What Does It Mean That People Are Without Excuse? (Romans 1:20)
By Lynette Kittle
Today’s Bible Verse: “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities - His eternal power and divine nature - have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.” - Romans 1:20
Many are shocked, surprised, and grieved over what is happening in our world today. Immoral behavior and activity openly occur in our own neighborhoods and communities. Sinfulness is celebrated, approved of, and even protected by our governments.
We’re living in a world where an increasing number of people are turning their backs on God, rejecting His Word and His ways to the point where they are given over to depraved thinking.
Scripture explains the process that happens in human minds when they reject God. “For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened” (Romans 1:21).
Although some may believe they are being compassionate in making excuses for people’s sinful behavior, God has made it clear to all who He is and because He has, we are without excuse.
As people reject God and choose to live by what they think is right, they drift further and further off course. So far away that eventually God gives them over to their immoral thinking and behaviors.
As Romans 1:28 explains, “Furthermore, just as they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind, so that they do what ought not to be done.”
When men and women choose to reject God, they lose the ability to follow His ways and choose righteousness. Like Isaiah 5:20 warns, “Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter.”
Our present-day culture is living out what Romans 1:22: “Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools.” People claim to be wise, but in truth, they are deceived.
God’s Word tells us there are no excuses for the sinful behaviors taking place in our world today because the root of sinfulness is the rejection of God, of the truth He has revealed to every person on earth.
But although there are no excuses, there is still hope. Hope because Jesus came into the world and, “In Him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind" (John 1:4).
Jesus said, “I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in Me should stay in darkness” (John 12:46).
Take time today to meditate on Romans 1:20. Praise God for his eternal power and divine nature, and pray that those in your life who do not yet believe would see the evidences of God all around them and choose to place their trust in Him.
Lynette Kittle is married with four daughters. She enjoys writing about faith, marriage, parenting, relationships, and life. Her writing has been published by Focus on the Family, Decision, Today’s Christian Woman, iBelieve.com, kirkcameron.com, Ungrind.org, Startmarriageright.com, growthtrac.com, and more. She has an M.A. in Communication from Regent University and serves as associate producer for Soul Check TV.
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