The Bible has a lot to say about faith and belief in God.
But what about those who do not believe?
What does Scripture say about unbelievers, and how should Christians respond to them?
Throughout the Bible, unbelievers are mentioned in different contexts.
Some reject God completely, while others are searching for truth.
Some are hostile to the gospel, while others simply do not understand it.
How does God view unbelievers?
How should believers interact with them?
Let’s explore what the Bible teaches about those who do not yet believe in God.
God Desires for All to Believe
The Bible makes it clear that God’s desire is for everyone to believe in Him.
Second Peter 3:9 says,
The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.
This verse shows God’s heart for unbelievers.
He does not want anyone to be lost.
He is patient, giving people time to come to faith.
First Timothy 2:3-4 also says,
For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour.
Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.
God’s desire is that all people come to salvation.
But He does not force anyone to believe.
Each person has a choice.
Unbelievers Are Separated From God
The Bible teaches that unbelief separates people from God.
John 3:18 says,
He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
Without faith in Christ, people remain in spiritual darkness.
Isaiah 59:2 explains,
But your iniquities have separated between you and your God, and your sins have hid his face from you, that he will not hear.
Sin creates a barrier between people and God.
The only way to remove that barrier is through faith in Jesus Christ.
Why Some People Do Not Believe
Not everyone who hears the gospel accepts it.
Jesus spoke about this in John 12:37,
But though he had done so many miracles before them, yet they believed not on him.
Even when people saw Jesus perform miracles, some still refused to believe.
There are several reasons why people remain unbelievers:
Some are blinded by sin.
Second Corinthians 4:4 says,
In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
Satan works to keep people from seeing the truth.
Some love the world more than God.
John 3:19 says,
And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
Some reject God out of pride.
Psalm 10:4 says,
The wicked, through the pride of his countenance, will not seek after God: God is not in all his thoughts.
Pride keeps many from admitting they need a Savior.
Understanding why people do not believe helps Christians know how to pray for them and share the gospel with wisdom.
How Should Christians Treat Unbelievers?
The Bible gives clear instructions on how believers should interact with unbelievers.
First, we are called to love them.
Jesus said in Luke 6:27,
But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you.
Even when unbelievers reject our faith or treat us unfairly, we are called to respond with love.
Second, we are to share the gospel with them.
Mark 16:15 says,
And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.
It is not a Christian’s job to force anyone to believe, but we are called to share the good news.
Third, we are to live as a good example.
Matthew 5:16 says,
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
Our actions should reflect Christ so that unbelievers can see God’s love through us.
Should Christians Be Close Friends With Unbelievers?
The Bible teaches that while we should love and witness to unbelievers, we must also be cautious about close relationships.
Second Corinthians 6:14 warns,
Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?
This does not mean Christians should avoid all contact with unbelievers.
It simply means that deep, spiritually binding relationships—such as marriage or business partnerships—should be with fellow believers.
First Corinthians 15:33 also warns,
Be not deceived: evil communications corrupt good manners.
Spending too much time with people who reject God can influence believers in the wrong direction.
Christians should be friendly and kind to unbelievers while being careful about who has the greatest influence in their lives.
Can Unbelievers Be Saved?
Yes.
The Bible is clear that anyone who turns to Christ can be saved.
Romans 10:9 promises,
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.
No one is too far gone.
No sin is too great.
God’s grace is available to everyone who repents and believes.
Even the Apostle Paul was once an unbeliever who persecuted Christians.
But after encountering Jesus, he became one of the greatest messengers of the gospel.
This shows that no one is beyond God’s reach.
What Happens to Those Who Reject God?
The Bible teaches that those who continue in unbelief will face judgment.
John 3:36 says,
He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.
Revelation 20:15 warns,
And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
God is loving and merciful, but He is also just.
Those who reject Him will face the consequences of their choice.
How Should Christians Pray for Unbelievers?
Prayer is one of the most powerful ways to reach unbelievers.
James 5:16 says,
The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
Christians should pray that unbelievers’ hearts would be opened.
They should pray for God to remove spiritual blindness and bring them to salvation.
They should also pray for wisdom in sharing the gospel and living as a witness.
Final Thoughts
The Bible teaches that unbelievers are separated from God but not beyond His reach.
God desires for all people to come to faith.
Some reject the gospel because of sin, pride, or spiritual blindness, but through prayer, love, and faithful witness, Christians can help lead them to Christ.
While believers should be cautious about deep relationships with unbelievers, they should never stop showing kindness and sharing the truth.
God’s grace is available to all, and anyone who repents and believes can be saved.
As followers of Christ, our mission is to shine His light so that others may see the truth and come to faith in Him.