
“WITHOUT AN EXCUSE!” There is a finality to it – we are all accountable!
God has revealed Himself! Not only in the Bible or in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ (His coming is what the Christmas story is all about and what He did on our behalf is what Easter proclaims!) But look around you – look up at the heavens – God has revealed Himself as Creator in all you see! Creation is referred to as “general revelation” – Jesus and God’s word we refer to as “special revelation!” I just finished reading Roman 1:18-32 in my Bible this morning… it declares that because of “general revelation” – God’s revelation in creation – WE ARE ALL WITHOUT EXCUSE!”
We can reject God! We can choose to go our own way instead of God’s! But there are consequences! In the Romans 1 passage that sad story is described. Instead of an “evolutionary spiral” upward, rejecting God’s way leads downward! “They became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools!” it declares. (Vss. 21-22) And then the sad, repeated refrain, “God gave them up…” And the consequences? …Idolatry, impurity, and immorality… in fact, “They were filled with all manner of unrighteousness, evil covetousness, malice. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, and maliciousness! They are gossips, slanderers, haters of God, insolent, haughty boastful, inventors of evil, disobedient to parents, foolish, faithless, heartless, ruthless! … They not only do these things but give approval to those who practice them! (Vss. 29-32)
All of these are the consequences of rejecting God’s revelation and choosing to go your own way!
But there is a better way – God’s way! He has revealed Himself in all that has been made, and sent His Son, Jesus Christ to be our Savior. He has also graciously revealed His will and provision for us in His Word. Here’s the testimony of those who embrace His way… “The blessing of the Lord makes rich and add no sorrow with it!” (Proverbs 10:22) “The path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day!” (Proverbs 4:18) Let me tell you, I’m choosing to go His way, not my own!