INVISIBLE THINGS CLEARLY SEEN

Romans 1:18-21 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.

The total sinfulness of mankind is expressed in the beginning of the lesson text in two words. Ungodliness represents sins in a spiritual realm - sins against God. Unrighteousness would be sins in the human realm - amoral sins against one's self, and/or against mankind. Ungodliness would, for example, include disobedience to the first four of the Ten Commandments given by God through His servant, Moses. Likewise, unrighteousness would include disobedience to the last six of these Ten Commandments. From these verses we know that God detests all sinfulness. God is the essence of love, compassion, justice, truth, and holiness, all of which are the opposite of the sins represented as ungodliness, and unrighteousness.

The wrath of God is revealed at the presence of sin. In this context, God's wrath isn't spoken of as it pertains to the final judgment at the end of time. Rather the wrath of God, as used in this passage, is meant to show God's vehement displeasure at the presence of sin in the lives of mankind at all times. Although the Old Testament reveals many instances where God immediately punishes individuals, families, and even nations for their acts of sinfulness, He generally demonstrated, as He does in the present age, His longsuffering for sinful man by extending sufficient time to repent and return to godly obedience.

It is evident that the phrase, who hold the truth in unrighteousness, does not mean those that steadfastly hold on to, or obey the word of God, while still living an unrighteous life. To many bible scholars the word translated "hold" would be more correctly read as"hinder" or "prevent." In other words, unrighteousness in one's life hinders, or prevents the acceptance of the truth if God. Unless eliminated from one's life, or unless one turns away from unrighteous living, it remains an obstacle that cannot be overcome by the truths found in God's holy word - the gospel of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. God, through His Son, Jesus Christ, is the Author of the plan of eternal salvation. God is also the Creator of the heavens and the earth - the universe - to whom all power is vested in this same Son, Jesus Christ. In order to accept God as the Author of our salvation, it is necessary to accept God as our Creator. Any other explanation of creation defies God as the Creator, and holds, (hinders or prevents) the acceptance of God as the Author of eternal salvation.

Things spiritual, including the hope of salvation, are referred to in verse 20 as the invisible things of Him (God). Because of their intangible nature, they cannot be seen and must be accepted by faith. Here God's word tells us that they can be clearly seen (accepted and believed). They are confirmed andunderstood by the things that are made (the tangible things of God's creation). This fact can be affirmed by no better source than Psalm 19, which states that The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament showeth His handiwork (Vs. 1). There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard (Vs. 3). His creation declares there is a God - a Creator of all things in heaven and on earth. All people throughout the world can see His creation; therefore, language is no barrier to accepting God as our Creator.

The acceptance of God as our Creator is the mirror through which we can clearly see, and accept, God as the Author of our salvation. Witnessing His creation firmly establishes God as our Maker, and the Creator of all things. Therefore, mankind is left without excuse, to accept Him as the only source of eternal salvation. By our thoughts and actions, we deny the spiritual blessings found in His Son, Jesus Christ, when we fail to glorify Him, ...(or to be) thankful. The result is that our earthly lives become vain, our hearts (minds) are darkened, and we fail to inherit a home in heaven. By accepting God as both our Creator and the Author of our salvation, the spiritually blind are made to see; the invisible things of God can be clearly seen.