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QUESTION 85:
In Romans 1:21, it seems to be speaking about somebody in the past. To what period of history does this refer?

ANSWER:
That this is historical is clear from the tenses used; such as, "they knew God, they glorified Him not, etc. Though some historical event is used the main teaching of Romans 1:3 is that mankind is sinful and corrupt. It is summarized with Romans 3:23 "For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God."

As to the exact time this refers to is hard to find out; however there is strong evidence that it is between Noah and the call of Abraham. Genesis 9-12. The awful sin of homosexuality is brought out in Romans 1:24-28. This answers well to Genesis 9:21-24 where the first homosexual act is recorded. It was by Noah's grandson Canaan. It brought an immediate prophecy of judgment, upon Canaan and his offsprings. We read of them in the following chapter Genesis 10:15-18. He produced all the "cites" that occupied the promised land that God later gave to Abraham and his seed. Especially mentioned is the "Amorite" in Genesis 10:16. Later this same "Amorite is mentioned in Genesis 15:16 where God promised the land they occupied to Abraham and his seed. He says there "the iniquity of the Amorite is not yet full" which means their judgment that was pending so long will then be completed. This happened when Joshua invaded the invaded the land and slaughtered the "cites" for their previous homosexual sins. This is clearly stated in Deuteronomy 9:4 where God warns his people not to think it was because of their own righteousness that He drove them out but, "for the wickedness of these nations the Lord doth drive them out before you." He warns His people if they commit these acts He will also drive them out. Leviticus 18:22-25.

All comments and questions to: Harold Smith

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Updated July 2009, by Shelly Allen