For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things. (Romans 1:18-23 ESV).
I’ve never spent much time with people who are truly atheists. I’ve met and had many conversations with those who believe that a careful observation of nature is good enough to be reassured of God’s existence and love. They believe there is a “higher power” who is responsible for creation and this indicates the goodness of such a being allowing for life beyond this plane of existence based on the goodness of the individual’s life. They simply see no basis for believing in the specific work of grace we see in Scripture. The Apostle Paul addresses this in our reading today.
According to the Bible, God does reveal himself to all people through his creation, by which we become aware of his presence and clearly see “his eternal power and divine nature.” Whatever we can learn about God from observing his creation is often called general revelation. However, general revelation does not reveal Jesus to us. And Jesus is our only hope for fully knowing God. So we also need the special revelation that describes the way of salvation in Christ. And that comes to us in the Bible, God’s Word.
Only when we discover our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, can we give full thanks to God for saving us from the destruction that follows from sin. The only way to meet him is in the teaching of Scripture and by the preaching of his Word. That’s why the habits of worshiping God and reflecting on the Bible are so important.
Thank God as you walk through this month that every question has been answer about our salvation; every need for the affect of that salvation has been accomplished; and, it is through Jesus alone that we may have eternal life.