Whether we realize it or not, we all have a worldview. It is the way we interpret our life and existence and the lens through which we see the world around us.
Worldview has also been defined as “what we presuppose. It is our way of looking at life, our interpretation of the universe, our orientation to reality.”[1] A worldview provides answers to questions such as: How did everything come into being? What is wrong with the world? How can it be fixed? Is there a “right” way to live? How will it all end? And what is an individual’s role in it all? Although there are various perspectives and responses to these questions, the Bible does offer concrete answers with an objective view. A wide look at the book of Romans, found in the New Testament of the Bible, reveals the following components of a Biblical worldview such as: The existence of God, universal creation, the fall of mankind, God’s salvation, ethical living, and an eternal hope.
God: What does Romans teach about the existence and attributes of God?
The Apostle Paul in writing the book of Romans, which is essentially a letter to believers in the city of Rome, begins with clear implications of God’s existence. Similar to the first book of the Bible which states, “In the beginning, God” (Gen 1:1), Paul, shortly after his initial greetings, states, “First, I thank my God” (Rom 1:8); a clear inference to God’s unquestionable existence. He continues by expressing that the message he brings is one he is not ashamed of due to its sheer power as being a message from the God Himself (Rom 1:16). God’s existence and His attributes are clearly seen in creation (Rom 1:20). Even before there was ever a Bible, imbedded in our very conscious is the existence of God and only those that defy Him and suppress this truth are those that would argue otherwise. It is because of this very rebellion that another attribute of God, such as His wrath, is revealed (Rom 1:18). All judgment is reserved for God, and His judgments are true (Rom 2:2). Those that reject God’s existence and ways are fated for death (Rom 6:23), but those that submit and believe in the salvation of God, which comes though faith in His Son, Jesus Christ, can partake of God’s mercy; which he bestows on all who believe (Rom 10:9). God is further described as all-knowing and possessing foreknowledge, as well as sovereign in all of mankind’s purposes (Rom 8:28-29). God is loving and giving, as He promises us an eternal hope (Rom 5:5).
Creation: What does Romans teach about origins?
Paul argues that creation is a clear indication of God’s existence. He states that God’s qualities and workmanship, “have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse” (Rom 1:20). In writing this, he is alluding to the Old Testament writing of King David which reads, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands” (Ps 19:1). To deny that God created the universe, is to deny God and that is the point that Paul is making, that only in rebellion to God do men oppose his creation. They would rather worship created beings rather than the Creator (Rom 1:23). Because of this mankind has been reduced to a “depraved mind” (Rom 1:28). Mankind was not originally created this way, but it is because sin entered the world that the human race has resulted in depravation.
Sin: What does Romans teach regarding the problem of evil?
The issue of sin goes back to the first man, Adam. By being the first man to rebel against the word of God, the judgment of death given to him was handed down to all his offsprings (Rom 5:12). God told Adam that if he disobeyed His command, he would die (Gen2:17), so now because of this initial transgression, sin and death entered the world. All the evil now associated with the world is due to this first sin. Paul states that, “the wages of sin is death” (Rom 6:23).
Salvation: What does Romans teach about the solution for the problem of sin?
God does not leave us without remedy for sin. For in the same verse that declares death for our sin, “the gift of God” (Rom 6:23) is declared for our eternal salvation. This gift is the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was crucified for our sins and resurrected from the grave. Paul writes, “The death he died, he died to sin once for all; but the life he lives, he lives to God. In the same way, count yourselves dead to sin but alive to God in Christ Jesus” (Rom 6:10-11). All we have to do is believe, for our justification from death comes by faith in Jesus Christ (Rom 3:22). Once we are made alive in Christ, we are set free by the power of the Holy Spirit from the power of sin. We no longer live in fear of condemnation (Rom 8:1).
Ethics: What does Romans teach regarding ethics and morality?
Having been freed from the power of sin and death, the Holy Spirit empowers us to live a life pleasing to God (Rom 8:9). Regardless of the corruption around us, we can live a righteous life because the love of God lives in us. We are able to love one another, endure hardship and live at peace with our neighbor (Rom 12:9-13). We become better citizens who submit to authority, and contribute to the welfare of our community and country (Rom 13:1-7).
Eschatology: What does Romans teach regarding hope for humanity/creation?
We are not promised everything to be perfect while we are still on earth, for our hope is for an eternal salvation and glory. In writing about this future glory, Paul states, “The creation waits in eager expectations for the sons of God to be revealed” (Rom 8:20). The hope and salvation we receive through faith in Jesus Christ is not only for mankind but for the entire universe.
Conclusion
The passages of the book of Roman contain a holistic doctrine. Some have considered this epistle as, “Paul's theological and practical magnum opus,”[2] and rightly so as it contains all necessary elements for understanding a Biblical worldview. There is only one God, the creator of everything. He is a just God who requires obedience and reverence and executes judgment of those who oppose Him. He is also a loving God who cares deeply about His creation. He reveals His love for us by sending his one and only Son Jesus Christ, to die on the cross and take upon Himself the wrath due to us. Thanks to the resurrection of Jesus Christ, sin and death are conquered and we have eternal life through faith. We can live on earth with inner peace, despite encountering hardships because of the eternal hope we have.
[1] Philip Ryken, Christian Worldview: A Student’s Guide (Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2006), ch 1, accessed March 11, 2019, https://app.wordsearchbible.com [2] Elmer L. Towns and Ben Gutierrez, The Essence of the New Testament: A Survey, 2nd Edition (Nashville: B&H Publishing Group, 2016), 147, accessed March 11, 2019, https://app.wordsearchbible.com
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