This post by Kevin DeYoung is well worth the read: The Gospel Old and New – thoughts welcome.
UPDATE: The post above was apparently provoked by A Letter to Non-Believers* by Shane Claibourne, published in Esquire.
*For whatever it’s worth, there is no such thing as a “non-believer”. There are only believers and unbelievers. “Non-believer” implies some kind of neutrality on the question of the true God’s existence, whereas Romans 1:18-23 [show] [18]For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. [19]For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. [20]For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. [21]For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. [22]Claiming to be wise, they became fools, [23]and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things. (ESV)
teaches us that all men know God – but suppress that knowledge in unrighteousness (by denying it). The existence and attributes of God are clearly revealed to all “so that they are without excuse” (Gr., anapologētos – i.e., “without an argument”). There are no sidelines in this game – everyone plays, and you’re either for Him or against Him (Matthew 12:30 [show] [30]Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters. (ESV), Luke 9:50 [show] [50]But Jesus said to him, "Do not stop him, for the one who is not against you is for you." (ESV)).
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