Manifestation Of Glory Series

Romans 1:22–23. 22 Claiming to be wise, they became fools, 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things. (ESV)

For over a century, Eerdmans has been an important institution within the broader evangelical movement, publishing both academic and popular works in Christian theology, biblical studies, religious history, social and cultural issues, and spirituality. Fully known as the: William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, it was known as a prominent publisher since its founding in 1911, but this month has posted a reading list of books for Christians to consider for LGBTQ Pride Month. The list includes six books, one of which is currently available for preorder. That title, “In the Margins: A Transgender Man’s Journey with Scripture” by Shannon T.L. Kearns, will release in August of this year and reflects “on well-known biblical narratives—such as Jacob wrestling with the divine, Rahab and the Israelite spies, Ezekiel and the dry bones, and the transfiguration of Jesus.” “In each chapter, Shannon shows how stories have helped him make sense of his own identity, and how those same stories can unlock the transformative power of faith for those willing to listen with an open mind and stand alongside him in the in-between,” the book’s description says. Denny Burk, theologian, professor, and president of the Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood, said, “Eerdmans joins the great falling away. This isn’t a surprise for those who have been seeing the books Eerdmans produces. But it is grievous to watch a once great Christian publisher celebrate wickedness.” (https://churchleaders.com/news/426169-historic-evangelical-publisher-posts-reading-list-for-pride-month.html/2)

Institution after institution that once firmly stood on God’s Word has progressively accommodated itself to the intellectual foolishness of the world system. Here in Romans 1, the Apostle Paul is dealing with the nature of the word system reflected in idolatry. How can intelligent people turn to idolatry? Idolatry begins when people reject what they know about God. Instead of looking to Him as the Creator and sustainer of life, they see themselves as the center of the universe. They soon invent gods that are convenient projections of their own selfish plans and decrees. These gods may be wooden figures, or they may be things we desire—such as money, power, (worldly safety) or comfort. They may even be misrepresentations of God himself—a result of making God in our own image, instead of the reverse. The common denominator is this: Idolaters worship the things God made rather than God himself. It is a tendency that we must constantly watch for in ourselves. (Barton, B. B., Veerman, D., & Wilson, N. S. (1992). Romans (p. 30). Tyndale House Publishers.)

People are religious beings, and if they refuse to let God have the place of preeminence that is rightfully His, then they will put something or someone in God’s place. We need not look further to the answer of any question about what “ought” to be done as to this dethroning of God. People tend to base their view of themselves and the belief of what “ought” to happen on their feelings. Even among professing Christians, they often answer objective moral questions not based on God’s expectations from His Word but on their own feelings. In a mistaken understanding of humility they say things like: “it seems to me” or “I feel that” or “wouldn’t it be easier if” or worst of all: “To me, God is a god of (such & such)” Instead of manifesting God’s glory in our belief, words, or actions, we dethrone God and put our own subjective feelings and understandings on their throne in a modern reworking of idolatry.

Since God has Manifested His Glory, in Romans 1 Paul continues to specify reasons why they, and every person born except Jesus Christ, fully deserve to be under God’s wrath. He has thus far outlined God’s Revelation (Romans 1:19–20), and Humanity’s Rejection (Romans 1:21) and now in Romans 1:22–23 he specifies how the rejection of God’s Manifestation of Glory is seen through 1) Humanity’s Rationalization (Romans 1:22), and 2) Humanity’s Religion (Romans 1:23).

The rejection of God’s Manifestation of Glory is seen through:

1) Humanity’s Rationalization (Romans 1:22)

Romans 1:22. 22 Claiming to be wise, they became fools (ESV)

In rejecting God’s clear revelation of Himself through His creation, humanity failed to honor and glorify God, failed to give Him thanks, became futile in their philosophical speculations, and became foolish and darkened in their hearts (Romans 1:19–21). Trying to justify themselves, they rationalized their sin, just as fallen humanity still does today. Claiming/Professing to be wise about God, about the universe, and about themselves, they became still greater fools (cf. v. 21d). As in the wisdom literature of the Old Testament, folly (cf. ‘their senseless minds’ in verse 21) implies moral stupidity rather than mere deficiency in intelligence. (Bruce, F. F. (1985). Romans: an introduction and commentary (Vol. 6, p. 91). InterVarsity Press.). Refusal to acknowledge and glorify God leads to a downward path: first, worthless thinking; next, moral insensitivity; and then, religious stupidity (seen as an example here in idol-worship) (Witmer, J. A. (1985). Romans. In J. F. Walvoord & R. B. Zuck (Eds.), The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures (Vol. 2, p. 443). Victor Books.)