The Bible, as the holy scripture of the Christian faith, contains teachings and passages that address various aspects of human existence, including the concept of atheism.
Atheism, defined as the disbelief or rejection of the existence of God or gods, is a significant topic of discussion and reflection within theological and philosophical circles.
This article will explore and answer what does the Bible say about atheism?.
What Does The Bible Say About Atheism?
While the Bible primarily speaks to believers and provides guidance for their faith, it also offers insights into the nature of atheism and its implications.
As we delve into what the Bible says about atheism, let us seek wisdom, respect diverse viewpoints, and engage in meaningful dialogue that fosters understanding and mutual respect between believers and non-believers.
Foolishness and Wickedness: The Bible suggests that those who deny the existence of God are considered foolish and may engage in morally corrupt behavior. (Psalm 14:1)
Clear Perception of God: According to the Bible, God’s eternal power and divine nature can be clearly perceived through the observation of the natural world. Thus, people who deny God’s existence are seen as without excuse. (Romans 1:20)
Importance of Faith: The Bible emphasizes the importance of faith in God and belief in His existence as a fundamental aspect of approaching and pleasing Him. (Hebrews 11:6)
Here are related verses on what the bible says about atheist
Psalm 14:1 (NIV) – Only The Unwise Say There Is No God
“The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’ They are corrupt, their deeds are vile; there is no one who does good.”
Proverbs 1:7 (NIV) – The Unwise Despise Wisdom
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
Romans 1:20 (NIV) – God Is Our Creator
“For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.”
Hebrews 11:6 (NIV) – Have Faith In God
“And without faith, it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
John 3:36 (NIV) – Through Christ, We Have eternal Life
“Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.”
John 14:6 (NIV) – Jesus Is The Way
“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'”
Acts 4:12 (NIV) Salvation Is Only Found In Jesus
“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”
1 Corinthians 2:14 (NIV) – Have The Spirit Of God
“The person without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God but considers them foolishness, and cannot understand them because they are discerned only through the Spirit.”
2 Corinthians 4:4 (NIV) – Jesus Is The Only Way To Salvation
“The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.”
Ephesians 2:12 (NIV) – We Are Citizens In Christ Jesus
“Remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world.”
1 Timothy 2:5 (NIV)
“For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus.”
John 3:18 (NIV)
“Whoever believes in him [Jesus] is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.”
Mark 16:16 (NIV)
“Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.”
2 Thessalonians 1:8-9 (NIV)
“He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might.”
1 John 5:10 (NIV)
“Whoever believes in the Son of God accepts this testimony. Whoever does not believe God has made him out to be a liar, because they have not believed the testimony God has given about his Son.”
What Does The Bible Say About Being Friends With Atheists?
Friendship is a significant aspect of our lives, shaping our experiences, values, and perspectives.
When it comes to the topic of being friends with atheists, the Bible provides guidance and insights that can help believers navigate these relationships with wisdom, compassion, and understanding.
The Bible encourages believers to maintain strong bonds with fellow believers, it also offers guidance on how to engage with those who hold different beliefs, including atheists.
Here are Guidance and principle which will help us relate with atheists without falling into our faith
Love and Kindness: The Bible teaches that believers should love their neighbors and treat others with kindness, regardless of their beliefs or backgrounds (Matthew 22:39; Luke 6:27-28).
Respect and Gentleness: Christians are encouraged to engage with others, including atheists, with respect and gentleness, being ready to provide reasons for their own faith when asked (1 Peter 3:15).
Avoiding Negative Influences: The Bible advises believers to be cautious about the influence of others and to surround themselves with people who will positively impact their faith (1 Corinthians 15:33).
Evangelism and Sharing the Gospel: Christians are called to share their faith and the message of salvation with others, including atheists, but they should do so with sensitivity and respect, allowing individuals to make their own decisions (Matthew 28:19-20; Colossians 4:5-6).
Here are verses That will help us Be Friends with atheist
Proverbs 13:20 (NIV)
“Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”
Proverbs 27:17 (NIV)
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
Matthew 5:44-45 (NIV)
“But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.”
1 Corinthians 9:22 (NIV)
“To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.”
Galatians 6:10 (NIV)
“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”
Colossians 4:5-6 (NIV)
“Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”
1 Peter 3:15 (NIV)
“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”
1 John 4:7-8 (NIV)
“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.”
2 Corinthians 6:14 (NIV)
“Do not be yoked together with unbelievers. For what do righteousness and wickedness have in common? Or what fellowship can light have with darkness?”
Romans 12:18 (NIV)
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”
Matthew 28:19-20 (NIV)
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”
What Does The Bible Say About Those Who Don’t Believe In God?
The Bible primarily addresses believers and offers guidance to followers of the Christian faith, it also provides some perspectives on those who don’t believe in God.
The Bible acknowledges the existence of people who reject or doubt God’s existence and addresses the implications and consequences of such beliefs.
Condemnation: The Bible suggests that those who do not believe in God, specifically in the person of Jesus Christ, are considered to be in a state of condemnation or subject to punishment.
Salvation: The Bible emphasizes that belief in God, particularly in Jesus as the Son of God, is necessary for salvation and being reconciled with God.
Punishment and Separation: There are references to the potential punishment, everlasting destruction, and being shut out from the presence of God for those who do not know Him or reject the gospel.
Here are related bible verses about those who don’t believe in God:
Proverbs 14:1 (NIV)
“The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’ But the Lord looks down from heaven on all mankind to see if there are any who understand, any who seek God.”
Acts 4:12 (NIV)
“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”
Romans 1:20 (NIV)
“For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.”
Hebrews 11:6 (NIV)
“And without faith, it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
1 Corinthians 1:18 (NIV)
“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”
2 Corinthians 4:3-4 (NIV)
“And even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.”
1 John 5:10 (NIV)
“Whoever believes in the Son of God accepts this testimony. Whoever does not believe God has made him out to be a liar, because they have not believed the testimony God has given about his Son.”
John 14:6 (NIV)
“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'”
Matthew 10:33 (NIV)
“But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven.”
John 3:36 (NIV)
“Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.”
John 8:24 (NIV)
“I told you that you would die in your sins; if you do not believe that I am he, you will indeed die in your sins.”
Bible Verses To Convert Atheists
The Bible contains a collection of sacred texts that serve as a guide for millions of people around the world. For believers, it holds profound wisdom, spiritual insights, and a message of hope.
When engaging with atheists or individuals who do not believe in God, it can be helpful to explore specific Bible verses that touch on key aspects of the Christian faith.
The following Bible verses from this section can serve as points of discussion and reflection when engaging with atheists:
Romans 1:20 (NIV)
“For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.”
John 14:6 (NIV)
“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'”
Acts 4:12 (NIV)
“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”
Romans 5:8 (NIV)
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
John 3:16 (NIV)
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV)
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”
2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”
Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV)
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
John 8:32 (NIV)
“Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Romans 10:9 (NIV)
“If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
Revelation 3:20 (NIV)
“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.”
Conclusion
The Bible acknowledges the existence of atheism and offers insights into the nature of unbelief, the consequences of rejecting God, and the importance of faith.
It emphasizes the role of God’s revelation in creation, the testimony of believers, and the invitation to seek and know Him.
While the Bible acknowledges atheism, it also encourages believers to approach those who don’t believe in God with love, respect, and understanding.
It calls believers to be ambassadors of Christ, sharing the message of God’s love and truth with gentleness and respect, while allowing the Holy Spirit to work in the hearts and minds of individuals.
