For if by the trespasses of the one death reigned through that one, how much more will those who receive the abundance of grace, and of the gift of covenant membership, of “being in the right,” reign in life through the one man Jesus the Messiah. (Rom 5:17 KT)

For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.” For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Professing to be wise, they became fools, and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man– and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.

Read Romans chapter 1, and you might get the wrong impression.  No, Paul’s focus is not on specific sins such as homosexuality, but idolatry. Clearly, God is revealed in his creation and can be seen all around us, but when we worship created things rather than worshiping God we exchange life for death. We give our position and power over to whatever we worship.  The sin of idolatry produces godlessness and godlessness produce injustice.  So, when we worship God, we take up our position as part of the ‘Royal Priesthood, reflecting the light and the image of God into the darkness that surrounds us.