(Note: My statements in bold are for clarification only. I never mean to (sometimes it happens by mistake and I am sorry.) point fingers (unless you are in serious error or a wack job. It's every True Christians responsibility to always point at error. Always in a Spirit of Meekness and sincerity toward God in the hope of converting a brother or sister to the Lord.))
Romans 1:19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.
Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them: In this phrase, Paul is stating that the essential knowledge about God, particularly His existence and some of His attributes, is evident or clearly seen within people themselves. The term "manifest" suggests that this knowledge is not hidden but is openly available or apparent to human beings. The use of "in them" indicates that this knowledge is inherent or internal to every person.
for God hath shewed it unto them: Here, Paul clarifies that the reason this knowledge is available to people is that God has actively revealed it to them. This revelation is not necessarily through the Scripture or special revelation (like visions or prophecy) at this point but through what is often referred to as "
general revelation." General revelation refers to God's self-disclosure through creation, history, and the inner moral law within each person. It is through these means that God makes Himself known to all people, regardless of their cultural, religious, or geographic background.
The broader context of Romans 1, particularly verses 18-20, expands on this idea by explaining that God's invisible qualities, His eternal power, and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made (i.e., the creation), so that people are without excuse for not acknowledging God. Paul's argument is that humanity cannot plead ignorance of God's existence because God has made Himself known through the natural world and the moral understanding inherent within each person.
Therefore, Romans 1:19 emphasizes the accountability of all people to God due to His self-revelation through the means available to everyone. This forms the basis for Paul's further discussion on the rejection of this knowledge by humanity and the subsequent consequences of such rejection.
Specific revelation, on the other hand, refers to God's self-disclosure through the Scriptures, the person of Jesus Christ, and other direct forms of communication (e.g., prophecy). Specific revelation provides a more detailed understanding of God's character, His will, the nature of salvation, and how humanity can be reconciled to God through faith in Jesus Christ.
Human depravity, according to Christian theology, refers to the sinful state of human nature resulting from the Fall of Man (the original sin by Adam and Eve as described in Genesis). This depravity affects every part of a person's being
including the heart and is characterized by a natural inclination towards sin. Depravity means that, without divine intervention, humans are incapable of restoring their relationship with God on their own.
Overcoming human depravity and being reconciled to God
requires specific revelation—particularly the gospel of Jesus Christ, which is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes (Romans 1:16). It is through faith in Jesus Christ, who lived a sinless life, died for our sins, and rose from the dead, that individuals are justified before God and receive a new nature empowered by the Holy Spirit.
"that which may be known of God" through general revelation brings awareness of God's existence and His moral law but does not address or remove human depravity. Overcoming depravity and experiencing spiritual renewal necessitate embracing the specific revelation of the gospel, which provides the only means of salvation and transformation.