THAT WHICH MAY BE KNOWN OF GOD ROSS SMITH
ALL REFERENCES ARE FROM THE AMPLIFIED BIBLE UNLESS SPECIFIED
Romans 1:19 For THAT WHICH IS KNOWN ABOUT GOD is evident to them and made plain in their inner consciousness, because GOD [HIMSELF] HAS SHOWN IT TO THEM.
I am aware that to address a subject such as this is to quickly open oneself to all sorts of public preconceptions and misconceptions, simply because we have never really ventured beyond that dimension where we have felt comfortable in our understanding of things spiritual. We have generally left the exploration of the deep things of God to those who would call themselves “Theologians”, when often they are just professional students.
But that sort of attitude should not deter us from exploring as deeply and widely the richness of scripture and to plumb the depths, which would reveal new and panoramic vistas of the God we serve, or allegedly serve!!!
There are three distinct areas that are unquestionable in “THAT WHICH IS KNOWN OF GOD”, and then one very critical reason: –
- Our conscience
- Surrounding nature
- God’s providence &,
- God Himself has shown it to them
Romans continues to agitate our ambivalence by stating: –
Romans 1:20 For ever since the creation of the world (Or item 2 in the above … comments mine) His invisible nature and attributes, that is, His eternal power and divinity, have been made intelligible and clearly discernible in and through the things that have been made (His handiworks). SO [MEN] ARE WITHOUT EXCUSE [ALTOGETHER WITHOUT ANY DEFENSE OR JUSTIFICATION],
So, right up front we can discount many of the sceptics, the atheists, the pontificators, they are all without excuse and they don’t have to go far to have their positions demolished, and their arguments dismissed.
Now we concede we are looking at profound and for some, philosophical conclusions, as a means of identifying at least some of the breadth and width and height of the enormity of the Creator of the universe.
The knowledge of God is not impossible, or even improbable however it is not entire, for the mind of the mortal has been incarcerated to a large degree by the foolishness of the early inhabitants of the Garden of Eden. They forfeited the intimacy of the Godhead in a moment of rashness, that left humanity in a state of lesser ability than Father intended. The potential was always there, but restricted, whilst Adam and Eve were tested for total obedience.
“That which may be known,” implies that there is a great deal which may not be known! So, it is expedient that we should acquaint ourselves with every possible vehicle and means that would elevate our appreciation of God, Who though being so beyond the capacity of the finest mind to understand, still shares aspects of the profound with those who will abandon themselves to His purpose.
So, Adam and Eve, in their arrogance and impudence, initiated THE FACULTY OF CONSCIENCE in man, as prior to this event they had no “conscience”, just a “conscious,” an access to the company of the Creator in the paradise of Eden, a knowledge of God hitherto denied mankind, and now to be earnestly sought.
Genesis 3:5 For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing the difference between good and evil and blessing and calamity. (or have an activated conscience … comments mine)
The bible goes to some length to describe the enormity of the character of God, and so we must put it into perspective, so that we can then see where Romans 1:19 is leading. The Apostle however sets the bar very high when contemplating the gulf between his calling and the “Caller.”
Ephesians 3:8 To me, though I am the very least of all the saints (God’s consecrated people), this grace (favor, privilege) was granted and graciously entrusted: to proclaim to the Gentiles the unending (boundless, fathomless, incalculable, and exhaustless) riches of Christ [wealth which no human being could have searched out]
Whilst no doubt Paul had the gospel in mind as he penned these words, his inspiration was far more potent, not only nominating the extent of his ministry to address the Gentile nations, but he describes in unequivocal terms the inestimable value of Gods intentions for mankind. There was no point in preaching about it, if it was unattainable, at least to a degree where it could work that redemptive power of Jesus Christ to produce “spiritual men”, not spiritual by nomenclature, but by character. See how extensive the abilities to enquire into the affairs of man that God enables to the trustworthy servant.
1 Corinthians 2:15 But THE SPIRITUAL MAN tries all things [he examines, investigates, inquires into, questions, and discerns all things], yet is himself to be put on trial and judged by no one [he can read the meaning of everything, but no one can properly discern or appraise or get an insight into him].
“That which is known of God” can be made discernible to the world around us, it must be evident, supernatural, confronting or comforting, but obviously outside of natural talent if we are to truly represent God as He would have us do.
Daniel 11:32 And such as violate the covenant he shall pervert and seduce with flatteries, but THE PEOPLE WHO KNOW THEIR GOD shall prove themselves strong and shall stand firm and do exploits [for God].
