We have learned of Paul’s desire for the Romans to understand salvation – which raises the question; “what are we being saved from?” In this next section, Paul helps us understand the wrath of God that we so rightly deserve. Beyond proclaiming the gospel, Paul demonstrates the absolute necessity of the good news because of our ungodliness and unrighteousness! He explains why the human race is guilty and the tragic result of this guilt. When we trade the truth of God for a lie, our thinking becomes foolish and futile.
One thing to keep in mind is that Paul didn’t write this letter to a culture that agreed with him, much of what he describes in these verses were practices that the general public openly celebrated and approved.
