Flimsy Excuses

"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." (Romans 1: 20)

"Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things." (Romans 2: 1)

"Now we know that what things soever the law saith, it saith to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God." (Romans 3: 19)

These verses state clearly that there is no "excuse" that any sinner can legitimately give to God that will avail him in the matter of his salvation. Man is in every way "without excuse." This does not mean, however, that sinners don't offer excuses, for they do, offering many and varied ones, but it does mean that no sinner has any justifiable or legitimate excuses, ones that will hold up in the court of heaven.

Man has no excuse for his unbelief in God, in his omnipotence and omniscience. They have no excuse for the testimonials are everywhere in God's creation and in his providence. Men, in justifying their unbelief, are simply manifesting their spiritual blindness and hardness of heart.

Man, whatever his state or situation, has no "excuse" that he can give that will bring God to show him saving mercy, when once he is summoned to appear before God and heaven's judgment bar. The infant sinner has no excuse, not being able to plead infantile purity or good works. He can only be saved by claiming divine mercy. The sinner who dies without divine revelation, without hearing the gospel, he too is "without excuse." And surely no one who has heard the good news message of Christ has any "excuse" for his refusing to believe and to receive pardon from Christ.

Christ has everything a sinner needs for salvation. A sinner has no excuse for not being now being reconciled to God and delivered from the bondage of sin. Yes, sinners come up with lots of excuses for not coming, but each one of them is without foundation.

Sinners often say - "I love sin too much," and the reply is - "ask the Lord to take away your love for sin." Simply ask him to change your affections, the things you love and hate.

Sinners often say - "I don't have the power to overcome my sins," and the reply is - "ask the Lord to give you his power." He has all power and is ready to give you his power.

Sinners often say - "I am not able to pray." It is true that you cannot pray in and of yourself, and you need the Spirit of God to pray. But, all you have to do is to call upon the Lord to give you his Spirit to pray.

Sinners often say - "I am not able to believe nor repent." But, the scriptures testify that Christ gives repentance. So, there is "no excuse."

Sinners often say - "God does not hear me." But, all you have to do is to ask him to give you the words and the tongue to speak to him! He will give to you whatever it is you need to come to him, and to overcome any obstacle in your way.

Sinners often say - "I cannot hear God." Then ask the Lord to give you eyes! That is no "excuse"!

Sinners often say - "I cannot believe." Then the reply is - "ask the Lord to give you faith." If you have no heart for it, then ask the Lord to give you such a heart to know and to love him.

"And sent his servant at supper time to say to them that were bidden, Come; for all things are now ready. And they all with one consent began to make excuse. The first said unto him, I have bought a piece of ground, and I must needs go and see it: I pray thee have me excused. And another said, I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I go to prove them: I pray thee have me excused." (Luke 14: 17-19)

All these people who had been graciously invited to dine in the king's presence, and to enjoy his company, had refused the invitation and all began to "make excuse." This parable reminds us how many sinners, when hearing the gospel invitation to come to Christ for salvation, nevertheless refuse the invitation and offer their "excuses" for doing so. But, all excuses will prove to be of no value.

"And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless." (Matthew 22: 12)

Here is another example of a guilty man attempting to offer excuses for his disobedience and insults. Therefore, he was "speechless," realizing that all his "excuses" were "flimsy."

"But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4: 19)

This verse is important in this study of the "flimsy excuses" that sinners offer now and will offer in the coming day of judgment. It demonstrates how the sinner has no excuse. He cannot legitimately or justifiably say "I could not help it," for Christ has been ever present and willing to help him. But, he refused to look to Christ to give him what he needed to overcome all obstacles in his way.

"Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." (Matthew 7: 22 KJV)

Here will be one of the leading "excuses" offered by sinners in the day of judgment. They will plead that they should be "excused" for their sins because of all the good deeds they did, yea, even "in his name." Yet, this plea will be rejected and they will be left "without excuse." Salvation is not in believing that somehow our "good deeds" will "outweigh" or otherwise "atone for" our "evil deeds."

Friend, "there is no other name given among men whereby you can be saved." (Acts 4:12) Trust in him today and be fully justified and you will need not look for any excuses, or any "loopholes" in the law of God.