriminate, even if I don't like
someone.
Romans 8:19-21 (NLT) says " For all creation is waiting
eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who his children
really are. Against its will, all creation was subjected to
God’s curse. But with eager hope, the creation looks forward
to the day when it will join God’s children in glorious freedom
from death and decay." This is a powerful statement on the path
of civilization itself. All of creation awaits the return of Jesus
Christ. The entire path of civilization is relational to God. It
all draws from the sin of Adam, that lead to the curse of sin being
placed on all mankind (Romans 5:12). This curse of sin is why there
is so much suffering and disaster in the world. Civilization
crumbles due to it's own sin. Jesus Christ performed an act of
righteousness by his sinless life and allowed for humanity to have a
right relationship with their creator (Romans 5:18). Those who
belong to Jesus Christ have received a spirit which they obey, which
leads to good deeds and actions (Romans 8:6). Thanks to Jesus
Christ, there is now nothing that separate God's children from the
love of God (Romans 8:39). This affects my worldview in about a
million ways, but I'll just go into a few examples. I understand
that I'm a sinner, and that I must avoid listening to that part of
myself. I need to listen to the holy spirit within me, and let it
convict me to do right. There is a lot of peace in waiting for the
return of Jesus Christ.
I learned a lot from the teachings in Romans, chapters 1 through 8.
My worldview has changed drastically from when I was an unbeliever to
right now. I can have hope, and greater than hope, assurance that I
am saved and will live on. Love and compassion for others is my
creed, and the course of civilization and culture speak to the truth
that I am a child of the living God.
