God’s Revelation and Humanity’s Response
In Romans 1:19-21, Paul boldly speaks about how God has made Himself known to all humanity through creation. The passage says, "because that which is known about God is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse. For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened." This teaches that no one can claim ignorance of God’s existence, as His attributes are clearly seen in the world around us. However, many still choose to reject this knowledge, leading to a darkened heart and separation from God. Other scriptures offer further insight into God’s self-revelation and humanity’s response.
Paul begins in Romans 1:19-20 by asserting that God has made Himself evident through His creation:
“For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power, and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse.”
Creation itself testifies to God’s power and divine nature. The vastness of the universe, the intricacy of nature, and the beauty of the world around us point to a Creator. Psalm 19:1-2 echoes this truth:
“The heavens are telling of the glory of God; And their expanse is declaring the work of His hands. Day to day pours forth speech, And night to night reveals knowledge.”
God’s creation is constantly declaring His glory. The order, complexity, and wonder of the universe reveal God’s eternal power and nature, making it clear to anyone who is willing to see.
Despite this undeniable revelation, Romans 1:21 shows that many choose to reject God:
“For even though they knew God, they did not honor Him as God or give thanks, but they became futile in their speculations, and their foolish heart was darkened.”
This rejection of God is not a matter of ignorance but a willful turning away from the truth. Instead of acknowledging God and giving Him the honor and gratitude He deserves, people choose to ignore Him. This choice leads to futile thinking and spiritual blindness. Proverbs 1:7 warns of this rejection:
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
Rejecting God is the beginning of foolishness. When people reject the knowledge of God, their thoughts become empty, and their hearts become hardened to the truth.
Though many reject God, He is patient, giving people time to turn to Him. Second Peter 3:9 reminds us:
“The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.”
God desires for everyone to come to repentance and acknowledge Him. Even when people refuse to honor Him, He remains merciful, offering opportunities to turn from sin and accept His grace.
Romans 1:20 ends with a solemn truth: “So that they are without excuse.” No one can claim ignorance when standing before God because He has revealed Himself through creation. This idea is further supported by Ecclesiastes 12:14:
“For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil.”
God’s revelation and the rejection of it will one day be judged. People will be held accountable for their response to God’s truth.
Romans 1:19-21 reveals that God has made Himself known to everyone through His creation, and no one has an excuse for ignoring Him. Though many choose to reject this truth, God remains patient, giving them time to repent. His desire is for all to come to the knowledge of Him and experience His grace. As believers, this passage calls us to recognize God’s presence in every part of creation and to respond with gratitude and worship, not allowing our hearts to be darkened by indifference. It is also a call to share this truth with others, pointing them to the undeniable evidence of God’s glory in the world around us.
Let us remember Psalm 33:8-9, which calls for reverence:
“Let all the earth fear the Lord; Let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him. For He spoke, and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast.”
Fifty years ago, I committed my life to serving the Lord. I hold an associate degree in Christian Education and a bachelor’s degree in Christian Counseling. I live by 1 Corinthians 9:16, Ephesians 3:7-8, and Colossians 1:28-29. In my retirement, I focus on studying and teaching God’s Word. Besides writing this Blog I maintain 3 Facebook pages dedicated to spreading the Word of God. Email: hopeinchrist2024@yahoo.com