GOD Series 1: Course 2

Transcription

1 GOD Series 1: Course 2 of the Net Bible Institute By Don Stewart 1

2 About The NET Bible Institute (NBI) Welcome to the global classroom! In order to allow anyone, anywhere in the world, to learn more about the Christian faith, AusAmerica Ministries has created the Net Bible Institute (NBI) Vision Our vision for NBI is that it will be a complete course of study about what Christianity believes and teaches. The Net Bible Institute, when eventually completed, will consist of forty-four individual courses in five different series, and will cover all major areas of Christian belief and practice. A separate textbook will be prepared for each individual course. The various textbooks are now in the process of being written. The entire course of study is called Understanding The Christian Faith. The textbooks for the various courses are produced as educational tools explaining what Christians believe and why they believe it. Each course in the program is designed to be used for either self-study, home Bible study, or for the classroom. It is our goal to make the Net Bible Institute the most comprehensive course of study that is available anywhere. Everything Is Free Everything in the Net Bible Institute is free. All materials (textbooks, audio, tests) are provided on our Web site without charge. There will never be a charge for anything that we offer. It is our vision to reach the entire world with the truths of the Christian faith. It is our conviction that this should be done totally without charge. We invite you to join us at the Net Bible Institute for a thorough study of the Bible the Word of God. We trust you will be greatly enriched by your experience. Until the whole world hears, AusAmerica Ministries 2

3 GOD Series 1: Course 2 of the Net Bible Institute By Don Stewart 3

4 GOD (Series 1: Course 2 of the Net Bible Institute) By Don Stewart 1998 AusAmerica Ministries Published by AusAmerica Publishers Box 15 Murrieta, California USA All Rights Reserved. Although the material in this book may be copied and distributed it must not be used for resale. The material must be used unedited and in its entirety. Duplication of more than one hundred copies must be made with permission of AusAmerica Ministries. 4

5 Table Of Contents 5 TABLE OF CONTENTS Topic 1 THE EXISTENCE OF GOD How We Know The God Of The Bible Exists Question 1. Question 2. Question 3. Question 4. Question 5. Question 6. Question 7. Question 8. Question 9. Question 10. Question 11. Question 12. Question 13. Question 14. Question 15. Who Is The God Of The Bible? How Does The Bible Describe God? Does The Bible Attempt To Prove That God Exists? Why Should We Listen To Arguments For The Existence Of God If The Bible Does Not Give Any? What Are Some Of The Arguments That Are Used To Prove That God Exists? What Does Nature Tell Us About God s Existence? (Natural Theology) How Do We Know That It Is The God Of The Bible Who Exists? Has Modern Science Disproved The Existence Of The God Of The Bible? Can An Intelligent Person Still Believe In God? Who Created God, Whe re Did He Come From? If God Exists, Then Why Is He Silent? Would Everyone Believe In God Today If He Only Showed Himself? Why Should We Expect God To Reveal Himself To Humanity? How Has God Revealed Himself To Humanity? Why Doesn t Everyone See That God Exists? Summary To The Existence Of God (Topic 1) Topic 2 ALTERNATIVES TO THE GOD OF THE BIBLE What Non-Christians Believe About The Existence Of God Question 16. Question 17. Question 18. Don t All Religions Ultimately Teach The Same Thing? In What Sense Is Christianity Unique Among The World s Religions? Can A Person Experience The True God Through Religions Other Than Christianity?

