Romans 1:1-28
Romans 1:19 is interesting and often overlooked. It says, "What may be known of God...God has shown it...." In other words, God has revealed those things that may be known of Him. He has not revealed those things that may not be known. Moses put it this way: "The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but those things which are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law." Deuteronomy 29:29. God has revealed certain truths about Himself. Let's consider some of these things, which are mentioned in this first chapter of Romans.
First, He has revealed His invisible qualities in creation. "For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made...." Romans 1:20. The God of creation is definitely a God of wisdom. He's the great Designer. King David wrote, "For You formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; marvelous are Your works, and that my soul knows very well." Psalm 139:13, 14.
Our Creator is also loving. According to Isaiah 45:18, He "formed it (the earth) to be inhabited." The Lord created a dwelling place for mankind. Why did He create fruits and vegetables? Why cows and chickens? God doesn't eat apples or drink milk? But we do! He made all these things and so much more for us. Why would He do that? Because He loves us.
The Lord is also omnipotent. We can clearly see the evidence of "His eternal power and Godhead (or divine nature)." People marvel at the pyramids in Egypt. They ask, "How did they do that?" God extends an invitation to us regarding His marvelous works, saying, "Lift up your eyes on high, and see who has created these things, who brings out their host by number; He calls them all by name, by the greatness of His might and the strength of His power...." Isaiah 40:26.
Second, He has revealed His righteousness in the gospel of Christ. "For in it (the gospel) the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, 'The just shall live by faith.'" Romans 1:17. When people think of the message of the gospel, they usually think of God's love being revealed. But in Romans the emphasis is upon God's righteousness. In 2 Corinthians 5:21 we read, "For He (God) made Him (Jesus Christ) who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him." God's righteousness becomes our righteousness by faith, that is, when we believe in Him.
Third, God has revealed His wrath in judgment. "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness." Romans 1:18. James wrote, "For the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God." James 1:20. In contrast, the wrath of God does demonstrate the righteous judgment of God, which is not based upon some frustrated human emotion. "He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him." John 3:36.
The Lord is the One who has revealed Himself to us. He wants us to trust Him and know Him.
Almighty God, Creator of heaven and earth, we stand in awe of Your majesty and splendor. Thank You for showing us these evidences of Your power and grace. Wrap Your loving arms around us, and draw us closer to Yourself. In Jesus' name. Amen!