What does Romans 1:28 mean?
ESV: And since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a debased mind to do what ought not to be done.
NIV: Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done.
NASB: And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God, God gave them up to a depraved mind, to do those things that are not proper,
CSB: And because they did not think it worthwhile to acknowledge God, God delivered them over to a corrupt mind so that they do what is not right.
NLT: Since they thought it foolish to acknowledge God, he abandoned them to their foolish thinking and let them do things that should never be done.
KJV: And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient;
NKJV: And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting;
Verse Commentary:
In prior verses, Paul pointed out that humanity has been given more than enough evidence of God (Romans 1:18–20). Despite not having any excuse, those who reject God fall further and further into foolish thinking to justify their attitude (Romans 1:21–23). As a result, God demonstrates wrath on mankind. However, the expression of that wrath takes a form we might not expect. It turns out that, at least on this side of eternity, God has expressed His wrath by allowing human beings to be consumed with the desire to do unrighteous things out of a debased mind.

In other words, God allowed humanity free reign to express their sin unchecked. The result is nothing more or less than the natural system of cause and effect: we experience all of the painful consequences that come with our choices. In the previous verses, those sinful desires and actions were sexual. Now, though, God is described as allowing human beings to give full vent to all kinds of sinful desires.

Is this really an active punishment from God, or has God merely allowed humanity to follow our rejection of Him to its logical conclusion? What's clear is that the limits God has set are shown to be for our good and not for our harm. The best earthly results happen for those who will acknowledge Him in how they live sexually and in relationship to each other. Great harm comes from indulging in the sins about which God has warned us.
Verse Context:
Romans 1:18–32 describes why God rightfully condemns humanity and some of what He has done about it. Humanity's fall is pictured as a downward progression. It starts with rejecting God as creator, refusing to see what can be known about Him by what He has made. We also reject that He is our provider and stop giving Him thanks. We worship His creation instead of Him. Finally, God acts by giving us over to the unchecked expression of our corrupt sexual desires and all other kinds of sin. In part, He expresses His wrath by giving us what we want and condemning us to suffer the painful consequences.
Chapter Summary:
Romans 1 introduces Paul and his purpose in writing this letter to the Christians in Rome. As servant and apostle of Jesus, Paul's mission in life is to preach the gospel of Jesus to all people groups, both Jews and Gentiles. He hopes to do so in Rome soon. Paul is not ashamed of the gospel. It is God's power for the salvation of all people by faith in Christ. We need to be saved because God is angry with us. Because of our sin, humanity has rejected Him as creator and provider. We worship created things, instead. In response, God has given us over to indulge in all kinds of sinful practices that lead to misery now and His angry judgment later.
Chapter Context:
Romans 1 begins with Paul's introduction of himself and his mission to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ. After telling the Christians in Rome that he is eager to come see them and preach the gospel there, Paul declares that the gospel is God's power to save everyone who believes in Jesus. We need to be saved, because our sin has earned God's wrath. As a whole, humanity has rejected God as creator and provider. We worship creation instead of Him. In response, He has given us over to the full indulgence of our sinful desires. We are guilty and deserve His judgment.
Book Summary:
The book of Romans is the New Testament's longest, most structured, and most detailed description of Christian theology. Paul lays out the core of the gospel message: salvation by grace alone through faith alone. His intent is to explain the good news of Jesus Christ in accurate and clear terms. As part of this effort, Paul addresses the conflicts between law and grace, between Jews and Gentiles, and between sin and righteousness. As is common in his writing, Paul closes out his letter with a series of practical applications.
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