“Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse” (Romans 1:19,20).

The first sentence of the Declaration of Independence signed by the founders of the United States on July 4, 1776, says: “We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created. . . .” The founding fathers of America were keen observers of nature, and they believed the earth and life to express the self-evident handiwork of the Creator.

Paul claims that knowledge of God is evident to men being “manifest in them,” and that truth is the invisible character of God plainly displayed in creation. After teaching that “faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17), Paul says that the word has been heard by all men. “Their sound went into all the earth, and their words unto the ends of the world” (v.18), quoting Psalm 19:4. The message has “no speech nor language” and the “voice is not heard” (Psalm 19:3). That self-evident truth is creation: “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth His handywork” (v.1).

Elsewhere, Paul speaks of the “hope of the gospel” which during Paul’s day “was preached (in) every creature which is under heaven” [the word “in,” rather than “to,” is the correct translation] (Colossians 1:23). This is a self-evident message, for the gospel had not been preached orally to everyone in the world.

We should give thanks and glorify God for this message in the creation around and in us, noting that those who were not thankful and did not glorify God are referred to as “foolish” (Romans 1:21) and “without excuse.” SAA