People are dynamic and unique, and no two share the same personality. To claim to speak for all people is simply impossible, though we all share similar needs and natures. As I was cleaning a pool this morning, I was thinking about atheism, a belief system that claims "there is no God." There are some who might claim this is an oversimplification, but the basic premise is the assertion God does not exist.
There may be many reasons that brings a person to this stance. Atheism stands in defiance of God and places self as a substitute. The allure of atheism for many is there is no right or wrong, no Supreme Being that must be contended with, no judgment, and no hope of life after death. In this world a man can become like God, doing what is right in his own eyes without eternal consequence. This was the same advice and argument present by Satan to Eve in the Garden of Eden: Genesis 3:4-5 reads, "...You will not surely die. 5 For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil. " In essence the devil said, "What God says doesn't matter. If you eat the fruit you will be like God and can make your own rules." This proposition tempts people to this day.
The irony of claiming "there is no God" is that in doing so man makes himself a god. He can live without confessing his sin to another and sit in God's judgment seat of himself and others. The Bible speaks clearly concerning those who are deluded to deny the True God who has created all things. Romans 1:16-23 says: "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "The just shall live by faith." 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, 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."
I rejoice in the God of the universe, by whom all things have been created. While atheists have no hope in this life beyond themselves and random chance, I am rooted upon a sure eternal foundation of Jesus Christ, in whom I stand by faith. No guilt, no shame, and no condemnation I harbor in my soul, for He has cleansed me of all my sin. I delight in submission to His will, for it is God who has purchased me that He might be glorified. This hope is for all people who will humble themselves, repent, and trust in Christ as Savior, LORD, and God. Jeremiah 3:22-24 says, "Return, you backsliding children, and I will heal your backslidings." "Indeed we do come to You, for You are the LORD our God. 23 Truly, in vain is salvation hoped for from the hills, and from the multitude of mountains; truly, in the LORD our God is the salvation of Israel."
What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his own soul (Matt. 16:26)? What will it profit a man to live as a god on earth and perish like the devil in hell, when God has offered redemption through His own blood (Acts 20:28)? Come to Jesus everyone, and find rest for your souls.
There may be many reasons that brings a person to this stance. Atheism stands in defiance of God and places self as a substitute. The allure of atheism for many is there is no right or wrong, no Supreme Being that must be contended with, no judgment, and no hope of life after death. In this world a man can become like God, doing what is right in his own eyes without eternal consequence. This was the same advice and argument present by Satan to Eve in the Garden of Eden: Genesis 3:4-5 reads, "...You will not surely die. 5 For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil. " In essence the devil said, "What God says doesn't matter. If you eat the fruit you will be like God and can make your own rules." This proposition tempts people to this day.
The irony of claiming "there is no God" is that in doing so man makes himself a god. He can live without confessing his sin to another and sit in God's judgment seat of himself and others. The Bible speaks clearly concerning those who are deluded to deny the True God who has created all things. Romans 1:16-23 says: "For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "The just shall live by faith." 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, 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."
I rejoice in the God of the universe, by whom all things have been created. While atheists have no hope in this life beyond themselves and random chance, I am rooted upon a sure eternal foundation of Jesus Christ, in whom I stand by faith. No guilt, no shame, and no condemnation I harbor in my soul, for He has cleansed me of all my sin. I delight in submission to His will, for it is God who has purchased me that He might be glorified. This hope is for all people who will humble themselves, repent, and trust in Christ as Savior, LORD, and God. Jeremiah 3:22-24 says, "Return, you backsliding children, and I will heal your backslidings." "Indeed we do come to You, for You are the LORD our God. 23 Truly, in vain is salvation hoped for from the hills, and from the multitude of mountains; truly, in the LORD our God is the salvation of Israel."
What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his own soul (Matt. 16:26)? What will it profit a man to live as a god on earth and perish like the devil in hell, when God has offered redemption through His own blood (Acts 20:28)? Come to Jesus everyone, and find rest for your souls.
Yes...I agree whole heartedly. It is very sad to see people live as god on earth. What I find to be a challenge right now is to know how to communicate to these people that that is what they are doing. They either don't see it or don't care. You can just tell them straight up what the word says...but is that very effective when the Word has no authority over their lives? What do you think Ben?
ReplyDeleteReasoning or vain arguments will not break the walls people build around themselves. Raising your voice will not cause a blind man to see! The Holy Spirit is needed in this case, and sharing the love of Jesus will speak volumes. God alone can change a man's mind and heart...if we speak the Word of God motivated by love seeds will be sown and it will not return void!
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