IsItTrue?,
Actually I need to correct my colleague Mike.
Both the Scriptures and the Church do teach that the existence of God is revealed to all people in and through creation and through the natural law which is written in man's heart.
St. Paul makes it clear in Romans Chapter 1:18-22
18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; 19 Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God has showed it unto them. 20 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 deity; so that they are without excuse: 21 Because, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
St Paul makes a similar argument to the Epicurean philosophers on Mars Hill, in Acts 17. He appeals to their statue to the Unknown God... and then quotes one of their own pagan poets.... "In Him, we live, and move, and have our being." (Acts 17:26-28)
So all men can come to a general knowledge of God, through reason, observation, and by listening to the calling of the natural law written in every man's heart.
Today's Gospel reading from Matthew 25 also indicates that God works His grace in those who don't know Him fully.
It's the parable of the sheep and goats being judged. It is not the judgment of Christians. Most people don't get that because they miss what's going on in the text.
First of all, it says He's judging the nations. Matthew was written to Jews and when the Jews hear the word Nations or Goyim they understand it refers to those visibly outside the covenant. Next look at what Jesus says.
Jesus says to sheep when I was hungry you gave me to eat . . . etc. etc.
To the goats, He says when I was hungry, you didn't feed me. . . etc. etc.
Now notice both the sheep and goats responded the same way.
- When did we do this for you? As if to say, who are you?
No Christian would answer like that. For one thing, we've all heard this text a million times.
For another, we know that what we do for others, we do for Christ.
So this text is talking about those who did not hear or understand the Gospel in this present life but responded to the Grace shown to them, through their actions in faith.
I can't quote the exact paragraphs from the Catechism but there are paragraphs that deal with general revelation, the natural law, etc.
The Church also holds that to come to a full and specific knowledge of Christ, it takes Divine Revelation which is transmitted through the Church in both Scripture and Sacred Tradition, guided by the Magisterium of the Church. And when the Church preaches the Word of God, the Holy Spirit quickens the person by grace which is put on his/her heart. Often times the Holy Spirit has already been working to call that person for some period of time before they hear the full truth about God.
Again St. Paul writes in Romans 10:14-17
14 How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! 16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, Lord, who has believed our report? (Isaiah 53:1) 17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.
I hope this clarifies things for you.
Under His Mercy,
John
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