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The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Psalm 19:1
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. Romans 1:20-21
The last few blog posts have focused on Psalm 19 and I encourage you to go back and read them if you missed any. What we learn from this Psalm is how God – the intelligent, Creator, and powerful God – has made Himself known to us. But you might question, “How has God made Himself known? I’ve not seen him. I’ve not heard him.” Oh, but you know He’s there, and here’s why I say so.
The Bible speaks of God’s General Revelation – that is how God has revealed Himself to us through creation, or nature and science. When was the last time you stared into the night sky and counted the stars? Have you ever wondered why the plants in your garden require the rays from a sun millions of miles away just to live? Why do most people cringe at the thought of child abuse? General revelation holds clues to these answers.
First, “God’s invisible attributes, eternal power and divine nature have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world in the things that have been made” (Romans 1:20). Staring into the night sky, you begin to wonder why these stars are there. How did these stars come to be? How did the earth even start? Even as a child it made sense that someone set all these systems in motion. Looking up, you realize how small you are in the vastness of the universe. Certainly, there is something greater. All of creation is evidence of an immense power able to create all that we see. Your mind is right to wonder these things, and the Bible assures us that the universe including you isn’t random at all. There is a God who is supernatural, powerful, and creative. And He made you.
Second, general revelation shows us that God is intelligent. There is so much visible evidence of God’s design in creation. For example, those plants in your garden would die without the sun. Does it make sense for these plants to rely on a ball of flame millions of miles away? In my opinion, not really, unless someone designed it that way. I remember going to the doctor appointments with my wife when Lillian was in the womb. It was fascinating seeing the baby grow on the ultrasound pictures. The sound of her heartbeat was beautiful and breathtaking. Over nine months this seed developed into a beautiful, healthy, thriving bundle of joy. Our gynecologist once said, “I don’t know how anyone who delivers babies can disbelieve in God.” Creation screams design. Even the scientific methods we use to learn about our planet is a designed method. There is a God who is intelligent, orderly, and systematic.
Third, God is moral. It is clear from creation that God exists, is powerful and purposeful. But we also see in people a common law, or moral code. While there are individual exceptions, every culture values life and condemns murder. Stealing, adultery, and lying have been considered wrong in every culture throughout history. The moral argument states that every law has a lawgiver. Since there is a moral law, then there is a moral lawgiver. Romans 2:14-15 says, “For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law. They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness…” Why do most people cringe at the thought of child abuse? Because humanity inherently knows its wrong. But who decides what is right or wrong? God does.
General revelation shows us that God exists. God is powerful, intelligent, and morally good. The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork (Psalm 19:1). Every person everywhere has heard this message through Creation, and it should show us our need for God. Instead, most have suppressed the truth, and have denied that He exists. But God has made the truth even more clear to us through the person of Jesus Christ. God sent His only Son Jesus to restore us in a right relationship with Him. Jesus came and died on a cross to pay the penalty of our sin, our rebellion, our suppression of truth, and He rose from the dead to give us eternal life. Jesus is the special revelation of God that we might know the way of salvation. Acts 4:11-12 says, “This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” All of creation shows us our need for a Savior – Jesus.
The doctrine of revelation is that God has made Himself known to all of us through creation and through Christ. Have you got the message? Have you believed the truth? Will you return to God by trusting in Jesus?