God Gave Them Up

Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. 

Romans 1:24-25 

Paul is direct in his description of humanity’s devolutionary course. In our text he introduces a chilling phrase. He says, ‘God gave them up.’ This is a hard saying. It is the articulation of the fact that at a certain point God let’s humanity have exactly what it wants, but it is not a good thing. A reading of the subsequent passage demonstrates that the results of humanity getting its’ own way is catastrophic. It results in moral chaos of every stripe and variety. What is important for us to understand is that this is not a condemnation of certain parts of humanity, rather it is a exposure of the depravity of us all. No one gets a pass here. Paul is building his case for Christ. As he does, he wants to make certain that no one excuses themselves from needing Christ and justification. Therefore, as we view such a passage as lies before us, we must, of necessity raise our hands and declare, ‘Mea culpa; Mea maxima culpa.’ It is our fault, we have failed. Therefore, we have no hope apart from Christ. Religion, rites, ceremonies, organizational membership, charity, self-immolation literally or figuratively, will not avail. Christ is the One whom God has provided to address our issue of sin. 

Our Holy and Just God, 
we rejoice that You have been truthful with us about our sin. 
We praise You that, from that, 
You have brought us to Christ. 

Tomm Tice
Where the Bush is Burning