01/22/F – Denying God

NT: “For God’s wrath is revealed from heaven against all godlessness and unrighteousness of people who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth, since what can be known about God is evident among them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, that is, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen since the creation of the world, being understood through what he has made. As a result, people are without excuse.” (‭‭Romans‬ ‭1:18-20‬ ‭CSB)

There are many who claim that atheism is the result of enlightenment – that belief in God is base and that truly enlightened people come to the realization that “god” is an idea constructed by man… that there truly isn’t a god… that instead of “god” there is reason and science. According to the Apostle Paul, the exact opposite is true: man didn’t evolve into atheism, but instead devolved into atheism… and ultimately, there is no such thing as atheism, for innate in every human being is the knowledge of God. Mankind began its existence knowing and acknowledging God, but because of humanity’s unrighteousness, humanity suppressed the truth of God and devolved into the worship of false gods, which devolved further into the denial of God all together. All the while, God has not kept His existence hidden. The evidence for His existence… the evidence for His eternal power… even the evidence for His divine nature is displayed throughout the intricate, incredibly complex, and creatively inspired design of the natural world. Those who are truly enlightened (having knowledge and spiritual insight) can look at creation and see the masterful handiwork of God. As a result, Paul says, no one has an excuse for their denial and rejection of God and will eventually be held accountable for their humanistic arrogance. Psalm 14 states that only the fool says in his heart that there is no God and has been corrupted by his own unrighteousness. Those who are truly wise are those who seek God and live according to His righteousness.

Psalms: “Rise up, Lord God! Lift up your hand. Do not forget the oppressed. Why has the wicked person despised God? He says to himself, “You will not demand an account.” But you yourself have seen trouble and grief, observing it in order to take the matter into your hands. The helpless one entrusts himself to you; you are a helper of the fatherless. Break the arm of the wicked, evil person, until you look for his wickedness, but it can’t be found.” (‭‭Psalms‬ ‭10:12-15‬ ‭CSB)

Psalm 9 and 10 are both cries from King David for justice. Psalm 9 is a cry for justice from the external enemy nations that surrounded Israel and threatened her well-being. Psalm 10 is a cry for justice from those within Israel who rejected God’s righteous word, will, and ways. Why do people become wicked and engage in unjust behaviors? According to David, it is because they deny God and have no authority to whom they are accountable – they believe that they are able to fulfill their self-serving desires and get away with it. Humans, left to their own devices, are inherently self-serving – especially those who have no absolute system of morality to guide them. As a result, the oppressed, the vulnerable, the fatherless either get ignored or used. True selfless justice can only come from the All-loving Selfless One, and those who acknowledge Him and align with His word, will, and ways by faith-filled obedience. That begs two questions: 1) Can true justice for the oppressed come from those who deny the existence of God and His system of righteousness? 2) Can you truly be submitted to God and committed to His purposes without having a heart bent toward justice for the oppressed peoples of the world? From what I can tell, the definite answer to both of those questions is “No.” The only way to see true selfless and empowering justice in the world is to acknowledge God and become truly righteous as He is righteous. The only way to become truly righteous is by complete faith in Jesus Christ. The only way for people to have faith in Jesus Christ is to hear His gospel. The only way for people to hear His gospel is for Christ’s true disciples to proclaim it. If you want to see true justice flow down like a river, preach the gospel and make disciples of those who believe.