Belief in God Versus Atheism #3

Atheism is “a. Disbelief in or denial of the existence of God or gods. b. The doctrine that there is no God or gods” (Amer. Herit. Dic.). God made man (male and female) in His own image and gave man dominion over the animal kingdom (Gen 1:26-27). Here the definition of “man” is general referencing “mankind” as distinct from the animal kingdom. Gen 2:7 says, “And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.” The reference to being a “living soul” applies to mankind and not to animals.

Picture one who believes only that both man and animals have “breath of life force” in them and in being mortal and dying they are alike (Ecc 3:19; Gen 3:19). We are told that God forms the spirit of man within him (Zec 12:1). Jesus said, Mat 10:28 “And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” This means when they kill the body they cannot kill the soul. James says, Ja 2:26 “For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.” Thus, the spirit is separated from the physical body at death. Solomon said, Ecc 12:7 “Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.” The spirit returns to God who gave it to be judged (Ecc 12:13-14; Acts 7:59; Heb 9:27).

Valley Church of Christ • 2375 W. 8th Street, Yuma, AZ 85364 (928) 782-5058 • http://yumavalleychurchofchrist.com Sunday Services – Classes 10:00; Assembly 10:50 am; Evening: 6:00 pm. Wednesday evening – 7:00 pm