1.5.13-1.5.15 We Have No Excuse

The theme for the last three sections of chapter five deal with how we corrupt the knowledge that God has revealed to us about himself. First, Calvin attacks anyone who corrupts pure religion. Those who do separate themselves from God. They have substituted demons for God and turned pure religion into cults.

There was a belief that people should worship God according to the traditions of their own city. We still do this today - not necessarily city by city, but different churches worship God in different ways. Calvin did not like this practice and said, "Therefore, since either the custom of the city or the agreement of tradition is too weak and frail a bond of piety to follow in worshiping God, it remains for God himself to give witness of himself from heaven."

God does give witness of himself, but we cannot truly understand what he is showing to us. "It is therefore in vain that so many burning lamps shine for us in the workmanship of the universe to show forth the glory of its Author. Although they bathe us wholly in their radiance, yet they can of themselves in no way lead us into the right path. Surely they strike some sparks, but before their filler light shines forth these are smothered." God does show himself to everyone, but unless the Holy Spirit is working in a person these evidences go unnoticed. Romans 1:19-20 reads, "...since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse" (NIV).

We corrupt in our minds the evidences God has shown us. This is no excuse for not properly knowing and worshiping God. We give credit for righteousness, wisdom, goodness, and power to sources other than God. We refuse God his due praise.

We have no excuse. No excuse for not knowing him. No excuse for not properly worshiping him. No excuse for corrupting the knowledge that he has given us. No excuse for not following him. We must thank God for sending his Son for us, for he is our only hope.