The Existence of God according to Bible teachings

The Bible teaching about existence of God reflects something on everyone’s mind – even those who claim He does not exist. What are your thoughts? It is an either/or question. The issue is important, because it determines where we spend eternity – if there is such a thing (there is). 

You and I are confronted every day in every way with those who do not believe He exists. Sometimes we begin to doubt ourselves. This study will bolster your faith.

In this study I tackle the big question: does God exist? If so, how can we know? In Christian apologetics there are basically two ways to answer this question. First, there is the presuppositional approach. Second, is the traditional Christian evidence approach. Let’s look at both.

Presuppositional Approach

This view believes that humanity basically assumes the existence of God, and that we do not need to prove something we already instinctively know. 

Paul wrote that people unjustifiably suppress the knowledge of God, “because that which is known about god is evident within them; for God made it evident to them. For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes, His eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood though what has been made, so that they are without excuse” (Romans 1:19, 20; Psalm 19:1-6).

At least two things: He placed an instinctive awareness within humanity, and nature affirms that innate knowledge. The Bible assumes God’s existence from the very first sentence, “In the beginning, God” (Genesis 1:1; cf. 1:27). 

Christians believe by faith in the existence of God (Hebrews 11:3, 6), but we possess outstanding evidence that under girds that belief. 

Even the unbeliever must hold their position by faith. Atheist Bertrand Russell wrote, “I do not think that there is a conclusive argument by which one can prove that there is not a God…I cannot prove that there is not a God.” 

But, I cannot leave the matter there. I would like some good reasons to believe in God’s existence. Wouldn’t you? These proofs do not prove the existence of God conclusively, because that would leave no room for faith. However, they give compelling, convincing evidence that should persuade any honest evaluation.

The Traditional Christian Evidences

Cosmological Argument

Broken down, this proof is based on the relationship of cause and effect. Every fact, existing thing or effect in the universe must have an adequate cause outside itself. There must be an originating “first cause.” 

For example, before a cue ball can strike any other ball on the pool table, someone must first cause it by striking the ball with a cue stick. The causes can always be traced back to an original, first cause – to which we call God. If there is no first cause, nothing could ever happen.

Teleological Argument

This view draws from the self-evident realities of design, intelligence, order, harmony and purpose in the universe. In other words, the universe and humanity were designed with a purpose in mind. In the form of a syllogism it would look like this.

•Whatever shows marks of design must have had a designer.

•The universe shows marks of design.

•Therefore, the universe must have had a designer, which is God.

Ontological Argument

This idea gets complicated. Basically, it states that humanity has the idea of a perfect being, and existence is part of being perfect. Therefore, an absolute perfect being must exist – who is God. 

Moral Argument

This one is grounded in our mental and moral nature. Our sense of morality demonstrates the existence of God, a holy Lawgiver and Judge higher than us. We have a conscience and guilt, which assumes and points to God who has imposed the law and punitive power. Even the most primitive of peoples have a conscience.

Historical Argument

This idea is easier. Every culture and people of the earth has a notion of a God(s), and some sort of religious expression. Dogs and cats don’t sign hymns, pray, and worship – only people. This would indicate there must be a God.

Providential Care

The Bible teaching about God’s existence presents the apparent care and control of the physical and social world along with the progress of history. The world and universe holds together with great precision. Humanity lives and survives in a very fragile environment. 

There seems to be a superintending power that governs, guides, and protects us. This makes more sense than random, purposeless, chaos. That power is God.

Miracles

Defining and explaining miracles gets very complicated. But, in this space, I offer this attempt. There are two kinds of miracles. One type works in accordance with the laws of nature. For example, the prediction and completion of the soldiers gambling for the clothes of Jesus on the cross is of this kind (John 19:23, 24; cf. Psalm 22:18). The prophecy and its fulfillment was a miracle, but it occurred within natural law acting in history.  

The second type of miracle is an extraordinary, or supernatural, act exercised by God, but by not using the established laws of nature. It is by direct intervention. An example of this is the resurrection of Christ. That unique event happened way outside the realm of natural laws acting in the universe. History and Scripture is replete with miracles, which is a proof of God.

Miracles are probably the biggest proof of God’s existence. The biggest miracle is Christ’s resurrection. Returning from the dead is outside the normal workings of natural law. Frankly, that ought to seal the deal as to God’s existence. Only God can come alive again. 

John wrote, “Many other signs therefore Jesus also performed in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these have been written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name” (John 20:30, 31). 

The Bible

The contents of the Christian Bible claim to be from God, point to a supernatural origin, and contain supernatural marks. The chief mark being detailed, precise, fulfilled prophecy – which is a certain kind of miracle.

With this Bible teaching about the existence of God, Esmie and I hope to stir up your thinking, give you confidence in your faith, and encourage looking more in depth regarding the rock solid evidence for God’s existence. God bless you.

Dr. Willis and Esmie Newman

BIBLE STUDY QUESTIONS

1. How do you think Genesis 1:27 relates to our assuming God’s existence?

2. Do you believe God exists? Prepare a defense of your position.

3. How does Romans 2:14-16 relate to proving God’s existence?

4. What did Jesus say was the reason people refuse to believe in God (John 3:18-21)?

5. What was the basic argument John used to demonstrate the existence of God as revealed in the Bible (John 20:30, 31)?

6. How does Paul explain the refusal to believe in Him (Romans 1:18-21)?

7. What are some consequences of not believing in Him (Romans 1:21-32)?

8. What two arguments did Paul use to prove the existence of God(Romans 1:19, 20)?

9. What is God’s evaluation of those who do not believe in God (Psalm 14:1-3)?

10. What argument did Paul use in Acts 17:24-31 to demonstrate the existence of God as revealed in the Bible?

11. What stood out the most to you in this Bible teaching about the existence of God?