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What the Bible calls those who argue against God's truth

What does the New Testament call those who argue against the truth about God and the gospel of Christ? To make the point on these matters we will turn to Romans chapter 1.

The first chapter of the book of Romans provides us with a great deal of information about those who oppose the truth of God, how they came to their position, and the ultimate end of such persons. Additionally, this chapter enables us to understand what is going on in the minds and hearts of those who oppose the truth about God.

The chapter opens with Paul’s address to his readers which is customary in all his letters. That address begins at verse 1 and concludes at verse 17. Paul then turns his attention to those who oppose the truth of the gospel. Beginning in verse 18, Paul describes those who resist God, saying, "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth” (Romans 1:18 ESV italics added).

Here is both the term of reference and the cause of those who actively oppose God. Such persons are termed “suppressors of truth.” That is, they actively suppress the truth about God in their own lives and negatively influence others to do the same. And how is this accomplished, better said, “why” is this accomplished? Paul indicates it is through the means of, or because of, their own unrighteousness. Different translations use slightly differing English words, but the meaning is the same. Consider the differences in translations which cast light on the underlying meaning of Paul’s sentence.

English Standard Version: “…all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth.”

King James Version:“…all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness.”

Modern King James Version:“…all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness.”

Revised Version:“...all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold down the truth in unrighteousness.”

New International Version::“…against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness.”

As we can see, the wording is slightly different but the meaning is the same—those who oppose the truth of God, particularly by publicly arguing and pursuing the dissemination of lies against the truth of God, are considered suppressors of the truth. Although Paul does not address them by the specific title of suppressor (to suppress is a verb rather than a noun), anyone who suppresses is by grammatical standard a suppressor, just as one who hears is a hearer, and one who writes is a writer. From this point forward I will refer to people who argue against the truth of God as suppressors or suppressors of truth.

Let’s move on to discuss what drives or motivates suppressors of truth.