Living for Christ: A Christian’s View of Sin and Righteousness According to Romans 1

Living for Christ: A Christian’s View of Sin and Righteousness According to Romans 1

The Apostle Paul’s letter to the Romans is a cornerstone of Christian theology, offering profound insights into the nature of sin, righteousness, and how believers are called to live in a world that often rejects God’s truth. Romans 1, in particular, lays a foundation for understanding humanity’s condition, God’s righteous judgment, and the Christian’s responsibility to live for Christ. This article explores how Christians, guided by the principles in Romans 1, should view sin and righteousness, approach the world, and live faithfully for Christ.

Understanding Sin: The Reality of Human Rebellion

Romans 1 begins with Paul’s declaration of the gospel as “the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes” (Romans 1:16). However, this good news is set against the stark reality of human sinfulness. Paul explains that humanity’s rejection of God is not due to ignorance but willful rebellion. Verses 18–20 state that “the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth.” God’s existence and attributes are evident through creation, leaving people “without excuse” for denying Him.

For Christians, this teaches that sin is not merely a mistake or moral misstep but a deliberate turning away from God’s revealed truth. The chapter describes how humanity, in its rebellion, exchanges God’s glory for idols (Romans 1:23), leading to a downward spiral of moral and spiritual corruption (Romans 1:24–32). Sin is universal, affecting all people, and its consequences are severe, as it invites God’s righteous judgment.

Thus, Christians should view sin with sobriety, recognizing its pervasive and destructive nature. It is not something to be trivialized or excused but confronted with humility, knowing that all have sinned (Romans 3:23). This perspective guards against self-righteousness and fosters compassion for others trapped in sin, as believers remember their own need for God’s grace.

Pursuing Righteousness: Anchored in the Gospel

In contrast to sin’s darkness, Romans 1 presents righteousness as the antidote, rooted in the gospel. Paul declares, “For in [the gospel] the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, ‘The righteous shall live by faith’” (Romans 1:17). This righteousness is not something Christians achieve through their efforts but a gift received through faith in Christ. It is God’s righteousness, imputed to believers, that restores their relationship with Him.

For the Christian, righteousness is both a status and a calling. It begins with justification—being declared righteous through faith in Christ—and continues in sanctification, as believers strive to live holy lives that reflect God’s character. Romans 1 emphasizes that this righteousness is accessed by faith, not works, underscoring the centrality of trust in God’s provision through Christ’s atoning work.

This understanding shapes how Christians approach daily living. Rather than relying on their own strength, they depend on God’s grace and the Holy Spirit to grow in holiness. Righteousness becomes a pursuit of aligning one’s thoughts, actions, and desires with God’s will, as revealed in Scripture.

Approaching the World: Proclaiming Truth with Grace

Romans 1 also informs how Christians should engage with the world. Paul’s indictment of humanity’s sinfulness is not limited to “outsiders” but includes all who reject God’s truth, whether through idolatry, immorality, or self-righteousness. The chapter’s sobering list of sins—ranging from envy and gossip to murder and disobedience (Romans 1:29–31)—reminds believers that sin manifests in various forms, and no one is exempt from its reach.

Yet, Paul’s purpose is not to condemn but to point to the gospel’s transformative power. Christians are called to approach the world not with judgmentalism but with the same gospel that saved them. This means proclaiming God’s truth boldly, as Paul was “not ashamed of the gospel” (Romans 1:16), while embodying Christ’s love and humility. The world, steeped in sin, is not the enemy but a mission field desperately in need of God’s grace.

Practically, this involves living as witnesses to Christ’s redemptive power. Christians should engage culture with discernment, recognizing where it aligns with or deviates from God’s truth. They must speak against sin—not out of superiority, but out of love, pointing others to the hope found in Christ. This balance of truth and grace is critical, as Romans 1 warns against both suppressing God’s truth and approving of those who practice sin (Romans 1:32).

Living for Christ: A Life of Worship and Obedience

Finally, Romans 1 calls Christians to live wholly for Christ. Paul introduces himself as a “servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God” (Romans 1:1). His life exemplifies total devotion to Christ’s mission. Similarly, Christians are called to offer their lives as “living sacrifices” (Romans 12:1), worshipping God through obedience and service.

Living for Christ means rejecting the world’s idolatrous values and embracing God’s design. Romans 1 highlights the consequences of exchanging God’s truth for lies, urging believers to anchor their lives in Scripture and prayer. It also means sharing the gospel, as Paul’s eagerness to preach in Rome demonstrates (Romans 1:15). Whether through words or actions, Christians are to be ambassadors of Christ, reflecting His love, holiness, and truth in every sphere of life.

Moreover, living for Christ involves perseverance in faith. The phrase “from faith for faith” (Romans 1:17) suggests a life of continual trust, relying on God through trials and temptations. Christians are to stand firm in their convictions, even in a world that often mocks or opposes biblical values, trusting that God’s righteousness will ultimately prevail.

Conclusion: A Call to Faithful Living

Romans 1 presents a clear framework for how Christians should view sin and righteousness and approach the world. Sin is a universal rebellion against God, deserving His righteous judgment, yet the gospel offers hope through faith in Christ. Righteousness, received by faith, empowers believers to live holy lives that honor God. In a world marked by sin, Christians are called to proclaim the gospel with boldness and love, living as witnesses to Christ’s transformative power.

To live for Christ is to embrace a life of worship, obedience, and mission. It requires humility to acknowledge one’s own sinfulness, dependence on God’s grace for righteousness, and courage to engage the world with truth and compassion. As Romans 1:16–17 reminds us, the gospel is God’s power for salvation, and those who live by faith in it will shine as lights in a dark world, pointing others to the hope found only in Christ.