“In Him was life and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness and the darkness did not comprehend it” (Jn.1:4-5)
I am not sure that the apostle Paul could be much clearer in Romans 1 about the relationship between the Creator and His creation. “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 divine nature” (Rom.1:20). Elsewhere it states that “all things have been created through Him and for Him” (Col.1:16); “all things were made through Him” (Jn.1:3). Even this ancient text opens with the words, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Gen.1:1). There is no ambivalence in the Scriptures. God is the Creator and Jesus is the instrument of creation.
So where did things go wrong? The Scriptures clearly lay out what happened in Rom.1:21-23.
- they knew God but did not glorify Him as God
- they were not thankful to Him
- their foolish hearts were darkened
- they professed to be wise but became fools
- they exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God for images of corruptible man and created things.
Or as Jeremiah puts it, “They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters, and hewn for themselves cisterns – broken cisterns that can hold no water” (Jer.2:13). In fact, God through Jeremiah calls this the committing of two evils. Again we read, “man is without excuse” (Rom.1:20). The consequences are enormous when mankind forsakes the Creator, substitutes His divine attributes with corruptible images. We see the downward slide. Twice we’re told that God gave them up: first to uncleanness and secondly to vile passions (Rom.1:24,26). It is a grave matter indeed when God gives them over to their base passions, when the truth of God is exchanged for a lie and they worship at other altars. When the light goes out, darkness settles in.
Yet even in the midst of such downward decline, the affirmation of life and truth comes through with clarity: “the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen” (Rom.1:25). His life is still the light of men; His truth gives hope to those who will receive Him and turn to Him with hearty repentance, believe His Name, embrace HIs life and become children of God (John 1:12-13).
“Today is the day of our salvation, now is the acceptable time” (2 Cor.6:2). In a world that is “increasingly dark and difficult”, the “good news of His forgiveness and reconciliation is freely extended” (Billy Graham). The light still shines and His life still brings light to all who seek Him. May He be blessed forever.
Blessings!
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