Romans 1:18-32
Before explaining how it is that God justifies the sinner, it is necessary to convince every man that he is a sinner.
You will think perhaps that the heathen are excusable; they do not possess the written Word. But they have before their eyes another book, which is always open: that of creation (Psalms 19:1). Alas! they have not wanted to acknowledge or honour its Author, and they have neglected to give Him thanks (which is a universal duty). So they have been given over to Satan, to practise fearful abominations.
It is not a beautiful picture which God paints of the natural man, but this picture is a picture of you and me! But you will object indignantly, "I have not committed the dreadful sins mentioned in these verses." Oh well! let us read again vv. 30, 31 and examine ourselves. Do we truly find no trace of resemblance with this member of the human family? Besides, God declares as guilty not only those who give themselves up to such vices, but also all those who "have pleasure in them that do them". Reading a novel which tells of immoral things, finding pleasure in the description of murky and unhealthy scenes – this is to bring ourselves under the same judgment (v. 32; Psalms 50:18).