People Are Without Excuse

We live in a time that leaves many of us shocked, grieved, and deeply troubled. Immoral behavior, once hidden in the shadows, now parades openly through our neighborhoods and communities. Sinfulness is not only tolerated but celebrated, approved, and even enshrined in laws by governments worldwide. From the erosion of Biblical values to the promotion of lifestyles that defy God’s design, society seems to be spiraling further into chaos. People are turning their backs on God, rejecting His Word and His ways, and embracing a mindset that Scripture describes as depraved.

This is not a new phenomenon. The Apostle Paul, writing nearly 2,000 years ago, addressed this very reality in Romans 1. At the heart of his argument lies verse 20: "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, ESV). Paul declares that humanity’s rejection of God is not due to ignorance but a deliberate choice, one that leaves us without excuse. In this post, we will explore the meaning of this verse, unpack its key phrases in the original Greek, and see how it speaks to the moral decline we witness today. Most importantly, we’ll discover the hope that shines through the darkness—hope found in Jesus Christ.

Romans 1:20: The Heart of the Matter

Paul’s words in Romans 1:20 are a cornerstone of his larger argument in Romans 1:18-23, where he explains why God’s wrath is revealed against all ungodliness and unrighteousness. The verse asserts that God has made Himself known through creation, so clearly that no one can plead ignorance as a defense for rejecting Him. To understand this, let’s examine the passage in context and then dive into its exegesis.

The broader passage reads: "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. 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. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things" (Romans 1:18-23, ESV).

Here, Paul outlines a progression: God reveals Himself, people suppress that truth, and the result is futile thinking, darkened hearts, and idolatry. Romans 1:20 is the linchpin, showing how God’s revelation in creation leaves humanity accountable.

Exegesis of Romans 1:20

To grasp the full weight of Paul’s message, let’s break down Romans 1:20 phrase by phrase, exploring the original Greek and its implications.

"His Invisible Attributes" (τὰ ἀόρατα αὐτοῦ, ta aorata autou)

Paul begins with "his invisible attributes," referring to qualities of God that cannot be seen with the physical eye. The Greek term τὰ ἀόρατα (ta aorata) means "things unseen" or "invisible." Though God is spirit (John 4:24) and beyond our direct sight, His character is revealed indirectly. Just as we discern an artist’s skill through their artwork, creation reflects God’s nature. These attributes aren’t vague; Paul specifies them next.

"His Eternal Power and Divine Nature" (ἥ τε ἀΐδιος αὐτοῦ δύναμις καὶ θειότης, hē te aidios autou dynamis kai theiotēs)

Paul clarifies what these invisible attributes are: "his eternal power and divine nature." In Greek:

ἀΐδιος (aidios) means "eternal" or "everlasting," highlighting that God’s power has no beginning or end—unlike human strength, which fades.

δύναμις (dynamis) translates to "power," pointing to God’s ability to create and sustain the universe. Think of the galaxies’ vastness or the energy within a single atom—both testify to a power beyond comprehension.

θειότης (theiotēs) means "divinity" or "divine nature," encompassing God’s holiness, wisdom, and sovereignty. The order of nature, the complexity of life, and the beauty of a sunset all reflect a Creator who is inherently divine.

Through creation, God’s eternal might and divine essence are on display for all to see.

"Have Been Clearly Perceived" (καθορᾶται, kathoratai)

How can invisible things be seen? Paul uses καθορᾶται (kathoratai), meaning "to see clearly" or "to perceive distinctly." This isn’t about physical vision but mental understanding. The evidence of God in creation is so plain that it’s unmistakable to a reasoning mind. This isn’t a leap of faith; it’s a logical conclusion. As Psalm 19:1 declares, "The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork" (ESV). Day and night, creation speaks a universal language.

"In the Things That Have Been Made" (τοῖς ποιήμασιν, tois poiēmasin)

This perception happens "in the things that have been made," from the Greek τοῖς ποιήμασιν (tois poiēmasin), meaning "created works." This includes the entire natural world—the stars, mountains, oceans, and even the intricacies of human DNA. Each element bears the Creator’s signature. Acts 17:24-27 reinforces this: God made everything so that people might seek Him, and He is not far from us. From the laws of physics to the beauty of a flower, creation shouts of a purposeful design.

