We are all born with souls. We have a conscience because God created us in His image. In this way, we have something of an ethical compass that reminds us of the difference between right and wrong. God also created everything that exists, which is a reminder to our souls that God exists and that He is the ultimate Judge of right and wrong. In addition to this, God has given us His Word in written form, preserved through all these ages of the world. And yet, some have the audacity to say, “If God exists, then where is He? How can I know there is a God?”
Many people struggle through the ups and downs of this mortal life wondering, “If God exists, then why is there so much evil in the world? Philosophers call this “The Problem of Evil.” But human beings seldom come to the right conclusion that evil exists in this world because we, people, have invited it in to reign. Adam and Eve invited Satan to be lord of this world, thinking they would be gods themselves. This is the age-old elixir that Satan still tries to sell us. The more people accept Satan’s “miracle potion,” the more people’s consciences become “seared,” making it even more difficult to know or perceive right and wrong. And as more people find this charlatan’s potion appealing, the more his delusion hides the truth of God from them. This is the point of Romans, chapter 1. But even though the enemy’s delusion is powerful, God still says that we have “no excuse” for not knowing His truth. In other words, He has left more than enough evidence of His existence; what people usually lack is not evidence, but rather the desire to pursue it wherever it might lead –which is to God.
God did not leave the world without a witness of Himself. But the nature of the flesh is to resist and rebel against God. So, we need a lot of help. It is indeed Good News that Jesus has come into the world to save us from our sin. Without God’s supernatural action, we would still be lost in sin and the delusion of the enemy. But thankfully, God has sent His Son, and His Spirit now actively works of the hearts of those who are willing to listen. Even David admitted that it’s difficult to follow God –unless we have His help! He said, “Teach me your ways, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth.” God is awesome and loves us so much! His earnest desire is that all might come to repentance and find life. He has left testimony of Himself in His creation, in His Word and in our very souls. But there’s an added factor that helps this process: He also sends us. He has left His Church to be a witness to His truth. He wants us to help people “connect the dots.”
The Church truly has an awesome task –to help those in darkness come into the Light of God, by His Spirit and His Word while marveling at His World. He has not left His truth unattested. And when we help to bring the Light to others, we too share in a blessing from God.
New life brings joy.
Proclaiming the soon-Return of Jesus,
George