Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done.
Romans 1:28 NIV
Paul had previously expressed that the creation itself reveals something of God’s divine nature and power to humanity (Rom. 1:19-20). As a result, no one has an excuse for rejecting the truth about God. And yet we do. The natural condition of humanity is one of depravity, of turning away from the God of creation and replacing him with man-made objects that receive our devotion and worship.
Three times in the verses that follow, Paul said that because of this, God gave us over to depravity: to sinful desires, to shameful lusts, and to depraved minds. Because we turned our backs on him, he turned us over to descend into the depths of depravity. This does not mean we all are as bad as we could be. But, in our natural state, we have been cut off from the life of God and live without his presence. No matter how good we think we are, we are separated from the life of God.
But fortunately, he does not leave us there without hope. As Paul continued in the following chapters, God’s righteousness was made known through Jesus. And that righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe (Rom. 3:22). We can experience the life that God has for us. Not by our own efforts. But through faith in what Jesus did for us.
The picture was taken from Vancouver BC, not Victoria…
Thanks. I have updated the caption.