Just an Idea?

I heard in a movie that,

"Everyone knows that God is just an idea"

and wondered how anyone could come to believe such a thing.

Why and How - Possibilities

Why - The Everyone Excuse

"Everyone" believes that, don't they? Just go along and get along. Besides, this way I don't have to think about the implications of God existing.

Why - A Comforting Thought

In a totally selfish way, it could be a comforting thought that "God is just an idea". What are the implications?

No Sin. Since sin is disobedient action or thought that separates us from God. (1 John 3:4)
If there is no God, there can be no sin. (Romans 4:15)

No Guilt: If there is no sin, there is no guilt of sin.

No Consequences: If there is no sin, there is no Hell.

I can be in control. In essence, I become my own moral judge and I always act in a way that seems right to me.

How - A Possible Precedent

Is the concept that "God is just an idea" a logical conclusion that could be drawn from other experiences? "Religious Authorities" or parents may teach me about God. How is their track record?

Easter - Some religions celebrate Easter and the Easter bunny.

Christman - Some religions celebrate Christmas and St. Nick or Santa.

Since the Easter Bunny and Santa were a myth, if the same sources teach about God, is there a logical conclusion?

How and Why Don't Make It True

What God know matters, not what "Everyone" knows

"Everyone is doing it" did not work with my parents when I was a kid.

"Everyone knows that God is just an idea" will not work when Every One appears before the judgment seat (II Cor 5:10).

What Everyone knows won't matter then. What God knows will, and he knows everything we do and say. We will even be called to give an account of our idle words (Matt 12:36)

Comforting in the Short Term Only

If there is no God, there are also no blessings from Him. There is not hope of heaven and this life is all we have. Death is our end. With a correct relationship with God, Death becomes our beginning. (Romans 6:7-11)

The Correct Conclusion

The correct conclusion to be drawn from the precedent we spoke of is that we must verify what we are taught using God's Word as it is what will judge us (John 12:48). We need to try what we are taught. If it contrasts with God's Word, we need to reject the teaching. (Acts 17:11, 1 Tim 1:3, Romans 16:17, Galatians 1:6-9)

Also, when teaching, we must be careful to always, always, always teach the Truth. Teaching error does set a precedent that other teaching is also a fiction that will be revealed at a later time. It misleads and causes others to stumble in ways we may not consider. And it brings destruction upon our souls (2 Peter 2:1-2).

What Can We Know?

We can know if we have a right relationship with God. (1 John 5:13)

We can know if we have believed His Word. (John 8:24)

We can know if we have repented of our sins. (Luke 13:3)

We can know if we have confessed Christ before men. (Acts 8:37)

We can know if we have submitted ourselves in baptism. (Acts 2:38, 22:16)

We can also know if we are walking in the light (1 John 1:7), or if we are living as though God was just an idea.

God Is Real

The thought that "God is just an idea" is a concept that Satan would love for us to believe and teach. And remember, Satan is more that just an idea too. (1 Peter 5:8)

If we can help you in your relationship with God, please let us know.

-- Zachary Van Tassel, 2001 --

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