Romans 1:18-19
“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because that which is known about God is evident within them; God made it evident to them.”
Not only does Satan’s deception play a part in man’s separation from God, but the Bible also shows that there is a willfulness involved in man’s choice of the direction in which he is headed. Men “suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because that which is known about God is evident within them…”.
In his deception, Satan has been so forceful and his argument has been so deceptive, that sincere men will argue and fight against God, thinking they are serving God. Jesus prophesied that people will kill in the name of God and think, sincerely, that they are doing God a service (John 16:2).
In the Parable of Lazarus and the Rich Man (Luke 16), the result of Satan’s deception has created a gap between God and man that is described as “impassable”. Sin brought death, and for humans to bridge the gap to eternal life is impossible.
Salvation can very easily and accurately be described as “being at one with God.” As long as we are separated from God, we do not have salvation. When we are “at one” with God, it means that we are becoming like Him. It means that we are walking along the same path and will be saved.
Jesus Christ’s death bridges this impossible situation for us. We can, then, begin to contribute our part to being at one with God. What remains yet undone, even though the gap is bridged, is a change that must be worked in us, a change in character and in attitude in order for us to become like God. It takes living God’s way in order to become like God. This is why the humility is necessary.
