Are People Without Excuse for Not Knowing God?

Direct Answer

Yes — Romans 1:18-20 says people are without excuse because God has made Himself known through creation.

Paul writes that what may be known about God is evident in everyone because God has shown it to them. His invisible power and divine nature are clearly seen in the things He has made. Les Feldick adds that even a person who never heard the Gospel can look at a starry sky and conclude there is a Creator, and Titus 2:11 shows the grace of God has appeared to all men.

Key Scriptures

Romans 1:18-20 — Paul directly states that God has revealed Himself through creation, making every person without excuse.

Titus 2:11 — Shows the grace that brings salvation has already appeared to all people, not merely a favored few.

What Does the Bible Say?

Paul reveals that the wrath of God is against all ungodliness and unrighteousness. He then explains why no one can plead ignorance: because that which may be known of God is manifest in them, for God hath shewed it unto them. Since the creation of the world, the invisible things of God — even His eternal power and Godhead — are clearly seen by being understood through the things He has made, so that they are without excuse. Titus 2:11 adds that the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men. This is not a small or hidden work; it is something God has already displayed to the whole human race.

What Does Les Feldick Teach About People Without Excuse?

Les Feldick says that when people ask him about those who have never heard the Gospel, his answer starts with Romans 1:18 — they are without excuse. He explains the reason: God has made Himself known through creation. Nature is so clear that anyone who looks into a starry midnight sky can come to the conclusion that there is a Creator God. Les also points to John 1:9, teaching that the true Light, Christ, lighteth every man that cometh into the world. He sees this as reaching everyone coming into the world, including people today. He pairs this with Titus 2:11, saying the grace of God that brings salvation has already appeared to all men, not just a favored few. Les is careful to say he cannot fully explain this, but he takes it by faith because Scripture says it.

Why Does Romans 1 Say People Are Without Excuse?

Romans 1:19-20 says what may be known of God is manifest in them and that God has shown it to them. From the creation of the world, His invisible attributes and eternal power are clearly seen in the things He has made. Paul draws the conclusion that they are without excuse.

What About People Who Have Never Heard the Gospel?

Les Feldick says he is often asked this question. He answers by pointing to Romans 1:18 and explaining why people are without excuse. The created order gives enough evidence that there is a Creator. A person can look at the starry sky and realize God is behind it all.

How Broad Is the Grace of God?

Titus 2:11 says the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. Les Feldick emphasizes that this means every human being, not a select few. He admits it is something he cannot explain logically, but he believes it because it is what the Scripture says.

From the Teaching

Grace Brings Salvation to All Men

Les quotes Titus 2:11 and teaches that the grace of God that brings salvation has already appeared to all men, not just a favored few.

Those Who Never Heard Are Still Without Excuse

Les answers the question about people who never heard the Gospel by pointing to Romans 1:18 and explaining why they are without excuse.

Nature Reveals a Creator to All

Les teaches that the grace of God has appeared to every human being and that nature itself speaks to pagans and those who never heard the literal Word of God.

God Has Clearly Shown Himself Through Creation

Les reads Romans 1:18-20 and explains that the knowledge of God is clear, not a fog, because the creation reveals His power and Godhead.

The Starry Sky Leads to a Creator

Les says a person who looks at a starry midnight sky can come to the conclusion that there is a Creator God, so they have all the evidence and are without excuse.

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Bible Verses

Romans 1:18-20: For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

This is the foundational passage proving that no person can claim ignorance of God.

Titus 2:11: For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men,

Les uses this verse to show that God's saving grace is not limited to a small group.

John 1:9: That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world.

Les points to this verse to show Christ's light reaches every person coming into the world.

Frequently Asked Questions

What about people who have never heard the Gospel?

Les Feldick says his answer begins with Romans 1:18 — they are without excuse. The reason is that creation itself makes the Creator known. A person can look at a starry midnight sky and conclude there is a Creator God.

Does God hold people accountable even if they have never read the Bible?

Yes, according to Romans 1:19-20. What may be known of God is manifest in them, and God has shown it to them through creation. His invisible power and Godhead are clearly seen, so they are without excuse.

According to Les Feldick, has God's grace appeared to everyone?

Yes. Les quotes Titus 2:11, which says the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. He says this is not just a favored few, but the whole human race, even though he cannot explain it fully.

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