Questions from Our Readers

Regarding the innate knowledge of God in man, we need to turn to Romans, chapter 1:18-32. Particularly Romans 1:19 and 20 speak of a certain knowledge of God with which man is born. This knowledge can be described as a certain consciousness of the existence of a higher Being: “Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath showed it unto them.” This knowledge belongs to man as a rational being, as distinguished from irrational creatures such as the animals and is a fruit of a divine manifestation, particularly that of divine power and the divine essence (see Romans 1:20). The question asked is how it is possible that with such a manifestation and knowledge of God it is still possible to blaspheme God. The answer to this question is actually explained in the verses that follow.

Man, indeed, is subject to a divine manifestation of divine power and the Godhead, but what does man do with this manifestation? Does it drive man out to God? Does it make him desirous to know God? Alas, we read in verse 21: “Because that, when they knew God, they glorified Him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.” Dr. J.H. Bavinck in his book Religieus besef en christelijk geloof. (Religious Consciousness and Christian Faith) describes this terrible ability of fallen man as outlined in the text by means of two key words: “verdringen” (suppress) and “vervangen” (replace)—two verbs which reveal what takes place almost simultaneously; what God reveals of Himself is suppressed and replaced with something of man’s own liking! So, Paul continues: “And changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.”

I recommend that you read this portion of Romans 1 again and, particularly, what then follows. It will show you that the innate knowledge of God is pure, but what man does with it is vile and abominable. This fact underlines and reveals the depth of our fall in Paradise. There is even a curse of God pronounced over this process of suppression and replacing: “Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness…” etc. So, the innate knowledge of God is no guarantee for piety but, on the contrary, proves and increases our guilt before God, even if we have never heard of God! Paul uses this truth to prove the guilt of the Gentiles who never have heard of Considering all of the above, I agree with the statement that atheists are not born but made. I would even go a step farther and state with Rev. Hellenbroek’s Specimen of Divine Truths, that I believe atheists do not even exist: their “beliefs” that there is no God are a desire rather than an actual belief. (Chapter I, Q. 4) Of course an atheist will never admit this.

It is a fearful thought to consider what man is capable of thinking and doing as Romans 1 states. This is the answer to your question. At the same time, I may say that it is a wonder of God’s condescending goodness that the Bible yet speaks of an acquired knowledge of God. This knowledge is revealed to us by nature and by the Holy Scriptures, the latter of which can make us wise unto salvation. Without such a manifestation man would be forever lost in his suppressing and replacing! Now there is a way revealed whereby sinners can be restored in that communion with God, reconciled by the blood of Christ who is ordained of God the Father, and anointed with the Holy Ghost to be “our Chief Prophet and Teacher, who has fully revealed to us the secret counsel and will of God, concerning our redemption” (Heidelberg Catechism Lord’s Day 12, Q. 31).

Considering all this, what a great need there is to appreciate and be diligent in making this acquired knowledge our own. It is for this reason that we have our own schools, catechism classes in church, and the prophetical office of Christ in church through the preaching. Let us beg the Lord to bless it to our hearts so that the complaint of the Lord by the mouth of Hosea be not applicable to us: “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee” (Hosea 4:6).

Send your questions to: Rev. H. Hofman, 2339 Deer Trail Dr. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505, or hofman@premieronline.net.

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