General Revelation

In Romans 1:19-20, Paul presents a peek at a major doctrine of the faith and one that is the subject of much concern. As a Christian sharing your faith, have you ever been asked, "what about the man in the bush in Africa...does he have a chance to know God?". At the heart of this question is "Is God fair?". This is one of the most popular arguments against Christianity so I cannot hope to boil it down to a blog entry, but Paul, in two short verses, gets the ball rolling. What he refers to is God's "general revelation" of Himself in creation. Because of the beauty and complexity of the universe, it should be obvious to man that a Creator is responsible. General revelation also includes that which God has placed in our hearts; for example moral law: "Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law do by nature things required by the law ... they show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness" (Romans 2:14-15).

This evidence allows man no excuse for not knowing God. But does this mean that everyone should inherently know Jesus as well? No. Jesus was revealed in what is known as "special revelation". While God can be known without anyone drawing attention to Him, people must be told about Jesus. That is the purpose of the Great Commission. General revelation paves the way for the gospel but does not have the power to offer salvation.

Tomorrow's reading: Romans 2:1-4:25