The most incendiary text in Romans is often discounted because of what it says or used non-Biblically as a club of judgement. Neither is the response looked for by the author, who in dealing with the problems of our past needs us to understand that the Bible justifies God's actions in the world, not ours. We need rather, to look inside and pray for both our nation and God's hand of correction in every nook and cranny of our lives.
So roll up your sleeves, put your mind in gear, be totally ready to receive the gift that’s coming when Jesus arrives. Don’t lazily slip back into those old grooves of evil, doing just what you feel like doing. You didn’t know any better then; you do now. As obedient children, let yourselves be pulled into a way of life shaped by God’s life, a life energetic and blazing with holiness. God said, “I am holy; you be holy. [1 Peter 1:13-16]