April 16
“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,” Romans 1:20-23.
The apostle Paul is addressing the subject of truth. He takes issue with people who intentionally deny and suppress the truth about the one true God. God is the God of truth. Moses wrote, “All His ways are justice, a God of truth and without injustice; righteous and upright is He,” Deuteronomy 32:4.
The truth that God exists is clearly seen from the creation of the world. God’s attributes, His unlimited knowledge and His almighty power, are clearly revealed in the work of creation. ‘Creation’ means to make something out of nothing. Only God can make something out of nothing. From eternity, only God existed. Then, in His wisdom and by His almighty power, He created the whole universe. People’s theories of evolution are impossible opinions that are not based on facts. The psalmist wrote, “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork. Day unto day utters speech, and night unto night reveals knowledge. There is no speech nor language where their voice is not heard,” Psalm 19:1-3. The voice and the evidence of God’s creation is heard and seen throughout the world! If people would only wise up!
The creation declares God’s eternal power and Godhead, so that people are without excuse when they deny God’s existence. By nature, people know that there is a supreme Being, but they do not glorify Him as God. Their thinking is futile and their hearts are darkened so that they believe their own lies! They profess themselves to be wise, but they are fools!
Instead of worshiping the one true, triune God, they worship gods of their own making, and they worship the creatures instead of the almighty Creator. They are guilty of idolatry. The psalmist describes this at great length: “Our God is in heaven; He does whatever He pleases. Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men’s hands. They have mouths, but they do not speak; eyes they have, but they do not see; they have ears, but they do not hear . . . Those who make them are like them; so is everyone who trusts in them,” Psalm 115:3-6, 8.
In Athens, the apostle Paul saw an altar inscribed with the words, “TO THE UNKNOWN GOD.” He told them, “The One whom you worship without knowing, Him I proclaim to you. God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands . . . And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their pre-appointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings, so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us,” Acts 17:23-27.
This almighty God who created us also loves us, and sent His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, to be our Savior. Jesus fulfilled the Commandments for us, He took our sins upon Himself, and He suffered and died on Calvary’s cross to redeem us. Then He rose from the grave and conquered sin, death, and the devil for us. Believe and trust in Him and you will have eternal life. May God strengthen and keep that faith and hope in your heart. Amen.