Irreligion refers to a lack of religion, disbelief in religion, or hostility towards religion. Those who are irreligious typically do not follow or practice any particular religion or belief system. There are various forms of irreligion, ranging from agnosticism (believing it is impossible to know if a higher power exists) to atheism (disbelief in the existence of deities) to anti-theism (opposition to belief in deities). Irreligion is distinct from faithlessness, which denotes a lack of trust or loyalty towards a cause or beliefs rather than a lack of religious beliefs per se.
The Bible does not look favorably upon irreligion or disbelief in God. Passages in both the Old and New Testament emphasize the importance of faith in and obedience to the one true God. However, the Bible also acknowledges that unbelievers exist and offers perspectives on how believers should interact with and respond to irreligious people.
Here is an overview of what the Bible has to say about irreligion:
1. The existence of unbelievers
The Bible recognizes that not everyone believes in or worships God. Passages like Psalm 14:1 state “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.'” This verse acknowledges that fools or unbelievers exist who deny God’s existence in their hearts.
The New Testament also references those who lack faith in Jesus Christ and the Gospel message. 1 Corinthians 1:18 refers to the message of the cross being “folly to those who are perishing,” implying that many consider the Gospel foolish or unbelievable. And Acts 19:9 mentions those who were “stubbornly unbelieving.” The Bible thus confirms that unbelievers have been present from ancient times up to the present.
2. The causes of unbelief
Why exactly do some people lack belief in God? The Bible suggests several potential contributing factors:
- Sinfulness and disobedience – Romans 1:18-32 indicates that unbelievers “suppress the truth” about God through their ungodliness.
- Worldly influences – InMatthew 13:22, Jesus suggests the “deceitfulness of riches” can choke faith.
- Spiritual blindness – 2 Corinthians 4:4 states that “the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers.”
- Rejection of truth – 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12 warns that some “refused to love the truth and so be saved” and so God gave them over to deception.
So Scripture points to moral, spiritual, and intellectual factors that can underlie a refusal to believe in God.
3. Consequences of unbelief
What happens to those who do not have faith in God or Christ? The Bible sternly warns that they face negative eternal consequences:
- Hell/judgment – Revelation 21:8 says “the unbelieving…shall have their part in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone.” Unbelievers are condemned and will be judged by God (2 Thessalonians 1:8).
- Separation from God – Without faith in Christ, one remains cut off and separated from God (John 3:18).
- Void of spiritual life – 1 John 5:12 teaches that “Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life.” Unbelievers lack spiritual life.
- Futile life – In Ephesians 4:17-19, Paul says unbelievers have “futility of their minds” and live in “darkness.” Their life lacks meaning and hope.
In short, the Bible presents a very negative view of the destiny of those who reject belief in God and Christ. They face damnation rather than salvation if they persist in unbelief.
4. Proper Christian response to unbelievers
Given that irreligious people have always existed, how should Christians respond to unbelievers in a biblical way? Here are some principles from Scripture:
- Have compassion – Jude 1:22-23 says “have mercy on those who doubt.” Their unbelief should evoke mercy rather than scorn.
- Don’t judge – Romans 14:1 instructs believers not to pass judgment on disputable matters. Don’t condemn unbelievers over debatable issues.
- Set a godly example – 1 Peter 3:15-16 encourages living/speaking honorably so your lifestyle testifies to the truth.
- Find common ground – Acts 17 shows Paul highlighting areas of agreement with unbelievers rather than just condemning. Seek shared truths.
- Reason patiently – 2 Timothy 2:24-25 urges correcting unbelievers with gentleness and patience as God grants them repentance.
- Speak truth – Ephesians 4:15 emphasizes speaking the truth in love. Boldly proclaim the Gospel even if it offends.
- Keep faith – While engaging unbelievers, Colossians 2:8 warns believers to avoid being led astray by hollow philosophy away from Christ.
In summary, Christians are called to firmly and lovingly engage unbelievers, with the hope that God will open their eyes to accept the truth of the Gospel.
5. Possibility of salvation for unbelievers
Is there any hope for unbelievers to be saved? The Bible indicates this possibility:
- God wants all saved – Ezekiel 18:23 states God takes “no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live.” 2 Peter 3:9 also says God is patient, “not wishing that any should perish but that all should reach repentance.”
- Salvation possible – 1 Timothy 4:10 describes God as “the Savior of all people, especially of those who believe.” Salvation is offered to all, though especially appropriated by believers.
- Remain hopeful – Jude 1:22 encourages believers to “have mercy on those who doubt; save others by snatching them out of the fire.” We should have hope for unbelievers.
- Power of Gospel – Romans 1:16 declares “…the gospel…is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.” God can use the preaching of the Gospel to lead unbelievers to faith.
So there seems to be biblical warrant for hoping in unbelievers’ potential salvation if they repent and put their faith in Christ. Though steeped in unbelief, their salvation is not utterly beyond hope.
