Romans 1:32 – “Although they know God’s righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.”

Extended Explanation

This verse concludes Paul’s argument in Romans 1 about the downward spiral of sin when people reject God. He makes several key points:

• “They know God’s righteous decree” – People are not ignorant of right and wrong. Even without the Bible, they have an internal sense of morality because God has placed it in their hearts (Romans 2:15).
• “That those who do such things deserve death” – This is not just about physical death but about separation from God. Sin leads to judgment, and deep down, people know that.
• “They not only continue to do these very things” – Instead of turning from sin, they persist in it. They reject the truth and keep choosing evil.
• “But also approve of those who practice them” – This is one of the most serious parts of the verse. It’s not just that people sin, but they celebrate and encourage sin in others.

Paul is describing people who have so rejected God that they don’t just commit sin—they defend it and promote it. Instead of feeling guilt, they encourage others to join them in rebellion.

Historical Context

Paul was writing to the Christians in Rome, a city filled with idolatry, immorality, and corruption. The Roman culture was not only sinful but proud of its sin. Many of the sins Paul listed earlier in Romans 1 (sexual immorality, greed, arrogance, etc.) were common in Roman society and often seen as normal or even admirable.

This wasn’t new. Throughout history, cultures that rejected God eventually started glorifying sin:

• In Genesis 6, before the flood, people were so wicked that every thought they had was evil (Genesis 6:5).
• In Sodom and Gomorrah, sin was not only widespread but openly accepted (Genesis 19).
• In Israel’s history, there were times when even God’s own people praised sin instead of condemning it (Isaiah 5:20).

Paul was showing that Rome was following the same pattern—and many societies today are doing the same.

Theological Implications

This verse reveals deep truths about sin and human nature:

1. People know right from wrong – Even without direct revelation from God, people have an internal awareness of sin and its consequences.
2. Sin brings judgment – Paul is not exaggerating when he says sin leads to death. This is the ultimate consequence of rebellion against God.
3. Persistence in sin hardens the heart – The more people reject God, the more sin becomes normal to them.
4. Approving of sin is just as dangerous as committing it – Encouraging others to sin is a sign of complete moral corruption.

This verse serves as a warning. Sin does not just affect individuals—it spreads. When sin is accepted and celebrated, it becomes even more destructive.

Literary Analysis

Paul’s wording is strong and deliberate:

• “They know” – This shows that ignorance is not the issue. People are aware of God’s standard but choose to ignore it.
• “Deserve death” – This reinforces the seriousness of sin. Paul is not talking about minor mistakes but willful rebellion against God.
• “Not only continue to do these very things” – This emphasizes persistence in sin. It’s not just an occasional failure but an ongoing lifestyle.
• “But also approve of those who practice them” – This phrase highlights a deeper level of depravity—sin is not just practiced but promoted.

Paul is making it clear: when people reject God, they don’t just fall into sin; they begin celebrating it.

Biblical Cross-References

• Genesis 3:4-6 – Eve knew God’s command but was deceived into believing that disobedience was good.
• Isaiah 5:20 – “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil.” (A warning against justifying sin.)
• Proverbs 14:12 – “There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.” (Sin often feels justified, but it leads to destruction.)
• Romans 6:23 – “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Sin brings death, but Jesus brings life.)
• 2 Timothy 3:1-4 – A description of the last days, where people will be “lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God.”

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse is extremely relevant today. Many societies not only tolerate sin but openly celebrate and defend it. Some examples include:

• Moral confusion – Many people reject God’s standards and redefine right and wrong according to personal preference.
• The celebration of sin in media and culture – Many movies, shows, and social movements glorify sinful behaviors.
• Pressure to accept and approve sin – Christians are often criticized for standing against cultural trends that go against God’s truth.

For believers, this verse is a reminder to:

1. Stand firm in God’s truth – Do not be influenced by a culture that promotes sin.
2. Refuse to participate in approving sin – We should love people but not celebrate behaviors that go against God’s commands.
3. Live as a light in the darkness – We are called to be different, showing the world what it means to follow Christ.
4. Pray for those who are trapped in deception – Instead of hating sinners, we should ask God to open their eyes.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

At first, this verse might seem harsh, but it actually highlights God’s justice and His love:

• God warns people about sin – He does not let them continue in rebellion without warning them of the consequences.
• God does not force anyone to follow Him – He allows people to choose, even if they choose wrongly.
• God offers grace even to those who have approved of sin – Paul himself had once approved of the killing of Christians (Acts 8:1), but God saved him.

God’s love is seen in His patience. Even those who have celebrated sin can still repent and be saved through Jesus.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is the solution to the sin problem described in this verse:

• Jesus took the punishment for sin – Romans 5:8: “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
• Jesus offers freedom from sin – John 8:36: “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”
• Jesus transforms the heart – 2 Corinthians 5:17: “If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come.”
• Jesus calls sinners to repentance – Luke 5:32: “I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”

The world may approve of sin, but Jesus offers something better—freedom, forgiveness, and a new life.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How does this verse show that people know right from wrong, even if they reject God?
2. In what ways do we see people approving of sin in today’s world?
3. Why is it dangerous to celebrate sin, not just commit it?
4. How can Christians stand for truth without being judgmental or unloving?
5. How does Jesus offer hope to those trapped in sin?