Atheism is the disbelief or lack of belief in the existence of God or gods. The Bible has a lot to say about atheism, as it affirms the existence of God and presents arguments against those who deny His existence. Here are some key Bible verses about atheism:
Verses affirming God’s existence
The Bible repeatedly affirms that God exists and that only a fool would say otherwise:
“The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God'” (Psalm 14:1, 53:1 ESV). This is one of the most well-known verses about atheism, stating that those who do not believe in God’s existence are fools.
“For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse” (Romans 1:20). This verse argues that God’s existence is evident from creation.
“And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him” (Hebrews 11:6). Faith in God’s existence is essential.
“I am the Lord, and there is no other…I form light and create darkness, I make well-being and create calamity, I am the Lord, who does all these things” (Isaiah 45:6-7). God affirms His identity as the only true God.
Verses saying atheists are corrupt and immoral
The Bible claims that disbelief in God leads to moral bankruptcy:
“For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth” (Romans 1:18). Atheists suppress God’s truth.
“They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds…” (Psalm 14:1). Atheists are corrupt and immoral.
“…although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened” (Romans 1:21). Atheists fail to honor God and have foolish and darkened hearts.
“Claiming to be wise, they became fools…” (Romans 1:22). Atheists are actually fools, despite their claims to wisdom.
Verses saying atheists are deceived and deceivers
The Bible makes strong accusations against atheists as being deceived and deceiving others:
“The coming of the lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders, and with all wicked deception…” (2 Thessalonians 2:9-10). Satan empowers atheistic deceptions.
“…there will be false teachers among you. They will secretly introduce destructive heresies…” (2 Peter 2:1). Atheists promote destructive lies and heresies.
“…scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires” (2 Peter 3:3). Atheists scoff at truth and follow sinful desires.
“…they deliberately overlook this fact, that the heavens existed long ago, and the earth was formed out of water and through water by the word of God” (2 Peter 3:5). Atheists deliberately overlook God’s work of creation.
Verses saying atheists are spiritually dead
The Bible presents atheists as spiritually blind, dead, and helpless:
“The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned” (1 Corinthians 2:14). Atheists cannot understand God due to spiritual deadness.
“…you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world…and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind” (Ephesians 2:1-3). Atheists are dead in sins apart from God.
“They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart” (Ephesians 4:18). Atheists have ignorant, hardened hearts.
“To the pure, all things are pure, but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure…” (Titus 1:15). Atheists’ minds and consciences are defiled and corrupted.
Verses urging Christians to avoid atheists
The Bible advises Christians to turn away from atheism and unbelievers:
“Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness?…Therefore go out from their midst, and be separate from them, says the Lord” (2 Corinthians 6:14,17). We must separate from unbelievers.
“Let everyone who names the name of the Lord depart from iniquity” (2 Timothy 2:19). Depart from ungodly influences.
“What fellowship has light with darkness?” (2 Corinthians 6:14). Light and darkness cannot coexist.
“I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them” (Romans 16:17). Avoid those teaching unbiblical doctrines.
“…there are many who are insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers…they must be silenced, since they are upsetting whole families…” (Titus 1:10-11). False teachers must be stopped from deceiving.
Verses warning of God’s judgment on atheism
The Bible warns that God will judge atheism and unbelief:
“Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God” (John 3:18). Unbelief leads to condemnation.
“The Lord Jesus [will be] revealed from heaven with his mighty angels in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus” (2 Thessalonians 1:7-8). Jesus will take vengeance on unbelievers at His return.
“It is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?” (1 Peter 4:17). If judgment starts with God’s people, how much more severe will it be for atheists?
“But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable…their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death” (Revelation 21:8). Unbelievers face eternal punishment in hell.
“And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire” (Revelation 20:15). Those not belonging to God will be thrown into hell.
The Bible forcefully condemns atheism and unbelief as foolish, immoral, deceptive, and spiritually dead. It urges Christians to avoid atheistic influences and promises that God will ultimately judge those who persist in denying Him. While God offers His grace to all, the Bible is clear that turning away from Him leads only to eternal destruction.