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GOD, THE BIBLE AND UNBELIEF/ATHEISM Most militant atheists make their pride in unbelief known with their typical forcefulness. The Bible has a not-so-well known definition for atheists: their are "fools," or irrational, and blind thinkers. It also adds that they are wicked, but the context and the New Testament makes clear that that is a generalization that applies not only to them but to all mankind. Yet, it is quite fascinating to find that atheism was alive and well 2700 or so years ago and that the Creator made known His view of the philosophy that many years ago. But Unfortunately, foolishness dies hard, as the multitude of militant atheistic web sites and books indicate. It is quite fascinating that the Bible not only gives a stern definition of atheism, it does so "twice" for double emphasis.
Psalm 14:1
Psalm 53:1 The same God makes known not
only that His existence is beyond need of proof, but that He is the one and
only Creator.
Isaiah 44:6 The Bible also tells us the "ultimate" cause for unbelief: a nature hostile to God and His righteousness. All the proofs against God's existence, or the insistence that the proofs for God's existence are insufficient are just a thick shield that protects unbelievers from realities that would transform their sin-filled lives, which they have no intention of doing.
Romans 8:7 This kind of enmity against God and His commandments is particularly present in militant atheists who not only have an aversion toward God's ways, they also openly preach life styles that are anti-God and do so with shocking arrogance (See Arrogance of Atheism on this site). Paul tells us that this rebellion against God and His righteousness goes back to the origins of humanity. In the past it manifested itself in idolatry and religions which allowed all kinds of perversions. Today the denial of God has become more sophisticated. It is supported by seemingly rational philosophies and by self-deceived intellectuals who use their academic credentials to gain credibility with naive and not-so-sophisticated thinkers that easily become prey to their deceit. Romans 1: 18-32 18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. 20 For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Professing to be wise, they became fools, (The self-delusion that the rejection of the Sovereign God is a step toward "enlightenment" is nothing new.) 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man—and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things. Notice that the abandonment of the true God can lead to self-abandonment and sinful life styles. 24 Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, 25 who exchanged the truth of God for the lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. 26 For this reason God gave them up to vile passions. For even their women exchanged the natural use for what is against nature. 27 Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust for one another, men with men committing what is shameful, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due. 28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a debased mind, to do those things which are not fitting; 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, 30 backbiters, haters of God, violent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; 32 who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them. The last verse is quite enlightening. As humanity departs from God, it will at first perform perverted acts privately, in time though, we see that there is a move towards "public approval" of such behaviours and finally "celebration" of the same. In North America we are now in the last stage which will finally be followed by "the righteous judgement of God" also emphasized by other Scriptures, such as Jude 1:7-8. Jude 1:7-8 (New King James Version)7 as Sodom and Gomorrah, and the cities around them in a similar manner to these, having given themselves over to sexual immorality and gone after strange flesh, are set forth as an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire. The ultimate punishment that awaits all sinners though is "the wrath of God." Atheists, and rebellious sinners of all types, including hypocritical religious people will be excluded from the Kingdom of God, unless they repent. 1 Corinthians 6:9--Don’t you realize that those who do wrong will not inherit the Kingdom of God?
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