Forms of Atheism

"Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled. They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate." (Titus 1: 15,16)

"The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, there is none that doeth good." (Psalm 14: 1)

"They profess that they know God." Profession is one thing, actual possession is another. Not all those who claim to "know" God really know him. Most who profess to have intimate knowledge of God, in fact, do not know God, but are "deluded" about the matter.

How can we know for sure that we know the true and living God?

"And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him." (I John 2: 3,4)

All these texts of scripture tell us how one may discover what are one's true beliefs - look at one's works, look at the way one behaves from day to day. What do the works of a person say about his religious beliefs? "In works they deny him." The works of professors belie their stated faith.

"For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ: Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things." (Philippians 3: 18,19)

Those who truly know the Creator, the one and only true and living God, will show the effects of that knowledge in their lives and daily activities. This knowing God is not of the kind that demons or Satan possess, who may be said to "know" God, being confident of his existence and sovereign power; but, they do not have intimate knowledge of him, nor have love or desire for him. They know of God, or about God, but they do not know him personally so as to have fellowship with him.

There are very wicked men who claim to "know" God or to "believe" in God, decrying "atheism," who nevertheless live and act as if they believed there was no God. If they truly have "knowledge" of God, why do they act as if they did not know him? The Scriptures tell us why. Man is a "liar" in regard to a true knowledge of God and of his works. He is lying to others, to himself, and to God by his hypocrisy and self deceit.

Jesus said to Satan, in his temptation, "you shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve." (Matthew 4: 10)

That which man most adores and for which he works and serves, is his "god," no matter what he say with his mouth. Some may say that Jehovah is their God, but when one looks at the professor's lifestyle, it is obvious, as Paul said, that "their God is their belly." That is, they "serve" their various "lusts" and sinful "pleasures." (Titus 3: 3)

"Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?" (James 2: 19,20)

Friend, do you think that just believing in some deity or divinity is enough for you to rely upon for your hope of salvation? Do you think that your fear and dread of God and the Day of Judgment assures you of salvation? Be not deceived any longer about this matter. Look at your daily life. What does your daily life reveal as most important to you? What are you serving? God or your belly?