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Romans 1:18-22 (KJV)
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. 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: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,
I’ve been telling people for a long time that I don’t believe in atheists. I call them “nonbelievers” and won’t use “atheist” unless it’s the name of something, like The Amazing Atheist (don’t watch his videos unless you can handle strong language. He’s angry about everything), or out of habit. For people like Richard Dawkins, I say “antitheist“. But other than that, I mostly stick to saying “nonbeliever”.
I have been asked why. Basically, it’s because of the opening series of verses. God put the knowledge of his existence in everyone’s heart, so there is no excuse to not believe. Therefore, there can’t be atheists, as they say there is no such thing as God. They know there is yet refuse to acknowledge Him. They are nonbelievers. I especially love that last line, “Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,”
Immediately, I think of people like the aforementioned Richard Dawkins and, of course, Stephen Hawking. They claim to be geniuses, and countless people agree, but even The Daily Mail calls out Hawking. In the documentary, Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed, Richard Dawkins makes the claim that he would accept literally any explanation of how we got here, including aliens, except for God putting us here. That’s willful ignorance.
2 Peter 3:3-5 (KJV)
Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. For this they willingly are ignorant of, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water:
That verse pretty much sums up nonbelievers, more specifically antitheists. They willingly are ignorant. Give them undeniable facts, and they’ll find an excuse to deny it anyway.
I want to point out right now that I’m not saying nonbelievers are all militant. I know loads of nonbelievers who are some of the sweetest people I know and are willing to help those around them. But I have noticed that when you mention Jesus, they immediately become bitter. This one girl I know is so kind to everyone that I automatically assumed that she was a Christian, so I asked what church she went to. She immediately became angry (the only time I have ever seen her angry) and shouted, “I don’t believe in that ****!!”. She then apologized because that was so out of character for her. She never swears.
John 3:18 (KJV)
He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
Hebrews 4:12 (KJV)
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Basically, there’s power in the name of Jesus. People who aren’t saved feel guilty, or condemned, and it makes them uncomfortable. I was like that before I was saved. When people would say “Jesus” I’d feel uneasy and if they said it too much I’d get angry. I’d also have to mutter it because it felt uncomfortable saying it out loud. Now I feel happy when I hear it, and I usually say it loud when I do say it. “The only way to Heaven is JESUS!”.
Finally, back to the last line of the opening verses. It says the people who don’t believe and think themselves to be wise are in fact “fools”. What are fools according to Scripture?
Psalm 53:1 (KJV)
The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. Corrupt are they, and have done abominable iniquity: there is none that doeth good.
There you have it. Nonbelievers are fools. Even the sweet ones who wouldn’t actually hurt anyone. Love them, of course, but the Bible is clear that unless they believe on Jesus, they will remain willingly ignorant and spend their eternity in a lake of fire. Don’t be on that side.