There is a good message over at Cripplegate, which I have been finding more and more relevant in my reading.
NOVEMBER 25, 2019
Treasures of the Christian Life, Pt 1: GRACE
In the Grace article, I particularly like the discussion of common Grace.
Common grace is the underserved and unearned merit given by God to all of mankind. There is common grace in everyone’s life – family, laughter, food, shelter, work, health, talents….
It’s a good complement to what Paul says about rejecting God.
Rom 1:18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;
Rom 1:19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.
Rom 1:20 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:
Rom 1:21 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.
Rom 1:22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
The Geneva Bible translates it this way:
Romans 1:18 1599 Geneva Bible (GNV)
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness, and unrighteousness of men, which withhold the truth in unrighteousness.
Footnotes:
- Romans 1:18 Another confirmation of that principal question: All men being considered in themselves or without Christ, are guilty both of [ungodliness], and also unrighteousness, and therefore are subject to condemnation: Therefore must they needs seek righteousness in some other.
- Romans 1:18 Against all kinds of ungodliness.
- Romans 1:18 By truth, Paul meaneth all the light that is left in man since his fall, not as though they being led thereby were able to come into favor with God, but that their own reason might condemn them of wickedness both against God and man.
If you read the NASB or even the NIV, they phrase it
who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, NASB
Footnotes: Romans 1:18 Or by
who suppress the truth by their wickedness, NIV
Rainbow Trout 