6 6 God Question 19. Question 20 Question 21. Question 22. Question 23. Question 24. Question 25. Question 26. Question 27. Question 28. Question 29. Question 30. What Is Monotheistic Religion? Can A Person Reach The True God Through Judaism? Is The God Of Islam The Same God As Christianity? What Is Dualism? What Is Polytheism? What Is Henotheism? Is The God Of The Bible The Only One Who Exists, Then Why Does Scripture Speak Of Other gods? Is Everything That Exists Part Of God? (Pantheism) Is God Subject To Change (Panentheism, Process Theology) Could God Have Created The World And Then Backed Off? (Deism) What Is Atheism? What Is Agnosticism? Summary To Alternatives To The God Of The Bible (Topic 2) Topic 3 THE DOCTRINE OF THE TRINITY: ONE GOD IN THREE PERSONS Understanding The God Of Scripture Question 31. Question 32. Question 33. Question 34. Question 35. Question 36. Question 37. Question 38. Question 39. Question 40. What Is The Doctrine Of The Trinity? What Are Some Common Misconceptions About The Trinity? Does Only One God Exist? In What Sense Is God A Unity? Is God The Father A Distinct Person From Jesus Christ? Is The Holy Spirit A Distinct Person From God The Father? Is Jesus Christ A Distinct Person From The Holy Spirit? Are The Father, Son, And Holy Spirit All Addressed As God? Are Divine Attributes Attributed To Each Member Of The Trinity? Does Each Member Of The Trinity Perform Divine Works?

7 Table Of Contents 7 Question 41. Question 42. Question 43. Question 44. Question 45. Is The Doctrine Of The Trinity Found In The Old Testament? Does The New Testament Mention The Three Distinct Members Of The Trinity? Does 1 John 5:7 Teach The Trinity? How Do The Different Members Of The Trinity Work With Each Other? (Economic Trinity) Why Do Certain Passages Seem To Teach That Jesus Was Inferior To God? False Views Of The Nature Of God Question 46. Question 47. Question 48. Question 49. Question 50. Question 51. Question 52. What Were Some Of The Early Heresies Regarding The Trinity? Is God An Absolute Unity? (Unitarianism) Is The Holy Spirit Merely Another Name For Jesus (Binitarianism) Does The One God Have Three Different Modes? (Modalism, Sabellianism) Is Jesus Lesser In Nature Than God The Father (Arianism) Do Christians Believe In Three Gods? (Tritheism) Does It Really Matter If A Person Believes In The Trinity? Summary To The Doctrine Of The Trinity: One God In Three Persons (Topic 3) Topic 4 THE ATTRIBUTES OF THE GOD OF THE BIBLE: GOD S PERFECTIONS What God Is Like Question 53. Question 54. Question 55. Question 56. Question 57. Question 58. Question 59. What Are The Attributes Of God? (God s Perfections) Should We Attempt To Categorize The Attributes Of God? In What Sense Is Our Knowledge About God Limited? (Incomprehensibility Of God) Does The Bible Teach The Eternity Of God? (That He Has Always Existed) Does God Dwell In Time? Was God Alone Before He Created The Universe? Is God Dependent Upon Anything? (Independence Of God, Freedom Of God)

8 8 God Question 60. Question 61. Question 62. Question 63. Question 64. Question 65. Question 66. Question 67. Question 68. Question 69. Question 70. Question 71. Question 72. Question 73. Question 74. Question 75. Question 76. Question 77. Question 78. Question 79. Question 80. Question 81. Question 82. Question 83. Question 84. Can Anything About God Change? (Immutability) Does The Bible Say God Changed His Mind? In What Sense Is God Infinite? Does God Know Everything? (Omniscient) Which Words In The Bible Express The Omniscience Of God? (Foreknowledge, Foreseeing, Foretelling, Foreordained) According To The Bible, What Things Does God Specifically Know? Are There Some Things That God Does Not Know? Does God Know Everything That Could Possibly Happen? Is God Everywhere At Once? (Omnipresent) How Is God Greater Than Angels Or Humans? (The Immensity Of God) In What Specific Ways Is God Present With His Creation? If God Is Present Everywhere, Then How Can Unbelievers Be Separated From Him? Is God All-Powerful? (Omnipotent) In What Sense Is God In Control Of Things? (Sovereign) Is God A Personal God? In What Sense Is God A Father? Is God Good? Is God A Wise God? Is God A God Of Truth? Is God Love? Is God Faithful? What Does It Mean: God Is Holy? Is God Righteous? In What Specific Ways Does God Deal Righteously With Humanity? In What Sense Is God Jealous?

