Have you noticed how our society often tries to excuse an
individual’s wrongdoing by placing blame on others (for example,
parents) or on external circumstances? Scriptures, however, place
responsibility on the wrongdoer’s shoulders: “…they are without
excuse.” (We are without excuse.)
I think Romans 1:18-20 makes a lot of sense:
18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all
ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in
unrighteousness,
19 because that which is known about God is evident within them;
for God made it evident to them.
20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes,
His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being
understood through what has been made, so that they are without
excuse.
~ New American Standard Bible
During the years when Frank was doing volunteer ministry in state
correctional facilities, he had the opportunity to ask approximately 500
men if they realized, at the time of their breaking the law, that what
they were doing was wrong. Every man answered “yes”; in every case,
these inmates admitted that they knew they were doing something wrong,
and heard that inner voice of the Holy Spirit telling them not to do it.
Notice that the above quoted scriptural passage applies to all
people, and is not limited to believers in Christ. From this, I conclude
that God holds those who profess to believe in Jesus as their Lord and
Savior to an even higher standard. Is it any wonder that we are told:
“…work out your salvation with fear and trembling….”? (Philippians 2:12)
In Matthew 7:13-14 Jesus says:
13 "Enter by the narrow gate; for the gate is wide, and the way is
broad that leads to destruction, and many are those who enter by it.
14 "For the gate is small, and the way is narrow that leads to
life, and few are those who find it.”
~ New American Standard Bible
