In every generation, there are voices that rise up to deny the existence of God, Jesus Christ, or even absolute truth. The reason is often simple: if there is no God, then there is no moral law. If there is no Christ, then there is no accountability for sin. To many, rejecting God seems like freedom — freedom to live however they want, without restraint, without guilt, without consequence. But the reality is quite the opposite: rejecting God does not lead to freedom, it leads to captivity under sin.
Living with less denial and less rebellion means embracing truth, not running from it. In this Thrive on Less reflection, we discover that true freedom is found in Christ, not in pretending He doesn’t exist.
The Historical Reality of Jesus Christ
Before we talk about why culture denies Him, we need to affirm that Jesus truly walked this earth. His existence is not a matter of faith alone — history itself bears witness.
- Biblical Accounts: The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John are historical records written within a generation of Jesus’ ministry. They contain eyewitness testimonies, many of whom were still alive when these writings circulated.
- Roman Historians: Tacitus, a respected Roman historian, wrote about “Christus” who suffered under Pontius Pilate during the reign of Tiberius. Josephus, a Jewish historian, also mentions Jesus as a real figure and teacher who performed extraordinary deeds.
- The Church’s Existence: The rapid spread of Christianity across the Roman Empire, despite persecution and death, is itself proof. No group of ordinary men would suffer torture and execution for a myth they invented.
Even skeptical scholars agree: Jesus was a real person. The question is not “Did He exist?” but rather “Who was He?”
Why People Deny God
We live in a culture that often denies God because His existence demands change. If there is a Creator, then life has purpose. If Jesus is Lord, then He has authority. But fallen humanity prefers autonomy. Denial becomes a shield that justifies sin:
- Moral Relativism: If there is no God, then right and wrong are subjective. People can redefine sin to suit their lifestyle.
- Comfort in Sin: Darkness feels comfortable when there is no light to expose it. Denying God allows people to numb their conscience.
- Encouraging Others: Once someone rejects God, they often encourage others to do the same, because misery loves company. They claim freedom, but in truth they are deepening their chains.
Romans 1:21–22 says, “For although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools.”
The Illusion of Freedom
Modern culture equates rejecting God with liberation. Yet sin enslaves. Addiction, broken relationships, greed, lust, pride — these are not marks of freedom, but of bondage. Jesus Himself said: “Very truly I tell you, everyone who sins is a slave to sin” (John 8:34).
- Rejecting God: Leads to emptiness, despair, and endless craving for something that never satisfies.
- Accepting Christ: Brings forgiveness, purpose, peace, and true freedom — not the absence of law, but freedom from guilt and the power of sin.
Real freedom is not doing whatever you want. Real freedom is living the way you were created to live — in harmony with your Creator.
The Call to Truth
Denying Jesus does not erase His existence any more than denying the sun makes it vanish from the sky. The evidence is clear, the testimony of history is strong, and the witness of transformed lives is undeniable.
The deeper issue is not evidence but surrender. Many would rather live in chains than bow their knee to Christ. Yet the Gospel calls us to repentance, not to enslave us, but to set us free.
Jesus said, “Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32).
Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for sending Your Son, Jesus Christ, the undeniable Savior and Lord. Forgive us for the times we doubted, denied, or followed our own sinful desires instead of Your truth. Open the eyes of those who reject You, and break the chains of sin that keep them captive. Teach us that true freedom is found only in You, through Christ who conquered sin and death. May we live boldly in Your truth and share the good news with a world desperate for freedom. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
✨ Thrive on Less Takeaway: To thrive on less is to reject the illusions of sin and self-rule. Denying Christ does not make us free — it makes us prisoners. True freedom is found only in Jesus, the Savior who sets us free indeed.
Thrive on Less 
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