9 Table Of Contents 9 Question 85. Question 86. Question 87. Question 88. Question 89. Question 90. Question 91. Question 92. Question 93. Question 94. Question 95. Question 96. Question 97. Question 98. Question 99. Is God A Judge? What Is The Wrath Of God? Is God A Merciful God? What Is The Glory Of God? What Is Meant By The Simplicity Of God? What Does The Beauty Of The Lord Mean? In What Sense Is God Perfect? Can Humans Become God? Can God Become A Human Being? Did God Every Take A Physical Form Before The Coming Of Christ? Does God Have A Physical Body? Why Do Certain Passages Seem To Teach That God Has A Body? (Anthropomorphisms) What About Certain Passages That Attribute Human Passions To God? (Anthropopathisms) Doesn t The Bible Say People Actually Saw God? What Does The Name Of God Mean? Question 100. What Does The Hebrew Term Elohim Mean? Question 101. What Does The Hebrew Term Adonai Stand For? Question 102. Why Is God Called Yahweh? (Jehovah) Question 103. What Does The Greek Word Theos (God) Mean? Question 104. What Does The Greek Word Kurios (Lord) Mean? Question 105. What Does The Greek Word Despotes (Master) Refer To? Summary To The Attributes Of The God Of The Bible: God s Perfections (Topic 4)

10 10 God Topic 5 THE ACTIVITY OF GOD The Ways In Which God Has Worked And Continues To Work Question 106. What Are The Decrees Of God? Question 107. What Objections Have Been Made To The Idea Of God s Decrees? Question 108. Was The Universe Created By God? Question 109. Why Did God Create The Universe? Question 110. Did God Create Other Inhabited World s Apart From Our Own? Question 111. What Does Biblical Creationism Teach Us About the Nature Of God? Question 112. What Is Presently Preserving The Universe? Question 113. How Is God Preserving The Universe? Question 114. How Involved Is God In Running The Universe? Question 115. Does God Play An Active Role In The Affairs Of Humanity? Question 116. What Are The Various Laws That God Has Established? Question 117. What Is The Providence Of God? Question 118. What Is God s General Providence? Question 119. What Is The Special Providence Of God? Question 120. What Is God s Unconditional Providence? Question 121. What Is God s Conditional Providence? Question 122. How Does God s Providence Work With People Who Are About To Sin? Question 123. Did God Create Evil? Question 124. What Does The Bible Say About The Problem Of Evil? Question 125. Does God Ever Get Angry? Question 126. Why Did God Order The Destruction Of The Canaanites? Question 127. Do The Two Testaments Portray Different Concepts Of God? Question 128. How Has God Punished Sin? Summary To The Activity Of God (Topic 5)

11 Table Of Contents 11 Topic 6 HOW GOD RELATES TO HUMANITY To What Extent Can God Be Known By Humans Question 129 Did God Create Humanity Because He Needed Our Love? Question 130. Why Did God Create Humanity If He Knew There Would Be So Much Pain? Question 131. Is It Possible To Know God Personally? Question 132. Is It Necessary For Unbelievers To Know God? Question 133. Why Is It Necessary For Believers To Know God? Question 134. Can A Person Please God By Being Good? Question 135. Does It Matter What We Believe About God? Question 136. Can God Forgive Anybody? Question 137. Does A Person Have To Approach God By Faith? Question 138. Why Does God Allow People To Suffer? Question 139. Can Suffering Have Positive Benefits? Question 140. How Can A Person Live With Suffering? Question 141. How Can Someone Find God s Best For Their Life? Question 142. What Keeps People From Believing In God? Summary To How God Relates To Humanity (Topic 6)

