Originally Posted by Robin
All that is a bit over my head, but doesn't the Westminster Confession say that the light of nature is sufficient to demonstrate the condemnation of all men under sin, but that only supernatural revelation is sufficient for salvation?
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Romans 1:16-23 (ASV) 16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. 17 For therein is revealed a righteousness of God from faith unto faith: as it is written, But the righteous shall live by faith. 18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hinder the truth in unrighteousness; 19 because that which is known of God is manifest in them; for God manifested it unto them. 20 For the invisible things of him since the creation of the world are clearly seen, being perceived through the things that are made, [even] his everlasting power and divinity; that they may be without excuse: 21 because that, knowing God, they glorified him not as God, neither gave thanks; but became vain in their reasonings, and their senseless heart was darkened. 22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God for the likeness of an image of corruptible man, and of birds, and four-footed beasts, and creeping things.
1. The Gospel [mediated by the Spirit] is the power of God unto salvation.
2. The natural revelation only shows Gods wrath upon all mankind [unbelievers].
3. Why? Because the power [omnipotence] and divinity [aseity] of God [His existence as God] is revealed in the creation AND more damning is the fact that these truths are innate in every human being [truths are manifest IN them]. But they all, without exception revile this truth and substitute this incontrovertible truth which they know with lies.

The WCF is simply echoing what Scripture teaches about natural revelation. It is possible to show these imaginative falsehoods which men substitute for the truth through apologetics, but all that does is enrage their hatred of God. The best way to approach unbelievers is to establish that EVERYONE begins with a presupposition; either their own fabrications or Scripture which is the source of all truth. And the only way that anyone is going to accept this is by the hearing of the Gospel and the work of the Holy Spirit regenerating their dead souls, giving them eyes to see, ears to hear and a mind that is able to comprehend the things of God.

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simul iustus et peccator

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