Within the rich tapestry of the New Testament, the apostle Paul imparts a profound revelation that reverberates across time. Encapsulated in Romans 1:20–21, this revelation portrays a striking depiction of humanity’s persistent neglect in granting rightful reverence to the Divine Originator:
In Romans 1:20–21, Paul unveils a thought-provoking insight into the nature of humanity’s relationship with God. He begins by asserting that the invisible attributes of God, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived and understood since the creation of the world. Paul’s declaration echoes the wisdom found in the Hebrew Scriptures, where it is written, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands” (Psalm 19:1).
The Unseen Glory Revealed
In the opening verses of Romans, Paul contends that since the dawn of creation, God’s invisible attributes have been clearly discernible in the world around us. “For since the creation of the world, His invisible attributes are clearly seen,” he declares. This proclamation challenges us to recognize the divine fingerprints imprinted on the tapestry of existence. The intricacies of nature, the rhythm of life—all pointing to an eternal power and divine essence.
Yet, despite this revelation, humanity stands without excuse. Paul laments that although they knew God, they failed to glorify Him as God and express gratitude. This foundational truth echoes through time, resonating with the struggles of ancient Israel and reverberating into the corridors of the New Testament church.
The Corruptible Exchange
Paul’s narrative takes a disconcerting turn as he unveils the depths of human deviation. “And changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things” (Rom. 1:23 NKJV). The incorruptible God, majestic and beyond comprehension, is exchanged for feeble representations—idols crafted by human hands.
In ancient times, golden calves and insect deities adorned altars. In the modern context, the altars are different, but the essence remains.
Our society, seemingly devoid of golden calves, worships something far subtler yet equally detrimental— SELF. The exchange is not merely an external act but a subtle shift in the heart’s allegiance.
Worshiping the Image of Self
Intriguingly, the scriptural narrative draws parallels between ancient idolatry and the prevalent worship of self in contemporary culture. The golden images of animals in Egypt find their modern-day equivalent in the narcissistic worship of self. Paul’s words echo through the ages, challenging the Church to reflect on its own devotion.
Consider the imagery of a golden calf on a front lawn—absurd to our modern sensibilities.
Yet, introspection reveals that our altars may not be adorned with golden statues, but they bear the weight of self-indulgence, self-reliance, and self-gratification. “What does our society worship? The answer is self, which is corruptible man!”
The Jesus We Have Made
In the midst of this reflection, a poignant question emerges—a question that pierces the heart of our devotion.
Paul’s words resonate: “That is, we have served a Jesus in the image we have made.” The imagery is striking. Have we, in our worship and adoration, unwittingly shaped a Jesus according to our preferences?
The Church confesses Jesus as Lord, acknowledging His transformative power. However, the haunting query persists—Is He the majestic Savior seated at the right hand of God, or have we molded a Jesus in our own image? A Jesus who mirrors our desires, affirms our choices, and conveniently fits into the molds we have created.
Rediscovering the True Image
As the Church grapples with this introspective challenge, a call to return to the true image resounds.
Beyond the self-made constructs lies the authentic, incomprehensible Jesus—the One who defies human limitations and transcends our feeble attempts at representation.
It is a call to dismantle the altars of self-worship and rediscover the majesty of the incorruptible God. To gaze upon the true Jesus requires a shedding of the self-made layers that shroud His glory. It is an invitation to align our worship with the biblical portrayal of the Savior rather than conforming Him to our image.
Conclusion: The Challenge of Authentic Worship
In the tapestry of Romans, Paul’s unveiling of human tendencies to exchange the incorruptible for the corruptible challenges the Church in every era. The call to authentic worship resounds—a worship that transcends the confines of self and echoes the true image of Christ.
As we navigate the complexities of our modern culture, the Church stands at a crossroads—confronted by the need to strip away the layers of self-made religiosity and rediscover the authentic Jesus. Let this be a clarion call to worship the One who defies human constructs and beckons us to a transformative encounter.
Recommended Bible Study Verses:
- Romans 1:20–21 (NKJV): Explore the cosmic revelation of God’s invisible attributes.
- Romans 1:23 (NKJV): Delve into the consequences of exchanging the glory of the incorruptible God.
- Exodus 20:3–5 (NKJV): Reflect on the dangers of idolatry in the context of the Ten Commandments.
- Philippians 2:9–11 (NKJV): Contemplate the exaltation of Jesus as Lord beyond human constructs.
- Colossians 3:1–2 (NKJV): Consider the exhortation to set our minds on things above, not on earthly things.