12 12 God GOD (Series 1, Course 2) INTRODUCTION Does God exist? If He does exist what is He like? Is it possible for anyone to know Him? Questions such as these have troubled humanity from the beginning of time. We want to know if there exists a being greater than ourselves The Bible says there is a God who exists and it tells us what He is like, what He has done in history, and how He relates to us as individuals. It provides for us answers to three of humanity s most important questions, Who am I? Why do I exist? What is going to happen to me when I die? Although the God of Scripture is all-knowing, few have taken the time to know that much about Him. The God of the Bible is also a God of order, not of confusion. Yet there are so many confusing beliefs about the existence and nature of God. It is important, therefore that our understanding of God is clear and comprehensive. The doctrine of God lies at the very basis of the Christian faith there can be no faith without God. COURSE DIVISION The course is divided into six topics. Each topic will build upon the previous ones. Topic 1 THE EXISTENCE OF GOD How We Know The God Of The Bible Exists The first topic deals with the existence of God. Does God exist? Is there evidence for His existence that a person can investigate? How do we know that He exists? Topic 2 ALTERNATIVES TO THE GOD OF THE BIBLE What Non-Christians Believe About The Existence Of God Our next topic looks at alternatives to the Biblical God. Those who reject the God of Scripture have their own ideas about the existence of God or gods. We will discuss the most prominent options to the biblical God. Topic 3 THE DOCTRINE OF THE TRINITY: ONE GOD IN THREE PERSONS Understanding The God Of Scripture Next, we look at the doctrine of the Trinity. The Bible teaches that only one God exists. Yet within the nature of the one God are three distinct persons God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. This section will examine a number of issues related to the Trinity. Topic 4 THE ATTRIBUTES OF THE GOD OF THE BIBLE: GOD S PERFECTIONS What God Is Like Our fourth topic looks at His character. What is God like? Does He have a body? Is God love? Is God the Father of all humankind? Does God know everything? These and other key issues about God s character will be dealt with in this section.

13 Introduction 13 Topic 5 THE ACTIVITY OF GOD The Ways In Which God Has Worked And Continues To Work We then look at the activity of God in the world. We see that God is the Creator of the universe, the one who presently controls all things, and a God who cares for His creation. Topic 6 HOW GOD RELATES TO HUMANITY To What Extent Can God Be Known By Humans The last topic will deal with God and the individual. Can a person know God? What does God require of a person? Must someone have great faith or works to please God? The truth about God, the eternal destiny of human beings, and the way to eternal life, are subjects of absolute importance. What we know about God, and how we think about Him are going to determine how we live our everyday lives. Therefore, a study such as this has enormous practical implications for each of us. Jesus said. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them (John 13:17). We trust this course will greatly benefit the student in their understanding of the existence, character and purpose of the God of the Bible. With these thoughts in mind, let us look at what the Bible has to say about the one, true God.

14 14 God Topic 1 THE EXISTENCE OF GOD How We Know The God Of The Bible Exists You are my witnesses, says the Lord, and my servant whom I have chosen, that you may know and believe me, and understand that I am he. Before me there was no God formed, nor shall there be after me. Isaiah 43:10 Introduction Within the pages of the Bible are the claims that God has spoken. Over two thousand times in the Old Testament alone there are phrases such as God spoke... And the Lord said... The word of the Lord came unto The men who wrote the books of the Old and New Testament believed that God exists and that He clearly revealed Himself to the world. The Bible is a record of that revelation. But the claim that God exists does not in and of itself make it true. If there is a God, as the Bible affirms, how does one know that this God is the one that the Bible reveals? How does the Christian know that their God is not merely a fulfillment of their own wishes and desires? What reasons are there to believe that the God of the Bible exists? This section will answer questions concerning the evidence for God s existence.

