314. EPH 2:12. THE VARIOUS FORMS OF ATHEISM

Eph_2:12. The Various Forms of Atheism

"Without God in the world."’97Eph_2:12.

The text is addressed to the Christian believers at Ephesus, and refers to their condition before they received the gospel. Ephesus was a celebrated city of Asia Minor, in which was the renowned Temple of Diana, one of the seven wonders of the world. This temple was 141 yards long, and about 70 yards wide, and contained 127 pillars, made by so many kings. All the provinces of Asia assisted in its erection; and it was two hundred years in building Paul preached the gospel here about the year 54; an account of which appears in Acts 19. A Christian church was afterwards formed, of which Timothy was the first bishop or pastor. The first of the seven epistles in the Revelation was addressed to the church in Ephesus. Our text gives the moral condition of the Ephesians before they were savingly acquainted with the Lord Jesus Christ. Now, this account will apply equally to all who are in the darkness of idolatry; and it is also applicable to the state of every unrenewed soul of man. We shall not, therefore, occupy your time in explaining this description as applying to the Ephesians, or to pagan nations; but show how it applies to all who have not felt the saving grace of God. We notice, then, that a state of unregeneracy is being without God in the world.

I. There is the professed Atheist, who denies the Existence of God.

Such there have been in every age of the world. David refers to this character, "The fool hath said," &c. There have been atheistical writers, and founders of systems of philosophy, so called. This, however, is rather the madness of wickedness, than wickedness itself. We cannot, even by the light of nature and reason, fail to perceive the footsteps of the Infinite and Supreme Creator of all things. No absurdity so great as atheism. No credulity so complete as that which can even for: moment believe it. No folly so flagrant as that which confesses it. Every thing proclaims aloud that there is a God.

II. There is the Atheism of the Heart, which excludes God from the Affections and Thoughts.

"The carnal mind is enmity," &c. Not merely indifferent, but at total variance, &c. There is the striking expression, Rom_1:28. "Even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge." See also Psa_10:4. How wicked is this, for the children not to love the parent, &c. Though creatures, laden with benefits, not to think of the Creator. For the culprit deserving death, not to think of the affectionate merciful Judge, &c.

III. There is practical Atheism, or the Atheism of the Life.

Now this is, in connection with atheists of heart, applicable to all rebellious unconverted sinners. Such are.

1. Without the image of God.

"God created man in," &c. Now it is affaced; nay, more, a foul and Satanic impress is in its place. The likeness is gone. Knowledge, holiness, dominion, felicity’97all gone.

2. Without the love of God.

This is manifest, from what was said of he heart.

3. Without the fear of God.

Who would not fear him, &c. Angels fear him. Devils fear him. Sinners have no fear of God before their eyes. His name they impiously profane; his laws violate; his threatenings despise.

4. Without the acknowledgment of God.

Do not acknowledge his goodness in praise, ungrateful, thankless, &c. Do not acknowledge his providence, by confidential prayer. Seek not guidance, nor help, nor security, nor his blessing.

5. Without the favor of God.

Not without his mercy and compassion, or they would at once perish; but God does not approve of them. "His face is set," &c. "He is angry," &c. His threatenings are upon them.

Application

1. Learn the misery of such a state. No real bliss; no true peace; no joyous hope; no certain security.

2. Learn the fearful consequences of such a state. In affliction; in death; in judgment; in eternity.

3. Learn the only remedy for such a state. Acknowledge God. Return to him through Christ. Seek his mercy, &c.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS