God’s holiness and grace— His righteousness is revealed by the gospel (Romans 1:1618). Those who live by faith receive this righteousness for their own. This is the power of God to bring salvation to everyone! This is what is revealed in the Gospel.This “Good News” is for everyone because we all need the gospel. Paul explained that God is opposed to everything that is against His righteousness— all unrighteousness, wickedness, and those who oppose His truth (Rom. 1:18). Paul argues that we are without excuse because God’s creation makes it evident that God exists (Rom. 1:19-20). There is this “natural knowledge” that there is something “out there.” This sense has been experienced by people in all places and times.But Paul argues that humans have denied what is obvious because they are ruled by sin and personal desires (Rom. 1:21-23). This is the exact opposite of the gospel! In our human wisdom and sophistication, people have chosen the foolish path of darkness, ignoring what was before them. So we come face to face with the fact that the nature of sin is to put ourself in the place of God. Paul repeated three times that “God gave them up.” What a frightening thought. God gives us free will and he allows us to use that free will—even when we make the wrong choices!He points out by listing various sins how everyone is under God’s judgment and wrath (Rom. 1:28-32). Paul even includes those who approve of those who do such wicked things. He is not saying this is the complete listing of all sins, but definitely gives a sampling of the ways in which humans have failed to acknowledge God.God’s love and mercy, demonstrated by the gospel, is meant to lead us to repentance. Yet as humans we hypocritically judge others, even as we sin ourselves (Rom. 2:1-3). And we downplay the sin in our lives (Rom. 2:4).His point is that we are all unrighteous and worthy of God’s punishment (Rom. 3:1012). Therefore, we have all sinned and fallen short of God’s glory (Rom. 3:23). Now Paul has been laying the foundation of salvation: the righteousness of God is revealed in the gospel that is by faith (Rom. 1:17, 3:21-22, 23-26).Our salvation, our righteousness, is not of our own doing, but is now based on the righteousness of Christ which has been credited to us. Because of our faith, now God ...
