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Attempts at Honesty

Reflections on the interplay of the Bible and Culture

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Home Bible Reflection The sufficiency of natural revelation

The sufficiency of natural revelation

Posted on March 23, 2016 Written by Mark McIntyre Leave a Comment


Heavens DeclareThe title of this post is a shameless play on words. It is not uncommon in theological circles to speak of the in-sufficiency of Scripture, but I dropped the “in” to make a point. Scripture is sufficient to make known God as creator.

Some would argue that nature points to the possibility that God might exist but does not provide conclusive proof. Yet Scripture seems to go against this statement. For example, the Apostle Paul writes:

“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.” (Romans 1:18–20, ESV)

Paul tells us that those who reject God are without excuse. They cannot argue that God did not give them sufficient proof. The problem is not the absence of evidence, the problem is the suppression of the evidence that is given to all men. Creation is sufficient to reveal the character and perfections of the God of the Bible.

While nature does not provide exhaustive knowledge of God, it does provide enough information to show us that God exists and to challenge us to seek him.


Filed Under: Bible Reflection

About Mark McIntyre

A follower of Jesus Christ who shares observations about how Scripture should impact the church and the world. Mark is the original author and editor of Attempts at Honesty.

I have the opportunity to go to Istanbul, Turkey this summer to minister to Syrian refugees. If you would like more details about this trip, please use this link Mark McIntyre - Istanbul, Turkey Please note that this trip is fully funded, but I would appreciate your continued prayer. The trip will take place June 27 - July 6, 2025.

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