“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.” – Romans 1:20

Scripture reading: Revelation 22:1-21; John 20:30, 31

Romans 1:20 makes it clear that the majesty of creation leaves us without excuse to acknowledge, trust, and live for God. We do so by saving faith in Christ, having great joy in this life and throughout eternity! But many others are separated from Christ, “having no hope and without God in the world” (Ephesians 2:12).

Many are separated from Christ because “The god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers” (2 Corinthians 4:4). Many others hesitate to come to Christ in repentance and faith because of sins in their past and present. If that describes you, remember the lost son who squandered his inheritance on prostitutes and wild living. When he confessed his sin and returned to his Father, he was welcomed with open arms (Luke 15:11-24). God’s grace is greater than your sin! For many others “The cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word” and they fall away (Matthew 13:22). Still others, refusing to acknowledge God, are given over in their sin and reap sorrow in this life, and unless they repent, eternal sorrow (Romans 1:18-32).

Instead of making excuses not to believe, take to heart the invitation of Revelation 22:17: “The Spirit and the Bride say, ‘Come.’ And let the one who hears say, ‘Come.’ And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price” so that by believing you may have life in His name! (John 20:30, 31).

Suggestions for prayer

If by grace you have true saving faith in Christ, thank God for His wondrous works of creation, providence, and redemption! And, if you are on the outside looking in, pray that God would graciously give you a new heart and saving faith in Christ alone.

Pastor Ted Gray is an emeritus minister of First United Reformed Church in Oak Lawn, Illinois. Before serving in Oak Lawn, Pastor Gray served Orthodox Presbyterian churches in Oregon and Florida, and Christian Reformed churches in Vermont and Illinois. He and his wife, Karen, reside in Crown Point, Indiana. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com.