"So They Are Without Excuse" (ἀναπολόγητος, anapologētos)

Paul concludes with a sobering truth: "So they are without excuse." The Greek ἀναπολόγητος (anapologētos) means "without defense" or "inexcusable." Because God’s attributes are clearly revealed, no one can stand before Him and say, “I didn’t know.” This general revelation through creation is universal and sufficient to hold all accountable. However, it’s not sufficient for salvation—that requires the gospel (Romans 1:16)—but it leaves humanity guilty of rejecting what they’ve been shown.

The Context: Romans 1:18-23

Romans 1:20 doesn’t stand alone. Verses 18-23 paint a fuller picture:

Verse 18: God’s wrath targets "ungodliness" (offenses against Him) and "unrighteousness" (sins against others) of those who "suppress the truth" (κατέχω, katechō, "to hold down").

Verse 19: What can be known of God is plain because He has shown it.

Verse 20: Creation reveals His attributes, leaving no excuse.

Verse 21: Though they knew God, they didn’t glorify Him or give thanks, leading to "futile" (ματαιόω, mataioō, "vain") thoughts and "darkened" (σκοτίζω, skotizō) hearts.

Verse 22: Claiming wisdom, they became fools.

Verse 23: They traded God’s glory for idols (εἰκών, eikon, "image").

This is a downward spiral: suppress truth, reject God, distort thinking, and worship false gods.

Charles Spurgeon captures this: "Knowledge is of no use if it does not lead to holy practice… It does not matter what you know, unless it leads you to glorify God, and to be thankful." Ingratitude is shocking: "I cannot say anything much worse of a man than that he is not thankful to God," Spurgeon adds. The refusal to honor God sets the stage for depravity.

Today’s World is A Mirror of Romans 1

Paul’s words resonate with chilling clarity today. We see immoral behavior not just tolerated but celebrated. Governments protect and promote what Scripture calls sin, often under banners of compassion or progress. This isn’t mere cultural drift—it’s the fruit of rejecting God. Romans 1:28 warns, "Since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, so God gave them over to a depraved mind" (ESV). Isaiah 5:20 echoes this: "Woe to those who call evil good and good evil."

People claim wisdom—progressive, enlightened—but Romans 1:22 labels them fools. Rejecting God’s truth, they lose their moral compass, defining right and wrong by personal desire or societal trends. This depravity manifests in open sinfulness, from sexual immorality to pride in rebellion against God’s design. Yet, this isn’t just a societal issue—it’s personal. We must ask: Are we suppressing God’s truth in our own lives? If so, we too are without excuse.

Hope in the Darkness: Jesus, the Light

Despite this bleak reality, there’s hope. John 1:4 proclaims, "In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind." Jesus said, "I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness" (John 12:46, ESV). While creation reveals God’s power, the gospel reveals His grace. Through Christ’s death and resurrection, we can turn from rebellion, be forgiven, and have our minds renewed.

God’s love shines brightest against sin’s darkness. He is patient, "not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9, ESV). As believers, we’re called to be lights (Matthew 5:16), sharing the gospel and living in a way that glorifies God. Even in a depraved world, revival is possible through prayer and bold witness.

Practical Steps: Living Out Romans 1:20

How do we respond?

Gratitude: Marvel at creation—sunsets, stars, life itself—and thank God for revealing Himself.

Witness: Point skeptics to nature’s design. As Isaac Newton saw God in the universe’s order, so can others.

Self-Examination: Ensure we’re not suppressing truth in our lives, repenting where needed.

Proclaim the Gospel: Creation condemns, but Christ saves. Share this hope.

[Add practical examples: a nature walk, a conversation starter with a skeptic, or a prayer for renewal.]

No Excuses, But Abundant Grace

Romans 1:20 is a sobering truth: God’s eternal power and divine nature are clearly seen in creation, leaving us without excuse for rejecting Him. When we suppress this truth, we reap futile thinking and moral decay, as our world demonstrates. Yet, Jesus offers redemption. Let’s glorify God, give thanks, and shine His light, trusting His grace to transform even the darkest hearts.

Reflect: Are you honoring God with what He’s revealed? Pray for those lost in darkness, that they may see Christ’s light. In a world without excuse, there’s still hope—because of Jesus.