Romans 1:19, "because that which is known of God is evident within them, for God made it evident to them" (NASB), means that God has made Himself knowable to all people through His creation and through an inner sense of morality and awareness. Here's a breakdown:
"that which is known of God is evident within them": This implies that there's an inherent knowledge of God accessible to everyone. It's not about knowing everything about God, but rather having a basic understanding of His existence, power, and perhaps some of His attributes.
"for God made it evident to them": This explains how this knowledge is accessible. God actively reveals Himself. There are two primary ways this verse and the surrounding context suggest:
Through Creation: The created world itself is a testament to God's existence and attributes. Romans 1:20 elaborates on this, stating that "his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made." The order, complexity, and sheer existence of the universe point to a Creator.
Inherent Awareness: Some interpret "within them" to also refer to an inner sense or conscience. Humans seem to possess an innate understanding of right and wrong, a moral compass that points to a higher power. Romans 2:14-15 further expands on this, suggesting that even those without the law (Mosaic Law) have the law "written on their hearts."
In essence, Romans 1:19 conveys that God has not left humanity in the dark about His existence. He has provided evidence through creation and within our own being, making Himself knowable to all. The verse serves as a prelude to Paul's argument that people are without excuse when they reject God.
Romans 1:19, "because that which is known of God is evident within them, for God made it evident to them" (NASB), means that God has made Himself knowable to all people through His creation and through an inner sense of morality and awareness. Here's a breakdown:
"that which is known of God is evident within them": This implies that there's an inherent knowledge of God accessible to everyone. It's not about knowing everything about God, but rather having a basic understanding of His existence, power, and perhaps some of His attributes.
"for God made it evident to them": This explains how this knowledge is accessible. God actively reveals Himself. There are two primary ways this verse and the surrounding context suggest:
Through Creation: The created world itself is a testament to God's existence and attributes. Romans 1:20 elaborates on this, stating that "his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made." The order, complexity, and sheer existence of the universe point to a Creator.
Inherent Awareness: Some interpret "within them" to also refer to an inner sense or conscience. Humans seem to possess an innate understanding of right and wrong, a moral compass that points to a higher power. Romans 2:14-15 further expands on this, suggesting that even those without the law (Mosaic Law) have the law "written on their hearts."
In essence, Romans 1:19 conveys that God has not left humanity in the dark about His existence. He has provided evidence through creation and within our own being, making Himself knowable to all. The verse serves as a prelude to Paul's argument that people are without excuse when they reject God.
