R.C. Sproul, founder of Ligonier Ministries, dives deep into profound theological concepts, especially focusing on God's wrath and human accountability for sin. He discusses how people's fear of God stems from His holiness rather than imagined comforts. Sproul underscores the suppression of truth in humanity and the dire consequences of ignoring God's existence, which can lead to idolatry. He also emphasizes the importance of recognizing our personal guilt and the hope for forgiveness through the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Everyone is accountable for their sins, as God's revelation of righteousness and wrath underscores the importance of recognizing our guilt for salvation.
Humanity's rejection of God's authority leads to a darkened mind and futile pursuits, necessitating the gospel for true redemption and restoration.
Deep dives
The Universality of Guilt and God's Wrath
Everyone is accountable for their sins, as ignorance is not a valid excuse before God. The revelation of God's righteousness is juxtaposed with the revelation of His wrath against unrighteousness, highlighting the need to understand our guilt to appreciate the grace of the gospel. Paul asserts that God's anger targets ungodliness and unrighteousness, encompassing a broad spectrum of sin, but emphasizes the specific sin of suppressing the truth. This suppression of truth reflects humanity's rejection of God's character and authority, which is evident in the acknowledgment of God's existence through creation.
Manifestation of God's Truth
God reveals His invisible attributes to humanity clearly through the natural world, allowing everyone to see His eternal power and divine nature. The knowledge of God is not hidden or obscure; rather, it is plainly evident in the created order, challenging philosophical assertions like those of Immanuel Kant that claim one cannot know God through the visible world. Paul emphasizes that through the things created, God's existence and character are manifest, leaving no one with an excuse to deny Him. The general revelation of God ensures that all people are aware of His existence, which renders their ignorance inexcusable.
The Consequences of Suppressing the Truth
Refusing to honor God leads to a darkening of the mind and a futile pursuit of knowledge, which ultimately distances individuals from divine truth. Paul highlights that those who acknowledge God's existence yet refuse to worship Him substitute truth with lies, thus corrupting their understanding and ultimately their lives. This exchange is not limited to an intellectual transaction but reflects a deeper moral failing where individuals create a god that aligns with their desires rather than accepting the true God. The only path to redemption from guilt is through the gospel, which offers forgiveness and restoration to those who recognize their need for it.
Unbelief is inexcusable. Even people who have never touched a Bible are condemned for dismissing God’s clear revelation in nature. From his expositional series in the book of Romans, today R.C. Sproul warns of God’s wrath and points us to the only refuge from our guilt.
Get R.C. Sproul’s commentary on the book of Romans for your donation of any amount: Learn more about the gospel, the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ: Meet Today’s Teacher: R.C. Sproul (1939–2017) was known for his ability to winsomely and clearly communicate deep, practical truths from God’s Word. He was founder of Ligonier Ministries, first minister of preaching and teaching at Saint Andrew’s Chapel, first president of Reformation Bible College, and executive editor of Tabletalk magazine. Meet the Host: Nathan W. Bingham is vice president of ministry engagement for Ligonier Ministries, executive producer and host of Renewing Your Mind, host of the Ask Ligonier podcast, and a graduate of Presbyterian Theological College in Melbourne, Australia. Nathan joined Ligonier in 2012 and lives in Central Florida with his wife and four children.
Renewing Your Mind is a donor-supported outreach of Ligonier Ministries. Explore all of our podcasts: https://www.ligonier.org/podcasts
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