January 30, 2013
The Bible says that the gospel is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes (Romans 1:16). The Holy Spirit empowers the gospel with the spiritual energy necessary to save those who believe. Jesus said that the one who believes in Him is not condemned; but those who do not believe are condemned already, because they have not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God (John 3:18). In order for the gospel to do its work, it must first be communicated, heard, and understood (Romans 10:14). This truth begs an interesting question.
What about those who never hear? Do they live, die, and spend eternity in hell? Countless numbers of people in every generation never hear the name Jesus. How can God rightfully condemn them? Abraham’s words spoken to God come to mind, “Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?” (Genesis 18:25). The obvious answer to Abraham’s question is yes, the Judge of all the earth will do right. After all, God is the inventor of “right.”
I grew up watching the famous fictional attorney Perry Mason (Aaron Burr) apply his amazing skill in the courtroom. I recall watching intently as he uncovered previously hidden facts by calling to the stand witnesses that no one suspected. Ben Matlock (Andy Griffith) utilized this same skill for the next generation of TV watchers. There is an appointed day when God and countless unbelievers are going to be involved in a very important courtroom scene (Acts 17:31).
The prophet Daniel spoke of such a time: “As I looked, thrones were placed, and the Ancient of Days took his seat; his clothing was white as snow, and the hair of his head like pure wool; his throne was fiery flames; its wheels were burning fire. A stream of fire issued and came out from before him; a thousand thousands served him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him; the court sat in judgment, and the books were opened” (Daniel 7:9).
The book of Revelation refers to this proceeding as the Great White Throne (Revelation 20:11). Jesus Christ, into whose hands God the Father has committed all judgment, is seated upon the throne (John 5:22). Before him stands every person from every generation throughout all of human history who has not believed in Him. Their defense attorney stands and points a condemning finger toward the Judge. “How can you rightly judge all these?” They never even heard of you. A holy hush falls over the entire scene.
A witness is called that no one in the condemned crowd anticipated. “I would like to call Creation to the stand please. Creation, would you come forward?” All eyes follow as this witness is seated. “Creation, would you state your case?” Creation referenced Paul’s recorded words saying that the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse” (Romans 1:18-20).
Paul said that the truth necessary to know the living God is clearly revealed to all and even apparent in all. What truth? The universe! The planets and stars – that which is made and clearly seen – give testimony to an invisible Maker. When each one gazes into a night sky, the possibility that a Living Creator made it all hits the mind becoming apparent. The truth may then be seized upon and meditated upon or merely discarded. For many, the thought is concealed. How is it concealed? It is quickly replaced by other thoughts. Maybe the cause is Allah, or Hari Krishna, or Buddha or, for many, billions of years of evolutionary chance. The point is this: the possibility that God created it all enters into the mind of every human being, and it is weighed in the balance.
Hold it! Witnesses should speak. This is what witnesses do. The lifeless universe does not speak, does it? In fact it does! Psalm 19 says that the heavens declare (announce) the glory of God; and the firmament shows His handiwork. Day unto day utters speech, and night unto night reveals knowledge. There is no speech nor language where their voice is not heard. Their line has gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world.
Note carefully what the Psalmist is saying. The heavens speak of that which sheds light upon a living God and show clearly His work. There are an estimated 7000 language groups in the world, and yet every generation understands Creation’s testimony. No language barrier at all. It speaks a true universal language. Amazing! God’s creation does not reveal sufficient information to be saved, but it does reveal enough to rightly condemn all who suppress its truth. For those who respond positively to God’s creation and have a desire to know the Creator personally, God raises the means to get the gospel to them. Those who cover this knowledge are judged at the Great White Throne, and they will have no excuse before God.
Thank you, Creation! You may be seated. In the next blog another witness will be called to the stand – “Conscience.”