MARCH 14
Psalm 53:1, “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’ They are corrupt, doing abominable iniquity; there is none who does good.”
On April 8, 1966, Time magazine published a provocative cover story titled “Is God Dead?” The article explored the challenges theologians in that day faced in making God relevant in an increasingly secular society. With science seemingly offering alternative explanations for the world, religion seemed to occupy less space in people’s daily lives.
The issue stirred significant backlash from both the general public and religious communities, with much of the criticism focusing more on the eye-catching cover—featuring bold red text reading “Is God Dead?” on a black background—than on the article’s content itself. Four decades later, The Los Angeles Times included the “Is God Dead?” cover among the “12 magazine covers that shook the world.”
However, as the psalmist reminds us, the atheistic sentiment behind the Time article is not a new one. At its core, sin represents a rebellion and antagonism toward God, preferring His non-existence. Without God, however, there would be no moral standard—no right or wrong—and no force to check humanity’s most selfish and sinful impulses (Romans 1:18-19).
Goodness and God are inseparable. God is good, and all that He does is good (Psalm 119:68). Apart from His influence in the hearts of men, there can be no true goodness on earth. In His absence, evil and darkness will prevail. Those who dismiss His existence foolishly forfeit the opportunity to experience His goodness, particularly the forgiveness and transformation He offers, enabling us to do good.
Trace all true goodness back to God, for apart from Him there’d be none to be found (James 1:17).
Application questions: Twice the psalmist declares “there is none who does good.” How are we to understand this statement? Why are some prone to deny the existence of God despite the clear evidence to the contrary?
LookingtoJesus 