Biblical Worldview J Rogers

Biblical Worldview Essay
Jessica Wildes (Rogers)

Introduction

Often times, new believers are encouraged to read through the book of Romans. This is because Paul is able to break down essential aspects of the Christian life in a way that is both probing and encouraging. It covers aspects of the natural world, human identity, relationships, and culture. As with every word of the Bible, this book transcends time and culture and speaks as much in todays’ time as it did to the Roman church to who Romans was originally written. As believers in Christ, it is important to live these truths so that He may use our lives for His glory and honor.

The Natural World

Nothing compares to standing on a mountain top as the sun sets, or on the beach with the waves crashing into the sand as the sun rises. As I view these glorious works of art, often times feeling they are a gift straight from God to me in that moment, there can be no denying His presence, His sovereignty, His majestic nature. Genesis 1 describes how everything we see was created by His hands, and placed here for us to see Him. Everything He created was put here in order to point us towards Him. Romans 1:20 (NLT) states, “For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see His invisible qualities - His eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God.” This leads me to be convinced that, even if the Bible did not reach a people group so far rooted in the utter most parts of the remotest of lands, that they would be able to be led to Christ simply by the nature around them.

Human Identity

Paul discussed how, without Christ our identity is found in our sinful ways. However, there is absolute hope and truth that by His grace, Christ died for our sins and offered a way for us to be able to spend eternity with Him. For this reason, God sees Jesus when He looks at His redeemed children. Romans 7:7-13 (NLT) describes how God’s law is used to reveal the sin in our lives. Without being told what we are doing wrong, we will never understand why we need to change. It is only by us allowing Jesus to complete His work in us, that we can truly glorify and honor God. Romans 8:23-25 (NLT) discussed how we have hope that our “full adoptive rights,” but that we must be patient in waiting and be confident He fulfill His promises. As children of God, our human identity is no longer found in ourselves, but in Christ Himself!

Human Relationships

Life generally revolves around the relationships we have in our lives, whether we like to admit it or not. Social life is a huge part in my life and I enjoy being around people of like-minds and conversing about daily life issues. As believers, it is vital that we remain plugged into a Church body so that we may remain accountable for our actions. Romans 1:12 (NLT) states, “When we get together, I want to encourage you in your faith, but I also want to be encouraged by yours.” We are to share our triumphs and struggles and gain understanding through remaining accountable to those around us. However, assuring that accountability partner is of like-mind is vital. Proverbs discusses how “one man sharpens another.” If we are not careful, we can get side tracked and go astray. We are not perfect. That perfectness is found in Christ, and it takes work. The strength of one person cannot over come temptations and habits. It often takes the prayer and understanding of someone else who is deeply rooted in the Word to help lift us, lift each other up during times of struggle.

Culture

When we read the Bible, we often times feel that the culture and time period is so long ago that it doesn’t necessarily apply to us. However, reading Romans, Paul reveals that the culture is very much like today. Events may be different and people in control may have changed, but the human heart is very much the same and in need of God’s ever-loving grace and mercy. We all have originated from Adam and still suffer from his decision to sin against God so long ago. Romans 5:12-14 (NLT) makes it clear we, as a culture, as a human race, needed a savior. We were completely separated from God, being so filled with sin, He was unable to even look at us without an offering. In His ever understanding grace and mercy, He presented His Son as a living sacrifice. A Sacrifice that transcends any language, race, culture and is available to all of mankind, no matter what his or her past might include.

Conclusion

We often find ourselves judging others and scoff at the ‘stupidity’ of leadership in this country as well as our church. It’s easy to look at someone else and point out their failures and shortcomings. Looking into ourselves and allowing God to ‘prune’ our lives and mold us into who He desires us to be is both difficult and painful. If we read through Romans 1-8, we are reminded that we are all created equally. We all sin as a result of Adam and we all need the saving grace of Christ Jesus. If we, as believers, remember this, imagine the impact we could have on nonbelievers around us.