15 The Existence Of God 15 QUESTION 1 Who Is The God Of The Bible? The most frequently asked questions about God concern His identity. Who is God? What is He like? Our information about the God of the Bible is derived from four sources: nature, the spirit or mind of humanity, the Bible, and the person of Jesus Christ. From these sources we can have a basic, though not complete, picture of the nature of God. While it is difficult to give a simple definition of God, we can give a basic description of His being. They include the following things. 1. God Nature Is That Of A Spirit God s form is that of a spirit. He is an invisible, eternal spirit. That means that God does not have a body. However God can reveal Himself to humanity in a physical form. The Old Testament does tell us that on certain occasions God has temporarily revealed Himself to humankind in visible form. In the New Testament, God came to earth through the person of Jesus Christ. The Bible teaches that Jesus was God in human flesh. However, by nature, God is a spirit. Because He is an invisible spirit it impossible to make any likenesses of Him that are accurate. 2. He Is The Eternal God God is eternal. He has always existed and He will always exist. There has never been a time when God did not exist nor will there ever come a time when He will not exist. He had no beginning and He will have no end. 3. He Is The Only God That Exists Furthermore, He is the only God who exists. There is no other God, either more or less powerful who exists anywhere in the universe. The prophet Isaiah records God saying. To whom then will you liken me that I would be his equal? (Isaiah 40:25). 4. He Is Absolutely Pe rfect God is absolute perfection. There is nothing lacking in His character or nature. He does not need anything or anyone to exist. He is complete within Himself. He is, therefore, the perfect, eternal spirit. 5. God Is Distinct From His Creation The universe is not part of God. God is distinct from His creation. When the universe was created, God brought something into existence that had not existed before. 6. He Is Infinite - Not Subject To Human Limitations The God of the Bible is an infinite God He is not subject to the same limitations as humans. He is allknowing, all-powerful, and everywhere present.

16 16 God 7. The God Of The Bible Is A Personal God God is also personal. This means that He has intelligence, will, emotions, and self-cognizance. Personal names are used when referring to Him. Personal characteristics are also attributed to Him. He is not some vague creative force that has no mind or feelings. Therefore He is the infinite/personal God. 8. He Is Intimately Involved In The Universe God is also personally involved in the running of the universe. He did not merely create the universe and then leave it on its own. He is intimately involved in everything that is occurring in the universe. 9. He Is Different Than All Other Descriptions Of God The God of the Bible is unique in the sense that no other religion, or belief system, describes God in the same manner, as does the Bible. According to Scripture, God is a Person He interacts with His creation. However He is also infinite He is not limited in any way by space or time. Only in the Scriptures do we find such an understanding of the nature of God He is the infinite/personal God. 10. He Is Knowable The good news of Scripture is that human beings can personally know God. It is possible to have a personal relationship with the Creator of the universe. Summary A complete definition of God is something that is impossible to do. However a basic definition of God includes these facts: God is an invisible personal, eternal spirit who is absolute perfection. He is the only God that has existed or that ever will exist. He is not the same as His creation, but is Lord over it. He is an infinite God who is not subject to human limitations. He is also a personal God - intimately involved in the affairs of the universe. The infinite/personal God of the Bible is different from all other descriptions of God in the various religions of the world. Finally, He is knowable. It is possible for His creation to have a personal relationship with Him.

17 The Existence Of God 17 QUESTION 2 How Does The Bible Describe God? There is nothing that anyone can know about God s nature unless He reveals it to humanity. Without divine revelation we will be in darkness with respect to what He is like. Fortunately, the Bible has told us about God s nature. From the Scripture we can discover four basic description of God s character. 1. God Is Spirit God is a spirit being. Jesus described God in this manner. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth (John 4:24). God is not a spirit rather He is spirit. Spirit is His nature He is not a physical being. Because God has no physical form Israel was forbidden to make any images of Him. You shall not make for yourself an idol, or any likeness of what is in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the water under the earth. You shall not worship them or serve them; for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, on the third and the fourth generations of those who hate me, but showing lovingkindness to thousands, to those who love me and keep my commandments (Exodus 20:4-6). 2. God Is Light The Bible also says that God is light. This is the message we have heard from him and announce to you, that God is Light, and in him there is no darkness at all (1 John 1:5). This can refer to the glory and majesty of God. Notice the Bible does not say that God has light; He is light. The Bible says. Which he will bring about at the proper time - he who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone possesses immortality and dwells in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see. To him be honor and eternal dominion! Amen (1 Timothy 6:15,16). 3. God Is Love The Bible says that God is love. We have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us. God is love, and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him (1 John 4:16). Love involves other attributes of God including grace, kindness, and mercy. 4. God Is A Consuming Fire The Bible also describes God as a consuming fire. For our God is a consuming fire (Hebrews 12:29).