Notice it is not “knowing ABOUT God” but the actual “knowing OF God”, not some academic appreciation of a knowing about, simply through the reading God’s Word. The casual approach to representing Christ will result in the first part of the verse, but those who would “prove themselves strong”, which can only be by the calibre of an individual’s faith, will be able to withstand the onslaughts od the world, the flesh and the devil by the very strength of His grace and Spirit, AND DO EXPLOITS.
There is little point in attempting to classify “EXPLOITS”, for the things that characterised the men of old were unique and generally singular in their application or incident. They cannot be constrained by what we can imagine, for a revision of scripture will highlight the unique creativity of God, for the exploits of biblical characters is rarely repeated, except maybe in the case of Elijah and Elisha in parting the waters, and Moses in bring forth water out of the rock.
The patriarch Job who was privileged as an example to the devil recognised just how substantial were the abilities of his God, having contended with his friends, sums it up by stating: –
Job 9:10 Who does great things past finding out, yes, marvellous things without number.
But then, advance to New Testament times, and see how the Apostle Paul describes the same God as Job revered, but in contrast to his statement in Romans 1:19
Romans 11:33 Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unfathomable (inscrutable, unsearchable) are His judgments (His decisions)! And how untraceable (mysterious, undiscoverable) are His ways (His methods, His paths)!
So, we will return to Paul’s premise, Romans 1:19 “For THAT WHICH IS KNOWN about God IS EVIDENT. Firstly, we must not restrain the scope of the “exploits” that Father energises, because our limited mental ability prohibits even imagining events that are Gods providence.
I wonder if Daniel had any qualms about spending the night with a lion, or Sampson pulling down the house killing 3000 persons. Obviously, Samson was not a muscle-bound man who was naturally strong. His strength was truly supernatural, not natural, but just another “exploit” at the hand of God.
We could take Jesus example as He came to restore us to the original design, and it was recorded of Him: –
John 21:25 And there are also many other things which Jesus did. If they should be all recorded one by one [in detail], I suppose that even THE WORLD ITSELF COULD NOT CONTAIN (HAVE ROOM FOR) THE BOOKS THAT WOULD BE WRITTEN.
It is not the purpose of God today to mesmerise people with the miraculous, and the church has in many instances missed the mark by concentrating on and promoting this aspect of spiritual experience, for the extent of “THAT WHICH MAY BE KNOWN OF GOD” and the arenas in which it is “EVIDENT TO THEM” (Romans 1:19) is three-fold, at least in this instance, as previously noted.
- Our conscience
- Surrounding nature
- God’s providence
CONSCIENCE
In many cases, or to many people, this is an inconvenient faculty that Father implanted in His original design but which lay latent until sin occurred. Subsequently, we were all born with a conscience, but everyone employs it differently. It is defined as “Motivation deriving logically from ethical or moral principles that govern a person’s thoughts and actions.” The crux is that the conscience should “GOVERN.”
Some are very sensitive to the pricks of their conscience, knowing the difference between right and wrong, and then attempting to comply with that which forms their ethics. This sense of right and wrong not only has the endorsement of society, at least up until recently, but formed the basis for democracy in developed countries. It was the underlying and controlling factor in the emerging church, legal though it may have been, the people knew their obligations and James crystallises the thought.
James 4:17 So any person who knows what is right to do but does not do it, to him it is sin.
This statement then does not leave the responsibility of our conscience in limbo, if we had no conscience we would lack discernment, even in those daily events constituting our work, our driving, our financial commitments, down to our hygiene and eating habits. All these have an element of conscience, despite the fact that it is ignored.
But if this behaviour is perpetuated then there are consequences, especially to those who have not reinforced their “WHAT IS KNOWN OF GOD.” The next three verses describe, in some detail, the effects of responding to our conscience, or alternatively, ignoring or suppressing one’s conscience.
1 Timothy 4:1-2 BUT THE [Holy] Spirit distinctly and expressly declares that in latter times some will turn away from the faith, giving attention to deluding and seducing spirits and doctrines that demons teach, THROUGH THE HYPOCRISY AND PRETENSIONS OF LIARS WHOSE CONSCIENCES ARE SEARED (CAUTERIZED),
Titus 1:15 To the pure [in heart and CONSCIENCE] all things are pure, but to the defiled and corrupt and unbelieving nothing is pure; their very minds and CONSCIENCES ARE DEFILED AND POLLUTED.
