Atheism

The denial of God's existence and thus also the denial of his word, truth and authority. It is seen in the worship of created things, in human boasting and in the decision to live a life without God which results in godlessness and brings God's judgment.

Characteristics of atheism

Denying God's existence

Psalm 14:1 parallel Psalm 53:1

For the choirmaster. Of David. The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt; their acts are vile. There is no one who does good.

Worshipping created things

Romans 1:25 See also Daniel 5:23; Revelation 9:20

They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is forever worthy of praise! Amen.

Denying God's truth

Isaiah 32:6; Romans 1:18 See also Jeremiah 5:12, Jeremiah 5:31, Jeremiah 11:21, Jeremiah 14:14, Jeremiah 27:15

For a fool speaks foolishness; his mind plots iniquity. He practices ungodliness and speaks falsely about the LORD; he leaves the hungry empty and deprives the thirsty of drink.

The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness.

Denying God's ability to fulfil his word

Jeremiah 17:15 See also Isaiah 5:19; Acts 17:18; 1 Thessalonians 4:8; 2 Peter 3:3–4; Revelation 11:7–10

Behold, they keep saying to me, “Where is the word of the LORD? Let it come now!”

Showing contempt for God's name

Leviticus 19:12; Jeremiah 5:2; Ezekiel 36:20, Ezekiel 43:8

Boasting against God

Psalm 10:3–5 See also Job 15:25; Psalm 12:3–4, Psalm 36:1–2, Psalm 73:11; Proverbs 30:9; Ezekiel 35:13; Revelation 13:6

For the wicked man boasts in the cravings of his heart; he blesses the greedy and reviles the LORD. In his pride the wicked man does not seek Him; in all his schemes there is no God. He is secure in his ways at all times; Your lofty judgments are far from him; he sneers at all his foes.

Not turning to God in trouble

Job 35:10 See also Job 36:13; Jeremiah 2:8, Jeremiah 17:5

But no one asks, ‘Where is God my Maker, who gives us songs in the night,

Living in ignorance of God

Jeremiah 5:4 See also Ephesians 2:12

Then I said, “They are only the poor; they have played the fool, for they do not know the way of the LORD, the justice of their God.

Denying Jesus Christ

Jude 1:4 See also 1 John 2:22, 1 John 4:3; 2 John 1:7

For certain men have crept in among you unnoticed — ungodly ones who were designated long ago for condemnation. They turn the grace of our God into a license for immorality, and they deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.

Atheism results in godless living

Romans 1:28–31 See also Genesis 6:5; 1 Samuel 2:12; Proverbs 11:9; Isaiah 9:17, Isaiah 26:10; Jeremiah 5:5, Jeremiah 23:11; Malachi 3:14, Malachi 3:18; 1 Timothy 1:9–10; Jude 1:18

Furthermore, since they did not see fit to acknowledge God, He gave them up to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done. They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed, and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, and malice. They are gossips, slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant, and boastful. They invent new forms of evil; they disobey their parents. They are senseless, faithless, heartless, merciless.

Atheism brings condemnation

God desires to save the atheist

Acts 17:27 See also Isaiah 55:7; Jeremiah 3:12; Ezekiel 18:23, Ezekiel 33:11; Romans 5:6–8

God intended that they would seek Him and perhaps reach out for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us.