18 18 God Fire is not God; God is like fire. The analogy of fire refers to the holiness and absolute righteousness of God s nature. Fire is frequently used as a symbol of God and His judgment against sin. The Bible speaks of a flaming torch and smoking firepot when God made a covenant with Abraham. As the sun went down and it became dark, Abram saw a smoking firepot and a flaming torch pass between the halves of the carcasses (Genesis 15:17). There is the famous incident of Moses and the burning bush. One day Moses was tending the flock of his father-in-law, Jethro, the priest of Midian, and he went deep into the wilderness near Sinai, the mountain of God. Suddenly, the angel of the LORD appeared to him as a blazing fire in a bush. Moses was amazed because the bush was engulfed in flames, but it didn t burn up. Amazing! Moses said to himself. Why isn t that bush burning up? I must go over to see this. When the LORD saw that he had caught Moses attention, God called to him from the bush, Moses! Moses! Here I am! Moses replied. Do not come any closer, God told him. Take off your sandals, for you are standing on holy ground. Then he said, I am the God of your ancestors the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. When Moses heard this, he hid his face in his hands because he was afraid to look at God (Exodus 3:1-6). God s judgment appeared on the altar of fire. Elijah the prophet taunted the false prophets of Baal. Then call on the name of your god, and I will call on the name of the LORD. The god who answers by setting fire to the wood is the true God! And all the people agreed.... Immediately the fire of the LORD flashed down from heaven and burned up the young bull, the wood, the stones, and the dust. It even licked up all the water in the ditch! And when the people saw it, they fell on their faces and cried out, The LORD is God! The LORD is God! (2 Kings 18:24,38,39). Summary The Bible does not attempt to prove God exists or give any definition of God. Yet it does describe His nature in four ways: God is spirit His nature is not flesh and blood. God is also light there is no darkness in Him at all. God is also love. Finally, God s nature can be compared to a consuming fire. These four descriptions provide some insights into God s nature and character rather than giving us a definition of Him.

19 The Existence Of God 19 QUESTION 3 Does The Bible Attempt To Prove That God Exists? No it does not. From the Bible, we can discover the following things about God s existence. 1. The Bible Offers No Proofs For The Existence Of God Nowhere in the Bible are there arguments seeking to prove God s existence. The fact of His existence is assumed from the first page where we read: In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1). God s existence is assumed throughout the rest of Scripture. The Bible assumes the fact of God s existence and calls upon people to make a venture of faith toward Him. And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him (Hebrews 11:6). It is impossible to know God except by faith. Since He is invisible to humanity we can only know Him by means of faith. 2. His Existence Is Evident To All Scripture says that God s existence is evident to everyone. Paul wrote. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. Ever since the creation of the world his eternal power and divine nature, invisible though they are, have been understood and seen through the things he has made. So they are without excuse (Romans 1:19, 20). If a person denies the existence of God, then there is no reference point for correctly understanding themselves or the world around them. 3. Only A Fool Denies That God Exists Not only does the Bible assume that God exists it says only fools deny His existence. The psalmist wrote. Fools say in their hearts, There is no God. They are corrupt, they commit abominable acts; there is no one who does good. God looks down from heaven on humankind to see if there are any who are wise, who seek after God. They have all fallen away, they are all alike perverse; there is no one who does good, no, not one (Psalm 53:1-3). Only a foolish person would deny that God exists. The fact of His existence should be obvious to all. Those who do reject the truth of God end up in idolatry. The Apostle Paul wrote. For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and wickedness of those who by their wickedness suppress the truth... for though they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their senseless minds were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools; and they exchanged the glory of the immortal

20 20 God God for images resembling a mortal human being or birds or four-footed animals or reptiles (Romans 1:18,21-23). 4. There Is No Excuse For Denying His Existence Those who deny God s existence have no real excuse. Paul wrote to the Romans. For since the creation of the world his invisible attributes, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen, being understood through what has been made, so that they are without excuse (Romans 1:20). 5. The Bible Reveals The True God Who Exists The Bible is more interested in showing that the God of Scripture is the true God who exists. In the ancient world it seems that everyone believed in some type of god. Atheism was not really an issue. The question, therefore, was, Which God or gods exist? This is the issue that the Bible addresses itself more than the mere fact of God s existence. The God of the Bible is contrasted to the false idols that people were worshipping. Summary From the first page of the Bible until the last, God s existence is assumed. Nowhere is there a case made out to prove that God exists. The writers of Scripture take it for granted. They state that His existence is obvious to all. Only those who are fools deny that He exists. Those who reject His existence have no real excuse.

