All the World's a Stage

Shakespeare made the phrase used as a title for this post popular in his pastoral comedy As you like it. His observations of the entrances and exits of human existence were common knowledge. However, his interpretation of these demonstrate the futility of such knowledge. Exactly what Shakespeare meant by the world may be debated but if one understands it to mean creation as the backdrop of human existence then his morbid view of human life becomes even more tragic. This view is so tragic because the world is often taken for granted in all of the experiences that men encounter in life. More importantly, the conclusions that someone can arrive at from this stage position men to experience life in a way that is fulfilling and full of hope. What is the general message of the stage of human existence?

I believe general revelation is that truth which can be clearly perceived and which God has made known to all men. It sufficiently provides enough proof of God’s existence, character, nature, and power so as to leave man without any excuse of ignorance about his creator. (Psalm 19:1-4; Romans 1:19-20) Creation is the context in which God testifies of his providential love for mankind as a whole. (Acts 14:17) I believe the following are conclusions that can be naturally derived from what is generally experienced by all men:

·         Creation demonstrates the existence of a reality that is independent from human experience.

·         The structured arrangement of creation points to a creator.

·         The forces of nature in creation demonstrate a creative power that is beyond human comprehension.

·         The aesthetics of creation demonstrate the character of the creator.

·         The universally understood sense of right and wrong demonstrates a moral law that governs all human experience.

·         The pleasure, suffering, and corruption experienced and perceived in creation reveal a flawed reality of an ideal concept of existence.

·         The predictable and unpredictable cycles and patterns of creation reveal ongoing providential governance over creation.

Ultimately, general revelation is sufficient evidence that a creator exists and that man is to be governed by him. However, it is not sufficient to help men become rightly related to God. I will post on that later.