Understanding God's Judgment
Romans 1 | God's Judgment
Man is in a desperate situation. Man is born with a sin nature and needs a new nature in order to have peace with God, and to be a member of God's family. Romans 1: 18-19 in the KJB says "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."
First, God's wrath and judgement is just. Not one person in the time of judgment will be able to say that God is wrong or that God is not holy. God's holiness is eternal and true. Man in his own flesh is not holy, far from it, no matter how hard he tries or what religious or moral rules he puts himself under. But any man who is in Christ has the very righteousness of God imputed to Him and can therefore stand before God unblameable and holy and without blemish and complete in Christ, not because of something he has done but because of what Christ did for him. Christ died for the ungodly, but it's only when we believe the gospel that we are forgiven and God's righteousness is then imputed to us.
Paul goes on to say, "verse 20 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: 21 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."
All of creation points to there being a creator. But instead of giving thanks and glory to God, man chooses to be unthankful and chooses to come up with his own ideas about creation (the theory of evolution is just one example). Their thoughts become darker and they become more hard-hearted towards God. Man knows that God's Judgment is just, but refuses to admit to it. Instead of just believing God, man chooses to elevate himself.
**Homework- Reread Romans chapter 1 (or try listening to an audio version) and read Genesis chapter 1 as well.
Journal: What beliefs about creation have you been taught or believed that doesn't agree with God's word? Should we believe God or should we believe man's limited and and corrupt wisdom? How can you speak the truth in love with others regarding creation?
Also, consider keeping a gratitude journal and writing down 3 things you are thankful to God for each day.
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