A Conversation with an Atheist
“The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.”
Colossians 1:15-17
Who made the sun, moon, planets, and stars? Something or someone had to make them. And further, something or someone has to keep them where they are. The sun, moon, planets, and stars are not randomly in the sky–neither is this planet. The question is, “Where’d they come from?” If you’re truly seeking, you’ll find the truth.
“Matt, all of those things just appeared at the Big Bang. There is no real God, if that’s what you mean.”
“Okay. But who or what caused the Big Bang? How can anything happen without something already being there to cause it to happen?”
“NOTHING CAUSED IT! It just happened!”
“So it looks like you have a problem of origin, that is, if you don’t know where the Big Bang came from.”
“No I don’t! I don’t have a problem! I just believe it!”
“So you simply believe in something, and that’s how you develop your truth? Hmmmmmm…sounds very familiar to me. And as far as ‘nothing’ causing the Big Bang, that’s impossible. Something had to cause the Big Bang–something or someone. Matter can’t come from nothing.”
“Says who?! And what makes your god the truth, Matt?!”
“What makes anything the truth? I don’t know why the God of the Bible is the truth, but I do know that I’ve searched every nook and cranny to find out why we are here and where we came from, and it’s all funneled into Jesus.”
“WHAT MAKES YOUR JESUS THE TRUTH?!”
“Grace. Grace is what makes Him the truth. No other religion is based on grace.”
“Bull!”
“Okay, search for yourself. I’ve got a library of books I can loan you that I’ve compiled during my quest to find out why I’m here. Not all of the authors agree with each other, but Jesus is the one cornerstone they stand on equally. Can you get to the bottom of where all of this came from for yourself, and then give me your opinion?”
“NO! I choose to believe in NOTHING!”
“Then your god is nothing. ‘Nothing’ is literally your god. As a human being with an everlasting spirit, it’s impossible to not believe in something creating you. You can’t not believe this, just like you can’t not breathe. Our Creator made us this way. Pondering our origin, and where we will go when we die, is what makes us different than all of God’s other creations. We are spirits, nothing else is. So even when you believe in nothing, you are still making nothing your creator.”
Friends, the Bible says God has placed eternity in the heart of every human (see Ecclesiastes 3:11). So we will look up at the sun, moon, and stars, and think, “Why is that there? Where did it come from? Why am I looking at it in awe?”
The answer is love, God’s love. Because of what Jesus did at the Cross, we now have free access to God’s love by believing Christ is our Savior from sin–our Savior who doesn’t need our help (see John 3:16, Acts 17:25). This love is tapped into by grace through faith (see Ephesians 2:8-9).
The reason why this planet is here–why the sun, moon, stars and you are here–is because God has a permanent place for your spirit with Him in heaven after your physical body wears out. This short trip here is but a blip on the radar screen of eternity.
So today, my friends, ask God this, even if you don’t know who He is just yet: “Why did you create everything? Why did you create me? God, who are you? Reveal yourself to me.” Make no mistake, He will answer all of these questions! He promises! Keep asking and keep seeking the truth! The mystery of God is over!
A prayer for you: Heavenly Father, thank you for teaching me the truth of your love. You and I both know, that for a time, I was trying to disprove your existence. But as I kept seeking, you kept revealing yourself. It all makes sense now. Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection–His miracles and love–has taught me everything I need to know about you. All in all, Creation is a stage, this was a rescue mission, and Jesus is the hero. Keep teaching me more about your grace, and give me wisdom so that I can represent you properly. Right now, I lift up all who are reading this, directly to you. For those who want to believe in you but there is that ONE THING that keeps them from doing so, let them know that one thing is no big deal. Nothing is a big deal to you, you are God! Help them to believe! From the beginning of time, you’ve simply wanted us to believe you. I do, and I know that many more will, before this story is over. Thanks for making us a part of it! In our Savior’s name I pray, amen.
This devotional is from 60 Days for Jesus, Volume 3. Get your copy here!