Why Jesus Christ Remains Unbelievable to an Atheist

It is a common misconception that one can 'make Jesus believable' to an atheist. This approach misunderstands the deep-seated skepticism and the core beliefs of those who do not believe in a divine Jesus. Atheists demand proof, often interpreted as visible, tangible evidence, which is often seen as a universal requirement. However, such a requirement is rooted in the skepticism that often denies the existence of the divine. This article will delve into why an atheist might find it challenging to believe in Jesus and propose a better way to share the gospel.

The Psychological and Spiritual Barriers

A key point to understand is that atheists often face spiritual and psychological barriers that make belief in the divine, particularly in the form of Jesus, extremely difficult, if not impossible. The core belief that all evidence must be irrefutable aligns closely with the perspective often attributed to Satan in Christian theology. The temptation to use 'proof' or 'signs' is one that Satan exploits, particularly in attempts to undermine faith and truth. In essence, an atheist who demands 'proof' is not necessarily seeking truth, but rather demanding evidence that aligns with their inherent skepticism.

Jesus, on the other hand, calls these demands unreasonable and even mocking. The phrase 'generations of vipers' in the New Testament underscores the idea that such seekers are not truly open to the truth, but are instead motivated by a desire to maintain their own skepticism, often cloaked in the guise of logical thinking. For Jesus, faith is not something that can be created or imposed; it must be a free and personal decision born out of a genuine encounter with the divine truth.

Understanding Faith and Salvation

Central to understanding why atheism makes belief in Jesus challenging is the nature of faith itself. Faith is not a result of proof or evidence; rather, it is the result of hearing and believing the word of God. This truth is encapsulated in the Bible where it is stated, 'Faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God' (Romans 10:17). Additionally, faith is described as being born 'of the word' in Ephesians 1:13 and 1 Peter 1:23. This means that believing in Jesus requires belief in the message and the scripture that they personifies.

The Gospel of Mark, in verse 16:16, states, 'Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved.' This implies that belief, rather than proof or evidence, is the path to salvation. For someone to believe in Jesus, they must first accept the word of God as the ultimate authority and truth. Given the inherent skepticism of atheism, this is a significant hurdle.

The Inherent Flaws in Proving the Existence of Jesus

Athletes, faced with the challenge of proving the existence of Jesus, often encounter numerous obstacles. One key aspect is the necessity of presenting irrefutable evidence that can withstand all scrutiny. However, the Gospel itself presents a significant challenge to such claims. The narratives of the Gospels, though central to Christian belief, are subject to historical and theological scrutiny that often undermine the notion of an irrefutable, universally accepted historical figure.

Additionally, the task of proving that Jesus was a Messiah or Christ is compounded by the need for comparable quality evidence. The absurdity of demanding proof from the Gospels but having no similar standards for other religious texts, such as those of Odin, Thor, Zeus, Hercules, Jupiter, Neptune, Horus, Attis, Adonis, Baal, Peor, or Dagon, highlights the arbitrary nature of the request. This line of thinking is not driven by a desire for truth but rather by a stubborn adherence to skepticism.

The Personal Journey of Faith

For those who do not believe in Jesus, the journey to faith is not one of proof but of a personal and spiritual encounter. While no amount of evidence would change the mind of an atheist, the task for Christians is to continue to share the Gospel with compassion and understanding. It is to present the truth of Jesus Christ in a way that resonates with the human spirit, not through force or coercion, but through faith, love, and trust in the word of God.

Atheists and believers each walk a different path. The atheist's journey is one of skepticism and the demanding of proof, while the believer's journey is one of faith and trust. Both paths are valid, and the goal of the Christian is never to 'make Jesus believable' but to share the love and truth of Jesus in a way that resonates with the heart and mind of the other person.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the belief in Jesus Christ is not a matter of proof but a matter of personal faith. Those who approach this belief with an open heart and mind, willing to hear and accept the word of God, are more likely to find the path to belief. As Christians, our task is to continue to share the message of Jesus with charity, patience, and understanding. It is through this message and this faith that true belief and salvation can be found.