Prior Book | Prior Chapter | Prior Verse | Next Verse | Next Chapter | Next Book | Viewing NASB and Amplified 2015 | |
NASB | Romans 1:20 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. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Romans 1:20 For ever since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through His workmanship [all His creation, the wonderful things that He has made], so that they [who fail to believe and trust in Him] are without excuse and without defense. [Ps 19:1-4; Eph 2:10] |
Bible Question:
Could you inform me what happened to the multitude of people that died without ever been able to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ through all these centuries since the Gospel was first preached? Is it fair? |
Bible Answer: Is God fair? 'Is God fair? That depends entirely on your definition of the word fair. If by fair, you mean God treats everyone the same, then no, God is not fair. We often have the mindset that unless everyone is treated equally, it is not fair. Parents with two children must give equal amounts of presents, spend equal amounts of time, etc., etc. – all in attempts to be fair. God does not deal with humanity in this way. God is good, gracious, loving, forgiving – but He is also just, righteous, and holy. We have all sinned against God (Romans 3:23) and are therefore worthy of eternal death (Romans 6:23). If we all received what we deserve, we would all end up in the lake of fire (Revelation 20:14-15). God is good, so He sent Jesus Christ to die on the cross in our place, taking the punishment that we deserve (2 Corinthians 5:21). All we have to do is believe in Him and we will be saved, forgiven, and promised an eternal home in heaven (John 3:16). 'However, despite God’s loving grace, no one would believe in Him on their own (Romans 3:10-18). God has to draw us to Him in order for us to believe (John 6:44). God does not draw everyone, but only certain people He has sovereignly chosen (Romans 8:29-30; Ephesians 1:5,11). This is not “fair” since God is not treating all people equally. However, God does not have to choose anyone. Those whom God has chosen are receiving God’s love and grace. Those whom God has not chosen are receiving what they truly deserve. So, in this sense, God is being fair. Those who reject Him receive the punishment they deserve (John 3:18,36). Those who believe are receiving far more. No one, though, is being punished beyond what they deserve. So, this is fair. I invite you to read the parable found in Matthew chapter 20, verses 1-16. In our minds, that is not fair. It is an example, though, of God being gracious to some and fair to everyone.' ____________________ www.gotquestions.org/is-God-fair.html |