In the apostle Paul’s first major section in Romans, he gives extensive treatment to explaining the sinfulness of mankind and their willing rejection of God and His goodness. But why does Paul spend so much time explaining the bad news about the depravity and wickedness of mankind? It is because understanding man’s sinfulness is the first part of embracing the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ.

In Romans 1, the apostle Paul explains that although the immoral pagan knows God, they have willingly rejected Him—a truly shocking response. But in doing so, man has determined to harden his heart against the God of the Bible and worship several replacements or substitutes—Paul calls them idols.

False religions are pervasive in our world today. But according to Romans 1, false religions are embraced by those who have rejected the one true God of the Bible, those who have exchanged the truth of God for lies. In Romans 1, the apostle Paul gives several insights into false religions to help people understand that false religions lead people away from the true God and intentionally try to diminish His honor and glory.

Romans 1 is one of the clearest passages in Scripture that describes how God views the sinfulness of mankind. It is crucial to understand that God doesn’t grade on a curve—every sin that has ever been committed, no matter if it is great or small, has been seen by God and has personally offended Him.

Throughout Romans 1, the apostle Paul has emphasized that mankind, rather than honoring and praising the God of creation, is determined to willingly reject and oppose Him. Such a shocking response is common to all of humanity; no one is excluded. But the Bible provides a solution to this very problem—the person and work of Jesus Christ.