Paul reiterates that the people who practice such things still instinctively know right from wrong. Even though they know the actions they engage in are sinful, they applaud the sinful behavior in others, as a way to justify themselves.
It is interesting that Paul ends his list of behaviors that characterize someone who has lost their naturally-endowed, God-centered moral base (v 30) by repeating a key point he made initially: that “that which is known about God is evident within” us (Romans 1:19). Here he says it this way:
and although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them (vs 32).
Even someone God has turned over to a debased mind still knows the ordinance of God instinctively. But rather than struggle with that knowledge, they are now in all-out warfare against it.
They know that those who practice such things are worthy of death. But instead of turning away from evil, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them (v 32).
When we are in a position of living in sin and seeking to justify ourselves before others, one way we seek justification is to applaud others who are following the same path of destruction. A corollary to this is having anger at anyone who shines the light of truth on our sinful behavior. Our debased mind will seek to destroy those who bring us the truth (Romans 1:29–30).
Biblical Text
32 and although they know the ordinance of God, that those who practice such things are worthy of death, they not only do the same, but also give hearty approval to those who practice them.
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