What the Bible says about Atheist
(From Forerunner Commentary)

Psalm 10:4 Many claim the title of "Christian" but do not follow Christ's example and instruction. They want its benefits but not its responsibilities. They do not see God calling them into account for their sins, so they believe they are free to continue in them. John Ritenbaugh called this "practical atheism": professing God exists but living as if He does not. So, by failing to practice biblical Christianity, such nominal Christians blaspheme God's name among unbelievers, to use a Pauline phrase (see Romans 2:24). It is no wonder that atheists, seeing the hypocrisy and wreckage of the lives of these Christians-in-name-only, want nothing to do with it. This reality is a significant problem for Christianity overall. So many of its adherents are such hypocrites that it is almost impossible for religious seekers to find any correlation between the eternal principles found in Scripture and the lives of professing believers. There are hundreds of different "brands" of Christians, and they exist in every spot along the moral and political spectrums. The answer to the question, "What does a Christian believe?" could be anything! Richard T. Ritenbaugh God Has Not Called the Atheist Related Topics: Assuming Responsibility | Atheist | Avoiding Hypocrisy | Blaspheming God's Name | Called to Responsibility | Christian Responsibility | Hypocrisy | Practical Atheism

Psalm 14:1 Most of us rarely ponder how others approach life, certainly not those who have rejected God. Yet they face life believing they came from nothing and are charging toward similar nothingness. This nihilism produces existential behavior, that is, living for the moment because they exist now, having no hope or guarantee of existence in the future. In addition, such people feel accountable to no one but themselves or possibly to the state—but certainly not to any Divine Judge who will render to them according to their deeds (Psalm 28:4; Isaiah 59:18; Revelation 20:12). What happens, though, when their lives begin to unravel? To whom do they turn when relationships sour or employment vanishes or disaster strikes? Some may recant their atheism and "find religion," but many are so jaded against spirituality of any sort that a god of any kind is abhorrent to them. Do they lean, then, on psychiatry? Science? Medicine? Law? Government? In reality, each of these human pursuits is as insubstantial as a hologram. In the end, the atheist stands alone. Both Paul and Peter tell us bluntly that our trials and tests are things "common to man" (I Corinthians 10:13; I Peter 4:12). We struggle against the same forces that others do. A poor economy, a war, a natural disaster, an oppressive government, a crime wave, etc., hits us just as it hits others, more or less. The similarity ends there, however. A Christian's approach to his problems—in terms of their purposes, solutions, and products—is far different than an atheist's, or anyone else in the world, for that matter. True Christians see every circumstance as preparation for God's Kingdom and thus worthy of a Christlike course of action. Paul says God does not give us tests beyond our abilities to solve, and in addition, He opens a "way of escape" for them (I Corinthians 10:13). These are wonderful assurances in themselves, but we can be confident of something even better: God's presence with us—indeed, in us!—as we face our trials. We are not alone! God is there to provide "mercy and . . . grace to help in time of need" (Hebrews 4:16). Later, Paul writes, "For He Himself has said, 'I will never leave you nor forsake you'" (Hebrews 13:5). Thus, Peter advises, "[Cast] all your care upon Him, for He cares for you" (I Peter 5:7). Jesus tells His disciples, including us, "I am with you always, even to the end of the age" (Matthew 28:20). Through Isaiah, He comforts us: "Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand" (Isaiah 41:10). Trials, temptations, tests—what are they next to the willing power of God? Remember, we are never alone! God is there (Psalm 23:4)! Call upon Him while He is near (Isaiah 55:6)! Richard T. Ritenbaugh We Are NOT Alone! Related Topics: Atheist | Attitudes toward Trials | Call upon the LORD while He is near | Divine Judgment | Judgment According to Works | Living for the Moment | Trials and Tests | We are Never Alone

Matthew 24:14 God desires His Word preached as a witness to all nations, but He controls whom He calls and chooses among those who hear it. He will give the rest an opportunity for salvation in the second or general resurrection from the dead (Revelation 20:11-13). Among those will be many atheists who could see no worth in believing a God who did not respond to them or in a Christianity that did not live up to its principles. At that time, many of them will finally have their eyes opened to believe the truth and submit to Christ. It is not the job of the church to convince unbelievers out of their unbelief with clever apologetics or emotional appeals. Instead, its job is to preach the truth of the Bible with conviction and clarity, live it as much as possible before the world as examples of Christ's way, and be prepared to assist those whom the Father calls and leads to Christ and His church. That is enough for human beings coming out of this world, even with the help of the Holy Spirit. We can leave the rest to God. Richard T. Ritenbaugh God Has Not Called the Atheist Related Topics: Appreciating Our Calling | Atheist | Calling | Calling and Election | Calling is God's Prerogative | Gospel as Witness | Teach all Nations

 

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