As a devout Christian, I’ve always been taught that the only way to heaven is to believe in Christ. In my school years, I interacted with many atheists. Their beliefs blew my mind, but being someone with an unwavering faith in God, I wanted to understand why atheists don’t believe in His existence. Even in theology school, I spent a much time asking my professors about atheists and what will happen to them after their death. A few weeks ago, a church member approached me and asked me whether atheists can go to heaven. He had heard the Pope imply that they would go to heaven based on their good deeds. Since I dedicated a lot of time to study about atheists and what the Bible says about their beliefs, I explained to him the possible eternal destination of atheists. So, can atheists go to heaven?
Like any sinner, atheists can go to heaven if they accept Christ and believe in his existence. Atheists do not believe that God nor his son exists, or even any other gods. However, the scripture is clear in the book of John 14:6 that Jesus Christ is the truth, the way, and the life, and we can only go to the Father through him.
Join me as I extensively discuss atheists and whether they can go to heaven. I will look at how atheists can go to heaven if the scripture notes that all atheists will go to hell, what the Pope says about atheists going to heaven, and what the atheist afterlife looks like. Keep reading to learn more.
How can atheists go to heaven?
According to theologians and the views of Christians, atheists can go to heaven if they accept Christ. Christians believe that being saved and living according to God’s will is the only way to enter heaven. So, you might ask, what does salvation really entail? Though the scripture notes that salvation is not through our works but the grace and mercy of God (Ephesians 2:2-5), one has to accept Jesus Christ to be saved. Christ, in the book of John 14:6, says that he is the way, the life, and the truth, and we cannot go to God except through him. Therefore, even for atheists, the scripture is clear that the only way to enter heaven is to accept Christ.
Do all atheists go to hell, according to the Bible?
The Bible does not state anywhere that all atheists will go to hell. Like any Christian, we were all languishing in sin before we were saved. Therefore, atheists are also worthy of being saved. However, it is also keen to note that though the Bible does not note that all atheists will go to hell, some Bible verses guide us on what will happen if we do not believe in Christ.
John 3:36 notes that the wrath of God remains on those who do not believe in Jesus, but those who do will have eternal life. John 3:16 notes that those who believe in God will have eternal life and not perish. This verse is also interpreted as those who do not believe in Him will perish. Therefore, atheists who will probably go to hell are those who will die before renouncing their ways and accepting Christ as their savior.
What does the Pope say about atheists going to heaven?
According to Pope Francis, even atheists are capable of being redeemed. The Pope’s stand on atheists going to heaven is that Christ died for all of us, and his blood is capable of saving everyone, not only the Catholics. The Pope has always been keen to make inclusive remarks in public.
Additionally, during one of Pope Francis’s visits, he noted that an atheist father would go to heaven after his kid burst into tears and asked the Pope about the fate of his Father. Pope Francis claimed that though the man was an atheist, he allowed his sons to be baptized, which is a good sign that God loves. It is keen to note that the Pope’s comments have received backlash from other spiritual figures, with others noting that his comments do not reflect biblical teachings.
What is the atheist afterlife?
Atheists do not believe that there is an afterlife or that we exist after death. According to atheists, life ends on earth, and when we die, we cease to exist. To them, death is the full stop. Unlike many religions that live with the fear of going to hell, atheists do not ascribe to this fear, as to them, there is no heaven and hell. However, what many believe is important is the process of dying. They try to make it comfortable for them and their loved ones.
How can atheists go to heaven or hell if they don’t believe in the Christian afterlife?
Heaven and hell is a concept taught in the Bible, and several religions hold on to it. Christians follow biblical teachings that those who do not believe in the existence of God will go to hell, despite the atheists not holding the same belief. In John 3:18, the scripture notes that whoever does not believe in God is condemned already. Therefore, though we cannot say that atheists will go to hell or heaven, Christians believe that anyone who does not accept Christ will not enjoy eternal life.
As a devout Christian, I have always been passionate about the Christian faith. This inspired me to pursue a degree in Religious studies and a Masters in Theology in college. I have also been privileged to teach 4 Christian courses in a college and university. Since I am dedicated to spreading the word of God, I am actively involved in the Church. Additionally, I share his word online and cover diverse topics on the Christian faith through my platform. You can read more about me on the about us page.
