Can Atheists Go To Heaven?

The headline said, "Pope Francis assures atheists: You do not have to believe in God to go to heaven." Whether he actually said that in so many words or not, that is what a large number of people happily heard and accepted.

By definition an atheist is one who does not believe in God.

There will be no atheists in heaven. If, for argument's sake, and it's an EXTREMELY, EXTREMELY, EXTREMELY BIG IF, one is an atheist on earth and goes to heaven, s/he will not be an atheist in heaven. No one will be able to ignore the existence of God in heaven. Make no mistake, IF atheists get to heaven they WILL believe in God.

The question really is, "Can an atheist go to heaven?"

No.

Former atheists can go to heaven, current atheists cannot.

In Romans 1:18-31 we see a list of things that provoke God's wrath.

One of those things is ignoring the existence of God. Atheists ignore the existence of God.

In II Thessalonians 1:8 we read two things that will bring about God's vengeance. One of them is ignoring the existence of God. Atheists ignore the existence of God.

in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. (II Thessalonians 1:8 NKJV)

And the other thing is not obeying the "gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ." Atheists won't obey the gospel because they don't believe in Jesus or God.

15 And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. (Mark 16:15-16 NKJV)

Atheists are unlikely to believe. If they believe in God they aren't atheists. Therefore there are no atheists in heaven.

Some argue if atheists turn to God with their dying breath God will forgive them and let them into heaven.

Not if they haven't been fully obedient before their dying breath at which point they won't be atheists.

The Bible is very clear about how to be fully obedient to be saved.

Here is God's salvation prescription taken from the scriptures...

Step one, Romans 10:17, is hearing.

We hear the word of God from verses found in the Bible, verses such as John 3:16, Mark 16:16 and others.

Step two, John 8:24, is believing what we hear...

"I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins. " (John 4:24 NKJV)

Step three and step four, Acts 2:38, is turning from your sins AND being baptized for the remission of sins.

"Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission (washing away) of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost."

That was Peter's answer to the question posed to the Apostles in Acts 2:37 by those who were convicted of crucifying Christ...

"Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart, and said unto Peter and to the rest of the apostles, Men and brethren, what shall we do?"

Step five, Romans 8:1, is walking after the Spirit (seeking God's will)...

"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit."

My friend, our little study has shown it is not enough to simply believe in Christ for everlasting life. One must believe in Christ, repent of one's sins, confess him, be buried with him in baptism for the remission of sins and walk after the Spirit.

Atheists will not do any of the above, therefore, there will be no atheists in heaven, not one.

If we can assist you in this matter please call on us if we can be of service or if you have any questions or comments or you would like to discuss this further.