Agnosticism (4)

Agnosticism is inexcusable in the light of God’s self-revelation

In the creation

Romans 1:19–20 KJV 1900

Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

See also Ps 19:1–2; Ac 14:17

In the person of Jesus Christ

John 1:18 KJV 1900

No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.

See also Jn 14:9; Heb 1:1–3

Agnosticism is sinful

Because God calls for wholehearted commitment

Joshua 24:14–15 KJV 1900

Now therefore fear the Lord, and serve him in sincerity and in truth: and put away the gods which your fathers served on the other side of the flood, and in Egypt; and serve ye the Lord. And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.

See also Ex 32:26; Dt 6:13–14; Dt 30:15–19; Ac 14:15

Because God’s call demands total obedience

Matthew 9:9 KJV 1900

And as Jesus passed forth from thence, he saw a man, named Matthew, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he saith unto him, Follow me. And he arose, and followed him.

See also Mt 4:18–22

Agnosticism results in compromise

In worship

1 Ki 18:21; 2 Ki 17:41

See also 2 Ki 17:29–33; 1 Co 10:21

In commitment

Mt 6:24 in the attitude to money; Mt 8:19–22 in service; 2 Co 6:14 in relationships with unbelievers; Eph 4:14 in accommodating false teaching

Agnosticism as a result of ignorance

Ignorance through being uninformed

Acts 17:23–30 KJV 1900

For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you. God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring. Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man’s device. And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:

See also Ac 3:17–18

Foolish ignorance of God’s existence

Psalm 14:1 KJV 1900

The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, There is none that doeth good.

See also Ps 92:5–7; Je 5:4

Ignorance of God’s presence

Psalm 115:2 KJV 1900

Wherefore should the heathen say, Where is now their God?

See also Ps 42:3; Joe 2:17; Mic 7:10

Ignorance as a result of rejecting God’s truth

Psalm 10:4 KJV 1900

The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts.

See also Ps 36:1; Je 5:21–24; Zec 7:11–12; Ac 2:22–23

Ignorance as a result of sin

Ephesians 4:17–19 KJV 1900

This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord, that ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, Having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: Who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness.

See also Is 1:3–4; Je 4:22

Ignorance is no defence against God’s judgment

Romans 1:18 KJV 1900

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;

See also Jdg 2:10–14; Is 44:9–11