Clearly, David says, those who say there is no God are foolish. Their reason for unbelief? They are corrupt – they don’t want to be held responsible for their actions; they don’t want to face judgment. If God does exist, then a higher standard must also exist – one that exposes sin for what it is. Even Paul explains in Romans 1 that people are without excuse – God’s invisible characteristics are clearly seen through what He has created. Do atheists and agnostics have any explanation for how all these things have come into existence? None that holds water. If not a Divine hand, than what? Chance? That is ridiculous and remote, and harder to believe than simply believing that a loving God created it.
Paul attacks the idea that some are more worthy of God’s salvation than others. But in Romans 3 he draws from this Psalm to correct such thinking. In fact, he says, Jews and Gentiles alike are all guilty of sinning against God, and there is no one who is blameless. In sin, we forget that God exists – we put His will on the shelf for our own selfish desires, believers or not. However, believers have a Mediator through Christ, though whom we have forgiveness. But those who live in sin, idolatry, wickedness, and self-centeredness have denied the very existence of God, perhaps not by their words, but by their actions. Anyone can say that they believe in God, but the true test of this is His presence in their lives, an acceptance of His forgiveness, and a submission to His authority.
This Psalm also tells us that God is looking from heaven to see if there are any who seek Him, who understand that there is more to this life than what can be seen. God knows the hearts of people, and He provides opportunity for salvation for those who are truly seeking Him. He will not ignore the earnest seeker – rather, according to His character He will redeem those who make Him their God. But for those who refuse to call upon Him, who live in their selfish desires, He will cut off, bring judgment and destruction upon them, for they have refused Him, and prefer His judgment over submitting themselves to His authority.
—Mark Knoles