Luke 11:34 Your eye is the lamp of your body; when your eye (your conscience) (Or in other words, when your awareness of God and His requirements … comments mine) is sound and fulfilling its office, your whole body is full of light;, but when it is not sound and is not fulfilling its office, (Or in other words, you have seared or cauterised your conscience … comments mine) your body is full of darkness.
The greater and more sensitive our conscience, the greater and more sensitive and aware we are of Him, which leads to greater obedience to His statutes, which in turn, leads to a closer and more intimate relationship with God and this in turns leads to our beginning to grasp His “INCONCEIVABLE GREATNESS.”
Romans 2:14-15 When Gentiles who have not the [divine] Law DO INSTINCTIVELY what the Law requires, they are a law to themselves, since they do not have the Law. They show that the essential requirements of the Law are written in their hearts and are operating there, with which their consciences (sense of right and wrong) also bear witness; and their [moral] decisions (their arguments of reason, their condemning or approving thoughts) will accuse or perhaps defend and excuse [them]
IN NATURE
There is hardly a more descriptive and eloquent statement of fact than that which the Apostle Paul found convenient to append to the previous verse in Romans 1, than verse 20.
Romans 1:20 For ever SINCE THE CREATION of the world His invisible nature and attributes, that is, His eternal power and divinity, have been made INTELLIGIBLE AND CLEARLY DISCERNIBLE in and through the things that have been made (His handiworks). So [men] are without excuse [altogether without any defense or justification],
SINCE THE CREATION, that is, right from the outset, before anything else, God had arranged that the attributes listed in Romans 1:20 would be made available to man, in ways and means that are undeniable, sustainable, reliable, palpable, observable, available, believable, demonstrable, all so blatantly overt, that there is no wriggle room given for us to object.
Also notice that the words employed here all end in “ABLE”, that’s because that’s the way God is, “HE IS ABLE” and we are the beneficiaries. There is a degree of “THAT WHICH IS KNOWN OF GOD” which, when accepted by faith, will restore and renew contact with God with added light and revelation of His INCONCEIVABLE GREATNESS so that in eternity our appreciation can be complete.
Jude 1:24 Now to HIM WHO IS ABLE to keep you without stumbling or slipping or falling, and to present [you] unblemished (blameless and faultless) before the presence of His glory in triumphant joy and exultation [with unspeakable, ecstatic delight]–
Hebrews 7:25 Therefore HE IS ABLE also to save to the uttermost (completely, perfectly, finally, and for all time and eternity) those who come to God through Him, since He is always living to make petition to God and intercede with Him and intervene for them.
That “ABLE” is a latent feature of man, that can be awakened by knowing God, a simplistic statement but a reality awaiting the faithful. The Psalmist gave a piece of good advice in: –
Psalm 46:10 LET BE AND BE STILL, AND KNOW (RECOGNIZE AND UNDERSTAND) THAT I AM GOD. I will be exalted among the nations! I will be exalted in the earth!
“SINCE THE CREATION” has provided ample opportunity for people to recognise and respond to God. Not only has His majesty been evident “SINCE CREATION”, it has never needed changing. This is the dependability of God, He is changeless and so are His precepts. The idea that the church holds today that we need to make religion “current” only identifies that it is “religion” and not spiritual reality. The gymnastics and contortions that evolutionists go through to try and convince themselves that their origin was a pool of slimy water, only serves to condemn them to dimensions of ignorance, they have failed dismally even just to have a look around, and so “THEY ARE WITHOUT EXCUSE.”
Romans goes on to alert us to explore the mystique of the character of God so that we can understand at least that which is known of God. This is: –
HIS INVISIBLE NATURE AND ATTRIBUTES Whilst we may not be able to discern God with our senses, He has made Himself known by those things that are sensible. The way God works is generally “INVISIBLE” but the effects of His work are visible, and so contain the wonder of HIS NATURE AND ATTRIBUTES and the Psalmist fluently articulates this aspect, both in nature and in His Word.
Psalm 72:18 Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, Who alone does WONDROUS things!
Psalm 119:18 Open my eyes, that I may behold WONDROUS things out of Your law.
No matter which way we approach the mystique men place upon the Godhead, His “INVISIBILITY” does not becloud His “INVINCIBILITY” But can we even begin to explore His “ATTRIBUTES”?
His invisibility is manifest by that which He has made, and may be comprehended what we know and understand as creation; the enormity of the universe displays His omnipotence, the vast diversity and miscellany in form, feature and value only serve to prove His omniscience; and the availability of the earth’s resources proves His benevolence.
