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 When
man refuses to see the abundant proof of God's "eternal
power and divinity" in the created world he "glorifies
Him not as God, neither is thankful." (Rom. 1:19-21)
This
asserts that the Creator has so demonstrated Himself in His
product that, even without the inspired word, we should be able
to see that the "First Cause" must have always existed
(arguing it always will exist) and is therefore
"eternal." And this leads us forcibly to the
conclusion that this "First Cause" is of a nature
different from that of His creatures; has a divine nature. All
who so recognize God "look up" to Him with the honor
so justly due Him, and reckon themselves subject to Him. Such a
respect for the Creator has a sobering effect upon mankind. We
"live, move, and have our being" in His presence;
aware that "all things are naked and opened unto the eyes
of him with whom we have to do." (Heb. 4:13) Perhaps this
is basis enough to conclude that except we walk circumspectly
before Him, we "sin against Heaven" and must repent.
(Acts 17:28f)
When
man denies the presence of the eternal and divine God, (does not
like to retain God in his knowledge) God (1) gives him up to
uncleanness; (2) gives him up unto vile affections; (3) gives
him over to a reprobate mind. (Read Rom. 1:21-24-26-28) This
seems to be another way of saying God allows man to "stew
in his own juice" or reap the consequences of his own
folly. Man is incomplete without God. It is "not in man
that walketh to direct his steps." (Jer. 10:23) On this
basis alone we should see that "righteousness exalteth a
nation; but sin is a
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reproach to any people." (Prov. 14:34) A
nation that tries to substitute fear of punishment, respect for
law, patriotism, or even Emperor- worship to upgrade the state
and its citizens, will fail. There is no satisfactory substitute
for faith in and respect for the God of us all.
Godless
Evolution, and other materialistic concepts which enthrone human
reason and seek to leave God out of the universe -- these must
bear much of the blame for our a-moral and immoral society.
Religions
which place their stress upon social welfare seem, on the
surface, to be so "relevant;" so intent upon solving
current problems. But to the extent they divert the attention
and resources of the church from its chief function -- the
promotion of spiritual values -- faith in the real, personal God
to whom belongs our full and complete allegiance -- to this
extent these religions join hands with all other soul and nation
wreckers.
"God
gave them up" "God gave them over" -- re-read
those verses from the Roman letter. "Like a terrible
refrain" says Lenski. "This is more than permission to
fall into uncleanness, and it is less than causing the fall.
God's action is judicial...Thus God uses sin to punish itself
and the sinner."
When
man does recognize and respect His Creator, even as he sees Him
in the universe, he is ready to hear God's word, and obey Him.
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