If you have ever wondered what the Bible says about the subject of atheism, you have come to the right place. All throughout the Bible, there are plenty of verses that deal with this particular topic.
Today, we will explore some of the most commonly used Bible passages that emphasize the importance of faith and provide evidence to refute atheism.
We will also discuss the overall purpose behind these verses and how it can guide us in our own spiritual journeys.
25 Bible Verses About Atheism
Psalm 14:1
“The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’ They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds; there is none who does good.”
This verse metaphorically alludes to atheism through the reference to those who deny the existence of God in their hearts. The psalmist describes such individuals as “fools,” emphasizing the biblical view of the spiritual implications of atheism, characterized by a life absent of righteousness.
Psalm 53:1
“The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’ They are corrupt, doing abominable iniquity; there is none who does good.”
This verse mirrors Psalm 14:1, reiterating the biblical perspective on atheism. The repetition underlines the gravity of atheism in biblical teachings, linking the denial of God to moral decay and wickedness.
Romans 1:20
“For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.”
The Apostle Paul makes a bold assertion here: the existence of God is apparent through the observation of the natural world. This verse implies that atheism might arise from a willful disregard or misunderstanding of the evidence of creation.
Also Read: 30 Bible Verses About No Sin Is Greater Than the Other (With Commentary)
Hebrews 11:6
“And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
The author of Hebrews declares faith as a prerequisite to pleasing God. Implicitly, this passage alludes to atheism, asserting that belief in God and a genuine search for Him are crucial components of faith.
John 3:18
“Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.”
In this verse, Jesus himself delineates the dividing line between belief and unbelief. Unbelief (an implicit reference to atheism) is depicted as a self-condemnation that arises from rejecting Christ, God’s son.
Ephesians 2:12
“Remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world.”
This verse describes the spiritual alienation associated with atheism. Paul communicates that denying God results in being without hope in the world and being estranged from God’s promises.
2 Corinthians 4:4
“The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.”
This verse identifies a spiritual battle behind atheism. It suggests that atheism may result from a spiritual blindness imposed by “the god of this age,” preventing people from recognizing the glory of Christ.
Proverbs 1:7
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”
The wisdom literature of Proverbs sets the “fear of the Lord” as the foundation of knowledge. The text implies that atheism, equated with “fools” here, is a rejection of divine wisdom and instruction.
Matthew 10:32-33
“Whoever acknowledges me before others, I will also acknowledge before my Father in heaven. But whoever disowns me before others, I will disown before my Father in heaven.”
Jesus here expresses the importance of openly professing faith in him. Atheism, portrayed as disowning Christ, carries serious spiritual consequences, including Christ’s own denial before God.
John 14:6
“Jesus answered, ‘I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'”
Jesus makes a bold statement on the exclusivity of salvation through him, indirectly addressing atheism. Rejecting or dismissing Jesus results in a barrier to reaching God.
Acts 16:30-31
“He then brought them out and asked, ‘Sirs, what must I do to be saved?’ They replied, ‘Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.'”
This passage offers a clear answer to the question of salvation—belief in Jesus. It indirectly comments on atheism by asserting that unbelief negates the path to salvation.
Romans 1:25
“They exchanged the truth about God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen.”
Paul portrays atheism as a conscious exchange of truth for a lie. Atheism is depicted as misguided worship of creation rather than the Creator.
2 Thessalonians 1:8-9
“He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his might.”
This verse gives a stern warning against disbelief, implying the eternal consequences of atheism. The denial of God and the gospel leads to eternal separation from God’s presence.
1 Timothy 4:10
“That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and especially of those who believe.”
This verse highlights the importance of belief in God as a source of hope and salvation. It indirectly underscores the emptiness and futility that atheism, characterized by unbelief, can lead to.
James 2:19
“You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.”
James points out that belief in God alone is insufficient; even demons acknowledge God’s existence. It implies that atheism, by rejecting even this basic belief, positions itself beneath demonic acknowledgment.
Jude 1:22
“Be merciful to those who doubt.”
This short verse encourages mercy and compassion towards those who harbor doubts about faith, which can include atheists. This suggests a biblical approach to engaging with atheism with kindness and understanding.
1 Peter 3:15
“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.”
Peter prompts Christians to be ready to respond to questions about their faith, which may come from atheists. This verse suggests a respectful dialogue as a means of addressing atheism.
Acts 17:22-23
“Paul then stood up in the meeting of the Areopagus and said: ‘People of Athens! I see that in every way you are very religious. For as I walked around and looked carefully at your objects of worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO AN UNKNOWN GOD. So you are ignorant of the very thing you worship—and this is what I am going to proclaim to you.'”
This passage relates Paul’s encounter with Athenian philosophers, some of whom were likely skeptical of monotheism. His approach to their unbelief involves respectful engagement and revealing the “unknown God” they inadvertently worshipped.
1 Corinthians 1:18
“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”
Paul contrasts the perspectives of believers and non-believers (including atheists) on the message of the cross. For non-believers, it is seen as foolishness, while believers perceive it as God’s power for salvation.
Also Read: 30 Bible Verses About Smiling (With Commentary)
2 Peter 3:3-4
“Above all, you must understand that in the last days scoffers will come, scoffing and following their own evil desires. They will say, ‘Where is this ‘coming’ he promised? Ever since our ancestors died, everything goes on as it has since the beginning of creation.'”
Peter warns of those who will mock the Christian faith and deny the Second Coming of Christ, a group that includes atheists. This scoffing, linked to unbelief, is characterized as following “evil desires.”
Titus 1:16
“They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good.”
Paul critiques those who profess belief in God but live contrary to His commands, which could indirectly apply to atheists who lead ethical lives without acknowledging God. He argues that true recognition of God must be reflected in actions.
Hebrews 3:12
“See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God.”
This verse urges vigilance against an “unbelieving heart” that turns away from God, indirectly referring to atheism. It associates such disbelief with sin and spiritual danger.
Revelation 21:8
“But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.”
In this severe verse, atheism, associated with unbelief, is listed among behaviors and attitudes leading to ultimate spiritual destruction. It underscores the gravity of atheism according to biblical teachings.
James 1:6-7
“But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.”
James presents a metaphor to express the spiritual instability associated with doubt. This may also apply to atheists who, by denying God’s existence, place themselves outside the realm of divine favor.