ETERNAL POWER AND DIVINITY Surely now we are reaching outside the dimensions of any real comprehension of God, as for the mortal mind, ETERNITY is little more than an expression, because we are so bound to the limits of time and confined by what we expect. We attempt to corelate or quantify eternity with the present in either duration or dimension. And yet Romans continues to provoke us into grasping this aspect of the Godhead, stating that “it has been made intelligible and clearly discernible”, so again there is a dimension of God that He would have us embrace, not simply with our mind, but by the illumination of the Holy Spirit. In natural terms, the terms in which we are accustomed to think, the Bible warns of that very horizontal pattern of understanding.
James 4:14 Yet you do not know [the least thing] about what may happen tomorrow. What is the nature of your life? You are [really] but A WISP OF VAPOR (A PUFF OF SMOKE, A MIST) THAT IS VISIBLE FOR A LITTLE WHILE AND THEN DISAPPEARS [INTO THIN AIR].
Just how vast is the dimension God inhabits, can we with mere words begin to ascribe the vastness of His “ETERNAL POWER AND DIVINITY”? Should we spend our lives in philosophical endeavour, postulating scenarios that might for a mere moment open the door of scientific appreciation, we will just end up with a headache because of Gods infinity which even The Apostle found impossible to quantify.
Philippians 4:20 To our God and Father be glory forever and ever (through THE ENDLESS ETERNITIES OF THE ETERNITIES). Amen (so be it).
The Ephesian church must have had some curiosity as to the subject we are exploring because the Apostle would not have been so vociferous if there was not some pursuit of a deeper and more profound pursuit of this knowledge and a provocation for him to make an explanation. But he heads up the dissertation with one very profound and weighty statement, one which should provoke us to pursue “THAT WHICH IS KNOWN ABOUT GOD” because the Bible promises “SO THAT YOU CAN KNOW AND UNDERSTAND.”
Ephesians 1:19-21 AND [SO THAT YOU CAN KNOW AND UNDERSTAND] what is the IMMEASURABLE and UNLIMITED and SURPASSING GREATNESS of His power in and for us who believe, AS DEMONSTRATED in the working of His MIGHTY STRENGTH, Which He exerted in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His [own] right hand in the heavenly [places], Far above all rule and authority and power and dominion and every name that is named [above every title that can be conferred], not only in this age and in this world, but also in the age and the world which are to come.
MADE INTELLIGIBLE AND DISCERNABLE
The academic world tends to indulge in a snobbery at times, snubbing those who do not have qualifications or titles or positions of academic recognition within the institution of repute, and so a class distinction is outspokenly established, and jealously guarded so that no one over steps the mark.
There is no such distinction in the pursuit of excellence in Gods economy, even though there has been some distinction made within the church between the laity and the ministry. The recognition that Father wanted “one body, fitly joined together” (Ephesians 4:16) escaped the notice of Christians for an extended duration, but hopefully this misconception is now under repair.
1 John 4:6 We are [children] of God. WHOEVER IS LEARNING TO KNOW GOD [PROGRESSIVELY TO PERCEIVE, RECOGNIZE, AND UNDERSTAND GOD BY OBSERVATION AND EXPERIENCE, AND TO GET AN EVER-CLEARER KNOWLEDGE OF HIM] listens to us; and he who is not of God does not listen or pay attention to us. By this we know (recognize) the Spirit of Truth and the spirit of error.
Colossians 1:9-10 For this reason we also, from the day we heard of it, have not ceased to pray and make [special] request for you, [asking] that YOU MAY BE FILLED WITH THE FULL (DEEP AND CLEAR) KNOWLEDGE OF HIS WILL IN ALL SPIRITUAL WISDOM [IN COMPREHENSIVE INSIGHT INTO THE WAYS AND PURPOSES OF GOD] AND IN UNDERSTANDING AND DISCERNMENT OF SPIRITUAL THINGS— That you may walk (live and conduct yourselves) in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to Him and desiring to please Him in all things, bearing fruit in every good work and STEADILY GROWING AND INCREASING IN AND BY THE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD [WITH FULLER, DEEPER, AND CLEARER INSIGHT, ACQUAINTANCE, AND RECOGNITION].
The above scripture clearly identifies that we have a God given ability to stretch the bounds of our understanding and appreciation of matters infinite and divine, outside of the common interests of man, but profoundly affecting the destiny of humanity. How extensive is this “INTELLIGIBILITY AND DISCERNABILITY”, well it is beyond imagination but not beyond apprehension, it just requires to “hold Him in affectionate reverence, promptly obeying Him and gratefully recognizing the benefits He has bestowed].”