6. Famous unbelievers in the Bible
Several prominent figures in the Bible initially expressed unbelief before later coming to faith themselves or seeing unbelieving family members converted:
- Thomas – Refused to believe Jesus was resurrected until he saw proof, then confessed “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:24-29)
- Paul – Persecuted Christians but had his unbelief shattered by a revelatory encounter with Jesus en route to Damascus (Acts 9)
- Nebuchadnezzar – The pagan Babylonian king who initially defied God but later declared, “I blessed the Most High, and praised and honored him who lives forever” (Daniel 4:34-37).
- Rahab – A Canaanite prostitute who came to faith and helped the Israelite spies, saying “The Lord your God, he is God” (Joshua 2:8-11).
The redemptive transformation of such prominent unbelievers provides hope that God can similarly save modern unbelievers through revelation and gospel truth.
7. Warnings against falling into unbelief
In addition to directing how believers should respond to unbelievers, the Bible also issues strong warnings to believers about falling into unbelief themselves:
- Don’t be deceived – Colossians 2:8 says “See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit.” Don’t let worldly wisdom undermine your faith.
- Examine yourself – 2 Corinthians 13:5 says “Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith.” Assess regularly that you still firmly believe.
- Persevere in faith – Hebrews 3:12 warns believers to take care that an “unbelieving heart” doesn’t turn them away from God.
- Hold fast – Hebrews 4:14 encourages believers to “hold fast our confession” of faith steadfastly until the end.
- Avoid unbelief – Hebrews 3:12 declares “…take care, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart.” Actively resist doubting God.
The Bible makes clear that though unbelievers deserve evangelism with patience and compassion, their unbelief must not be allowed to undermine the faith of believers in any way.
8. God’s response to unbelief
How does God Himself respond to those who do not believe in or trust in Him? Here are some truths about God’s stance towards unbelief:
- Anger and wrath – Throughout the Old Testament, God responds to unbelief and idolatry among His people with righteous anger (Deuteronomy 29:27, Jeremiah 32:32-33). His wrath is revealed against all ungodliness of unbelievers (Romans 1:18).
- Judgment – Psalm 9:19 promises that God will judge the nations full of unbelievers. 2 Thessalonians 1:8 also warns that Jesus will return “in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God.”
- Rejection – Jeremiah 14:10 says that because Israel has loved to wander from God, He will now “have no pleasure in them” and reject them. God rejects those who first reject belief in Him.
- Withdrawal – Romans 1:24,26 says God “gave them up” and “gave them over” to their immoral passions, withdrawing His protective presence from unbelievers.
- Hardening – John 12:37-40 indicates that God hardens the hearts of those who reject Christ, sealing them in their unbelief.
Overall the Bible presents God as responding to unbelief by eventually releasing people to suffer its consequences, as they persist in rejecting Him.
9. Hope for repentance by unbelievers
Though God allows unbelievers to experience the fruits of their unbelief, Scripture also conveys hope that He will show mercy if they repent:
- God relents – Jeremiah 18:8 declares that if God pronounces judgment on a nation but then they repent, “I will relent of the disaster” and spare them.
- Forgiveness possible – Jesus hints at forgiveness for those who rejected Him, saying “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:24).
- Joy in heaven – Luke 15:7 says for one sinner who repents “there will be more joy in heaven over that one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.”
- Patiently waiting – 2 Peter 3:9 affirms that God is “patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.”
So there seems hope that if unbelievers turn to God, He will graciously forgive and accept them, though they initially rejected Him.
10. Living as believers among unbelievers
As Christians live in a world with many unbelievers, the Bible provides guidance on navigating this environment:
- Be blameless – Philippians 2:15 encourages believers to be blameless and pure as lights shining among unbelievers.
- Avoid bad influences – 1 Corinthians 15:33 warns “do not be deceived: ‘Bad company ruins good morals.'” Be cautious about unbelieving friends.
- Separate when necessary – 2 Corinthians 6:14 teaches “what partnership has righteousness with lawlessness?…Come out from them and be separate…and I will welcome you.” Sometimes division is required.
- Don’t compromise – Romans 12:2 says “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.” Resist pressure to conform.
- Remember higher accountability – Luke 12:48 states that “Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required.” Remember you know the truth.
- Find fellowship – Hebrews 10:25 commands not neglecting meeting together with other believers. Seek Christian community.
Remaining grounded in one’s faith while immersed among unbelievers presents challenges, but God provides guidance and promises to sustain believers who seek Him.
Conclusion
In closing, the Bible provides a wealth of perspective on the topic of irreligion. It acknowledges unbelievers exist, but clearly outlines the grim consequences of unbelief. Believers are exhorted to respond to unbelievers with compassion without compromising conviction. God permits them to experience the fruitlessness of unbelief, while holding out the hope of forgiveness if they repent. And believers must walk closely with God to avoid being negatively impacted by pervasive worldly unbelief. While irreligion presents challenges, God promises to equip and strengthen believers who trust in Him.