INNATE KNOWLEDGE OF GOD

ROMANS 2

… for when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves

(Rom. 2:14).

God is known. This is true not only for the redeemed man who has the ability to understand and believe the revealed Word of God, but it is true for the unbeliever—even those who have never heard one word of the Bible. But, you might ask, if our minds are darkened because of our rebellion against God, then how can we know Him outside of Scripture? Paul answers this question in Romans 2. Speaking of the Gentiles, he says that they “show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness” (2:15).

The revealed knowledge of God that is written on the hearts of man by way of conscience is also called innate knowledge of God. Men are without excuse because they have the requirements of God’s holy law, and revelation of Himself as the Lawgiver, fused into their very being. We cannot escape it. So integral is this knowledge to our being, that even when we have silenced our conscience through persistent sin, it will rise up again to testify against us on that final day.

Whether they admit it or not, all men know something of the truth. They know what God requires of man, they even know that the punishment of disobeying God’s law is death, and they know that God exists, that He is eternal, good, and righteous. Pilate, as he stood before Jesus, knew in his heart of hearts that God exists and thus requires man to keep His law. But, because of sin, Pilate could not conform his life to such knowledge. He denied it, rationalized it away, and quieted it with excuses. He did not have the ability to conform his life to the truth. Only those who have been empowered by the Holy Spirit, who not only have the requirements of the law written on their hearts, but who have the law as an inward principle, alive and active in their lives, can embrace the truth of God.

Though fallen man knows nothing of God’s mercy in Christ outside of the Scriptures, he does know enough to be held accountable on the day of judgment, when his conscience will testify against him as one who refused to give God the glory due His name and worship Him as the One who is worthy.

CORAM DEO

Isaiah 62–64

1 Thessalonians 5

WEEKEND

Isaiah 65–Jeremiah 2

2 Thessalonians 1–2

What are some ways we can hold others accountable for their disobedience? How can you incorporate the assumption of “innate knowledge of God” into a Gospel presentation? When people begin to make excuses for their sin, what would your response be? Thank God today for His revelation to all men.

For further study: Acts 17:16–34 • Rom. 1:18–25

WEEKEND