1 Corinthians 2:9-10 But, on the contrary, as the Scripture says, What eye has not seen and ear has not heard and has not entered into the heart of man, [all that] God has prepared (made and keeps ready) for those who love Him [who hold Him in affectionate reverence, promptly obeying Him and gratefully recognizing the BENEFITS (this is referring to the “Providence” of God … comments mine) He has bestowed]. Yet to us God has unveiled and revealed them by and through His Spirit, (recall Romans 1:19 “God Himself has shown it to them” … comments mine) for the [Holy] Spirit searches diligently, exploring and examining everything, even sounding the profound and bottomless things of God [the divine counsels and things hidden and beyond man’s scrutiny].
THROUGH CREATION
This aspect of our relationship to God hardly needs any explanation, except to begin to understand that there is absolutely nothing that is not under Gods control, whether it be the weather, the government, the flora and fauna, whether men like it or not. Every circumstance that occurs “naturally” is supernaturally initiated. There is a purpose to it, and that is, that men should again join in fellowship with his creator.
Act 17:24-28 The GOD WHO PRODUCED AND FORMED THE WORLD AND ALL THINGS IN IT, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in handmade shrines. Neither is He served by human hands, as though He lacked anything, for IT IS HE HIMSELF WHO GIVES LIFE AND BREATH AND ALL THINGS TO ALL [PEOPLE]. And He made from one [common origin, one source, one blood] all nations of men to settle on the face of the earth, having definitely determined [their] allotted periods of time and the fixed boundaries of their habitation (their settlements, lands, and abodes), SO THAT THEY SHOULD SEEK GOD, IN THE HOPE THAT THEY MIGHT FEEL AFTER HIM AND FIND HIM, although He is not far from each one of us. For in Him we live and move and have our being; as even some of your [own] poets have said, For we are also His offspring.
So just to have a look around, or to use a worldly phrase, “smell the roses” is a necessary launching pad or springboard or even a good start for an awareness and understanding of God. Again, the world has coined a phrase which is so very relevant, and that is “familiarity breeds contempt” and we have become so accustomed to the sun rising every day, without any deviation from its course since creation, for the rain to come at His beckoning, for there to be adequate food, shelter, and now, even technology we don’t understand but use ostentatiously.
The medical profession has made huge inroads in understanding the human body and the ills that befall it but have not even scratched the surface on the intricacies that form the brain, or process a thought, or the origins of many diseases. But every finite detail has been originated by God, and if we stop for a moment just to ponder the extent of the universe, which is still under construction (Isaiah 40:22) we will find that the cosmos extends far beyond what man has ever contemplated.
The sad part of this whole exercise is that where man ignores that offer of Romans 1:19 “For THAT WHICH IS KNOWN ABOUT GOD is evident to them and made plain in their inner consciousness, because God [Himself] has shown it to them”, do so to their own destruction. The inability to comprehend that all creation “HAVE BEEN MADE INTELLIGIBLE AND CLEARLY DISCERNIBLE IN AND THROUGH THE THINGS THAT HAVE BEEN MADE (HIS HANDIWORKS)” exposes them to catastrophic consequences, they have no comeback on the God they have ignored, “SO [MEN] ARE WITHOUT EXCUSE [ALTOGETHER WITHOUT ANY DEFENSE OR JUSTIFICATION”.
GODS PROVIDENCE This is a subject of too wide a spread to adequately review in a study such as this, except that it serves to highlight in no uncertain terms, “THAT WHICH IS KNOWN OF GOD.” The Psalmist comes to our aid in one succinct chapter (33) to roundly proclaim Gods providence, firstly in CREATION, then in His dealings with NATIONS, and thirdly, IN THE LIVES OF BELIEVERS.
GODS PROVIDENCE IN CREATION How majestic is the phraseology the Psalmist uses to describe and ascribe the incontrovertible, unquestionable, indisputable, undeniable sovereignty of God in the providence of creation. Whilst much debate and deliberation rage in scientific circles regarding the possibility of “climate change”, this Psalm neatly packages that which we acknowledge as the oceans of the earth, a resource covering 70% of the surface area and 99.5% of all the water on earth, yet Father gathers the waters of the sea as in a bottle.
