Romans 1:20 states “For 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. So they are without excuse.” This verse teaches that even though God Himself is invisible, His attributes can be clearly seen and understood through examining His creation.
When we observe the natural world around us – the intricacy of a single cell, the complexity of DNA, the vastness of the universe, the interdependent ecosystems on Earth – it points to an intelligent Designer behind it all. The creation declares God’s eternal power and divine nature. His fingerprints can be seen across every inch of the natural world. The intricacy, complexity, order, and beauty of creation clearly reveal that there is a Master Craftsman who made it all.
Creation testifies that God exists and that He is immensely powerful and creative. The cosmos had a beginning, and something/someone beyond this physical world brought it into being. The universe is fined-tuned with physical constants and properties that make life possible on Earth. This fine-tuning speaks of intentional design by a divine Mind. The majesty of the mountains, the roaring waves of the seas, the glittering constellations in the night sky – all creation points to the glory, power, and divinity of God (Psalm 19:1).
God’s divine nature is also evident in the moral conscience innate in every human being. All people have an inner sense of right and wrong, good and evil. There is a universal moral law written on the heart that points to a divine Lawgiver. Our conscience affirms that God is righteous, just and holy. The shared sense of morality across humanity reflects the ethic and character of God. His divine nature is reflected in the moral fabric of humankind.
Some specific examples of how God’s invisible qualities are demonstrated through what He has made include:
- Order and design in nature show His intelligence and intentionality.
- The vastness and beauty of creation reflect His greatness and creativity.
- The complexity of life at the molecular level point to His infinite wisdom and understanding.
- The interdependency and symbiosis observed in nature display His relational nature.
- The existence of mathematical laws and physical constants reveal a Mind bringing order out of chaos.
- Our conscience and inner sense of morality reflect His righteousness, justice and intrinsic goodness.
- Our desire for purpose, meaning and destiny imply a Mind behind human existence.
- The existence of beauty and art reflect His aesthetic nature.
Romans 1:20 is clear that no one has an excuse for denying God’s existence and power. Deep down, each person knows there is a Creator. His divine fingerprints can be seen across every square inch of creation if we open our eyes to observe. Those who reject this revelation and refuse to honor God are without excuse. God has made His presence and attributes sufficiently clear in the natural world.
Creation reveals aspects of God’s nature we could not otherwise know apart from His self-revelation. The created world unveils facets of His eternal power, wisdom, beauty, complexity, attention to detail and order. God’s qualities are not precisely identical to the universe, but creation displays shadows, echoes and analogies of His divine attributes. The universe offers a glimpse into the mind of its Author. As we study the cosmos, we learn something of the One who spoke it into existence.
However, creation has limitations in what it reveals about God. We cannot attain a full understanding of His character and purposes simply from observing nature. The creation story in Genesis 1-2 makes it clear that the universe is separate from God the Creator. He transcends His handiwork. As magnificent as the cosmos is, it falls infinitely short of God’s infinite being. He is fundamentally different from the world He made. Creation reflects aspects of God’s glory, but God in His essence goes far beyond creation. We learn about the Artist through His artworks, but a painting is not the painter. That is why God directly revealed Himself to humanity through Scripture, prophets, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit.
To summarize, the invisible attributes and qualities of God – such as His power, wisdom, creativity, beauty and righteousness – are clearly perceived in what He has made. The natural world offers a glimpse into the character of its divine Maker. However, God is far greater than His creation. The cosmos only reflects fragments of His limitless glory. God gave additional revelation of Himself through inspired Scripture and through taking on human flesh in Jesus Christ. Nature is not God, but it points to the One who spoke it into being. That is why all people stand without excuse for rejecting the knowledge of God evident in creation (Romans 1:20).
Some key Bible verses about general revelation of God through creation include:
- Psalm 19:1 – “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.”
- Psalm 33:6 – “By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, and by the breath of his mouth all their host.”
- Acts 14:17 – “Yet he did not leave himself without witness, for he did good by giving you rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying your hearts with food and gladness.”
- Acts 17:24-27 – “The God who made the world and everything in it, being Lord of heaven and earth, does not live in temples made by man, nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything. And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him.”
- Romans 11:36 – “For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.”
In summary, Romans 1:20 teaches that God has revealed aspects of His divine nature and character in the creation. The universe offers a glimpse into the mind and glory of God. While creation is not God, it points to the eternal power and divine attributes of its wise and purposeful Maker. The natural world offers a window into the existence, wisdom and artistry of the divine Craftsman.