First, I would like to look at your statement, “I grew up a Christian.” Some grow up in a Christian home, are taught Christian morals and values, are taken to church on a regular basis, and are baptized at an early age. This does not make that person a Christian, so I must ask you: Has there ever been a time in your life when you realized your sinfulness? Have you ever realized that because of your sins, you are destined for Hell? Have you ever trusted in the Lord Jesus Christ to deliver you from your sins and save you eternally? THAT is what makes a person a Christian…believing in the Lord Jesus Christ!

You may understand Christianity, but not understand Christ! You may have learned some of the principles of what it means to live a Christian life, but do you know about the endless love of Christ, who loved you so much that He died so that you might go to Heaven? If you have trusted the Lord Jesus Christ as your savior, then I can say on the authority of scripture, that you ARE a Christian. If not, I can equally say on the authority of scripture that you are NOT a Christian.

I suppose that I could also understand atheism. When one looks around and sees the terrible condition of the world, the poverty that exists, the inhumane treatment of one person against another, the heartlessness of racism, and the increasing crime and murder rate, I can see where one might reason that there is no God.

But, therein lies the problem. We read in Isaiah 1:18, “Come now, and let us REASON TOGETHER, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” It’s when people stop reasoning among themselves and humbly REASON TOGETHER with the Lord that they can have the faith to believe in God and to believe in the salvation that comes through faith in His Son.

Some absolutely reject the idea of God. The scriptures address those people in Psalms 14:1, “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.” When one refuses to acknowledge, the Lord calls them fools. In this verse, the word fool literally means “stupid; wicked (especially impious).”

If you truly have faith, it is still possible to have doubts. The scriptures are full of people who doubted at times. (Read Matthew 11:1-6 for one example). If you have doubts about the Lord, I encourage you to pray as the father did in Mark 9:24, “Lord, I believe; help thou mine unbelief.” (304.7)