Scripture
30 In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent. 31 For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising him from the dead.”
Reflection
In verse 30 we read God overlooked human ignorance but now God is commanding everyone everywhere to repent. The ‘human ignorance’ referred to is the lack of knowledge about God among the Gentiles who worshiped and created idols (vv.22-29). God was patient with the Gentiles, though they were still under His wrath (Rom. 1:18) and are without any excuse because of natural revelation (Rom. 1:19–20). And even though the Gentiles were responsible for the general or natural revelation given to them; God is now saying no one has an excuse because of the cross. With the worldwide proclamation of the gospel, the Gentiles now became also responsible to this special revelation. That is Jesus Christ crucified and raised from the dead. The Gentiles also have a responsibility now to respond and obey God’s command to repent of their sins. They no longer have an excuse because of what Jesus did on the cross.
Thoughts for the day
- Are there any excuses in your life that you use to justify a specific idol or sin in your life?
Prayer
“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers,” Psalm 1:1
Ask – “What is the Holy Spirit saying to me through these verses?” “What or who is the Holy Spirit prompting me to pray for?” This could be a personal prayer for you, a prayer for loved ones, or an intercession for our world
