What is the meaning of Romans 1:20?

Romans 1:20 is a profound and insightful verse within the Pauline Epistles that offers a glimpse into the Apostle Paul's understanding of God's revelation to humanity. The verse reads:

"For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse." (Romans 1:20, NIV)

To grasp the full meaning of this verse, it is essential to consider its context within the Epistle to the Romans and the broader scope of Paul's theology. Romans is a letter written by Paul to the Christians in Rome, aiming to explain the righteousness that comes from God, the nature of sin, and the means of salvation through Jesus Christ.

Context of Romans 1:20

In the opening chapter of Romans, Paul sets the stage for his theological discourse by addressing the universal sinfulness of humanity and the revelation of God's righteousness. He emphasizes that God's wrath is revealed against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of people who suppress the truth by their wickedness (Romans 1:18). Paul argues that the knowledge of God is evident to all people because God has made it plain to them (Romans 1:19). This leads directly into Romans 1:20, where Paul elaborates on how God's invisible qualities have been clearly seen through creation.

Understanding Romans 1:20

Paul asserts that since the creation of the world, God's invisible qualities—specifically, His eternal power and divine nature—have been perceptible through what has been made. This statement is significant for several reasons:

1. General Revelation: Romans 1:20 speaks to the concept of general revelation, which refers to the knowledge of God that is available to all people through nature and the created order. Unlike special revelation, which includes specific divine interventions and the Scriptures, general revelation is accessible to everyone, regardless of their cultural or religious background. The natural world, with its complexity, beauty, and order, testifies to the existence and attributes of the Creator.

2. God's Invisible Qualities: Paul highlights two specific attributes of God that are revealed through creation: His eternal power and divine nature.

3. Eternal Power: The vastness and magnificence of the universe point to a Creator of immense power. From the grandeur of the galaxies to the intricacies of a single cell, creation reflects a power that is beyond human comprehension and temporal limitations.

4. Divine Nature: The order, harmony, and purpose evident in nature suggest a Creator who is not only powerful but also wise, intentional, and benevolent. The divine nature encompasses God's moral attributes, such as His goodness, wisdom, and justice.

5. Clarity of Revelation: Paul asserts that these qualities have been "clearly seen" and "understood" from what has been made. This indicates that the revelation of God through creation is not obscure or hidden but is apparent and comprehensible. The natural world serves as a universal witness to God's existence and attributes.

6. Human Accountability: The concluding phrase, "so that people are without excuse," underscores the ethical implications of general revelation. According to Paul, the evidence of God's existence and nature in creation is so clear that it leaves humanity without excuse for unbelief or idolatry. People cannot claim ignorance of God as a justification for their ungodliness and unrighteousness. This assertion lays the groundwork for Paul's argument that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23).

Theological Implications

Romans 1:20 has several important theological implications:

1. Universal Knowledge of God: The verse affirms that knowledge of God is universally accessible. Every person, regardless of their geographical or cultural context, has the capacity to perceive God's existence and attributes through the natural world. This universal knowledge forms the basis for human accountability before God.

2. Human Sinfulness: By stating that people are without excuse, Paul highlights the gravity of human sinfulness. Despite the clear revelation of God in creation, humanity has chosen to suppress the truth and engage in idolatry and immorality. This rejection of God is a willful act of rebellion that incurs divine wrath.

3. Need for Special Revelation: While general revelation reveals God's existence and attributes, it is insufficient for salvation. It does not provide the knowledge of God's redemptive plan through Jesus Christ. Therefore, special revelation, particularly the Gospel, is necessary for people to come to a saving knowledge of God. This is why Paul goes on to expound the righteousness that comes from God through faith in Jesus Christ in the subsequent chapters of Romans.

4. Apologetics and Natural Theology: Romans 1:20 supports the use of natural theology in Christian apologetics. Natural theology seeks to demonstrate the existence and attributes of God through reason and observation of the natural world. This verse provides a biblical basis for arguing that the created order points to a Creator and that belief in God is rational and justified.

Reflections from Christian Literature

Several well-known Christian theologians and scholars have reflected on the meaning and significance of Romans 1:20. For example, John Calvin, in his "Institutes of the Christian Religion," emphasizes that the knowledge of God is implanted in the human mind and that creation serves as a "theater of God's glory" (Book 1, Chapter 5). Calvin argues that the natural world provides ample evidence of God's existence and attributes, leaving humanity without excuse for unbelief.

Similarly, C.S. Lewis, in his book "Mere Christianity," discusses the idea of a universal moral law that points to a Moral Lawgiver. Lewis contends that the sense of right and wrong, which is evident across different cultures, suggests the existence of a divine source of morality. This aligns with Paul's assertion that God's divine nature is evident through creation and that people are accountable to this revelation.

Practical Application

Understanding the meaning of Romans 1:20 has practical implications for believers today:

1. Worship and Awe: Recognizing that creation reveals God's eternal power and divine nature should lead us to worship and awe. The natural world is a testament to God's greatness and majesty, and contemplating its beauty and complexity can deepen our reverence for the Creator.

2. Evangelism and Apologetics: Romans 1:20 can be a valuable tool in evangelism and apologetics. When engaging with skeptics or seekers, pointing to the evidence of God's existence in nature can help them see the rational basis for belief in God. It also underscores the urgency of sharing the Gospel, as general revelation alone is insufficient for salvation.

3. Environmental Stewardship: If creation reflects God's glory and reveals His attributes, then caring for the environment becomes an act of worship and obedience. Christians are called to steward the natural world responsibly, recognizing it as a manifestation of God's handiwork.

4. Personal Reflection: Romans 1:20 invites us to reflect on our own response to God's revelation. Are we acknowledging and honoring God as Creator, or are we suppressing the truth and living in ways that dishonor Him? This self-examination can lead to repentance and a renewed commitment to live in accordance with God's will.

In summary, Romans 1:20 is a rich and theologically significant verse that underscores the clarity and universality of God's revelation through creation. It challenges us to recognize and respond to the evidence of God's eternal power and divine nature, leading us to worship, evangelism, stewardship, and personal reflection. Through this verse, Paul reminds us that God's presence and attributes are unmistakably evident in the world around us, leaving humanity without excuse for unbelief and calling us to a deeper knowledge and relationship with our Creator.