The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt, doing abominable iniquity; there is none who does good.” (Psalm 53:1 (ESV)
As one author has written, “Naturalism has now replaced Christianity as the main religion of the Western world and evolution has become naturalism’s principle dogma.” The causes for Naturalism, or Atheistic Secularism, are appropriately described by the Apostle Paul in Romans 1:18-23.
18 “For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. 19 For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. 20 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. 21 For 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. 22 Claiming to be wise, they became fools, 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things.” (Romans 1:18–23 (ESV)
The Apostle Paul gives four reasons why humanity in general denies the existence of God. Even though today’s text affirms that God has revealed Himself, not only through creation but also through His Word (Ps. 19), unrighteous mankind suppresses this truth. How, and why, do they do so?
First, sinful humanity rejects God by refusing to honor Him as God. Fallen mankind refuses to honor and praise Him as the One, True God. Mankind would rather honor and praise itself instead of the Creator who is responsible for their existence.
Second, sinful humanity refuses to be grateful to God for its very existence. The fallen world has no desire to thank God for anything. It is characterized by ingratitude. This results in worthless thinking, emotions and decisions.
Third, sinful humanity, even though it does not want to worship or be grateful to God, must worship and be grateful to something. Worship is an ingrained impulse within the heart of man. Therefore, fallen man chooses to make its own objects of worship. In other words, idols.
By doing so, the fallen world believes itself to be rather sophisticated and wise. The truth is, they become foolish. The Greek word for fools is from where we derive the English word moron. These are not unintelligent people, but rather they are impudent, thoughtless and irrational.
Upon such individuals, God sets His holy and righteous judgment and wrath. He will judge those who refuse to honor Him, thank Him and seek to replace Him.
In his book Death in the City, theologian Dr. Francis A. Schaeffer writes, “A holy and a loving God really exists and He works into the significant history which exists. He works in history on the basis of His character; and when His people and their culture turn away from Him, He works in history in judgment.”
We are witnessing God’s work in history in judgment.
Soli deo Gloria!
His Word Today 