Could we for a moment even contemplate the worth of everything in the oceans, not just the marine life, but the minerals, the effects of tide, the restoration of rain as the seas evaporate, and more than that, He said to the seas, “You have set a boundary [for the waters] which they may not pass over, that they turn not again to deluge the earth.” (Psalm 104:9) WHAT PROVIDENCE?
Psalm 33:5-9 He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the loving-kindness of the Lord. By the word of the Lord were the heavens made, and all their host by the breath of His mouth. He gathers the waters of the sea as in a bottle; He puts the deeps in storage places. Let all the earth fear the Lord [revere and worship Him]; let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him. For He spoke, and it was done; He commanded, and it stood fast.
THE COUNSEL OF THE NATIONS The concentration of the worlds populous and the pre-eminence the media gives to the machinations of Governments around the world, are only evidence of the untidiness of men’s minds, which are consumed with gratifying their ambitions in the name of “human welfare”. Their announcements and proclamations of plans and programs for our good and benefit are contradicted by the next statement identifying the resources dedicated to the destruction of other nations. In the time of Isaiah, the Prophet he recognised the PROVIDENCE OF GOD OVER THE NATIONS when he penned “The Lord has broken the staff of the wicked, the sceptre of the [tyrant] rulers”, (Isaiah 14:5)
Psalm 33:10-16 The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nought; He makes the thoughts and plans of the peoples of no effect. The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the thoughts of His heart through all generations. Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people He has chosen as His heritage. The Lord looks from heaven, He beholds all the sons of men; From His dwelling place He looks [intently] upon all the inhabitants of the earth– He Who fashions the hearts of them all, Who considers all their doings. No king is saved by the great size and power of his army; a mighty man is not delivered by [his] much strength.
PROVIDENCE IN THE LIVES OF BELIEVERS There is not a more obvious evidence of God’s Providence than that which is directly related to BELIEVERS.
Psalm 33:18-22 Behold, the Lord’s eye is upon those who fear Him [who revere and worship Him with awe], who wait for Him and hope in His mercy and loving-kindness, To deliver them from death and keep them alive in famine. Our inner selves wait [earnestly] for the Lord; He is our Help and our Shield. For in Him does our heart rejoice, because we have trusted (relied on and been confident) in His holy name. Let Your mercy and loving-kindness, O Lord, be upon us, in proportion to our waiting and hoping for You.
His persistence and providence are recorded regularly throughout scripture, none more encouraging than: –
2 Chronicles 16:9 For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth to show Himself strong in behalf of those whose hearts are blameless toward Him.
Lamentations 3:21-23 But this I recall and therefore have I hope and expectation: It is because of the Lord’s mercy and loving-kindness that we are not consumed, because His [tender] compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great and abundant is Your stability and faithfulness.
All of God’s leading is meant to bring people to himself. His greatest provision toward that end comes in the person of Jesus Christ, who offers the ultimate living picture of God’s providence.
The provisions for the human race pictured in Genesis 2 include nature, food, beauty, work, moral choice, human companionship and the ultimate of all providence, fellowship with God.
GOD HIMSELF HAS SHOWN IT TO THEM Here indeed is a remarkable statement, for there is no need of a teacher, or university, or bible college or any other institution to make us fully aware of God. There is of course the ability to know Him better and more intimately, in fact, neglect of this opportunity to those who have been made aware from God’s Word and personal experience result in dire consequences. The actions of our inner conscience place a great responsibility on the most disadvantaged as far as exposure to the gospel is concerned, and the Bible makes it clear.
James 4:17 So any person who knows what is right to do but does not do it, to him it is sin.
I don’t for a moment believe that any one who proposes to be a Christian can bypass the instructions of the Word that we should “study to show ourselves approved unto God” (2 Timothy 2:15), “Thy Word have I hid in my heart” (Psalm 119:11) “The sum of Your word is truth [the total of the full meaning of all Your individual precepts]; and every one of Your righteous decrees endures forever. “(Psalm 119:160) “But He replied, It has been written, Man shall not live and be upheld and sustained by bread alone, but by every word that comes forth from the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4)
And so, to the “BELIEVER” there is a distinct and unmistakable requirement that they should not only be cognizant of God through the agency of our conscience, nor just by the magnificence of His creation, or by the benefits that are immeasurable on our behalf, but “THAT WHICH IS KNOWN OF GOD” is intended to be an ongoing, ever deepening, wider spreading, ever expanding and more intensely respected opportunity to enter into that realm of spiritual awareness, so neglected by many, so despised by many, so ignored by many, and so sought be so few.
SELAH
Ross Smith 