21 The Existence Of God 21 QUESTION 4 Why Should We Listen To Arguments For The Existence Of God If The Bible Does Not Provide Any? Although the Bible does not give a series of arguments for God s existence that does not mean that we cannot demonstrate certain evidences to prove that God exists. There are many reasons we believe that God exists. Yet, it may be asked, Why should we attempt to provide arguments for God s existence when the Scripture does not? Three reasons come to mind. 1. It Can Convince Honest Seekers First, we do so to show there is sufficient evidence to believe for those who are sincerely seeking the truth. People who may have some difficulty believing can be shown that faith in the God of the Bible is not irrational or unreasonable. To the contrary, placing ones faith in the God of Scripture is the only sensible thing to do when one examines all the evidence. Of course, there is no amount of evidence that will convince a person against their will or if that person wishes to live in sin. 2. It Will Strengthen The Faith Of Believers Second, we provide reasons for God s existence to strengthen those who already believe. Faith increases when the believer considers the evidence for God s existence. 3. We Can Know God Better Finally, we look at evidences for God s existence of increase our knowledge about His nature. What greater object can we think of than God Himself? Knowing God better should cause us to be more like Him. What we believe about God will affect how we live. Therefore a correct knowledge of God is essential. Sound belief will produce sound living. The Bible encourages people to hold to sound doctrine. For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear (2 Timothy 4:3). Summary Although the Bible does not attempt to give proof of God s existence reasons can be brought forward to show that He does exist. These reasons can help convince honest seekers of the truth about God. In addition, those who already believe can have their faith strengthened when they discover the amount of evidence that is available. Finally, The more one knows about God and His nature, the greater the possibility of knowing Him better on a personal level.

22 22 God QUESTION 5 What Are Some Of The Arguments That Are Used To Prove That God Exists? How can someone know that God exists? Can anyone be certain that the idea of God is not just something that humanity has invented? We cannot see God, touch Him, or hear Him? We cannot prove God s existence by any mathematical formula. If this is the case, then how do we know that He truly exists? God Has Left His Fingerprints Everywhere Although the Bible itself does not give arguments for God s existence, we do find that God has left His fingerprints everywhere. Among the reasons that have been brought forward include the following arguments. 1. THE COSMOLOGICAL ARGUMENT The word cosmology comes from the Greek word kosmos that means, an orderly arrangement. The cosmological argument argues that there must be a sufficient cause or a reason for the universe (cosmos) at is now stands. Our minds are made in such a way that we must believe in causes. We see that every effect has a cause. The universe is not self-existent; it is an effect. Therefore, there must be some first cause that originally brought the universe into existence. This first, or uncaused, cause must be God. The world does exist and something caused it to exist. The cause is God. This is the cosmological argument. The value of the cosmological argument is that it proves whatever caused the universe must be something, or someone, very great. The cause must be as powerful as the effect. The Weaknesses Of The Cosmological Argument The weaknesses in the cosmological argument are as follows. a. We do not know whether this cause was impersonal matter or a personal being. b. The cosmological argument cannot prove whether this cause was something that exists apart from the universe or something that is part of the universe. c. We do not know if the cause for the universe is infinite or finite. d. We do not know whether there was only one cause or many causes. 2. THE TELEOLOGICAL ARGUMENT If there is a God who was the first cause of the universe, what kind of God is He? The teleological argument answers this question He is an intelligent cause. The teleological argument, from the Greek word telos, meaning purpose, end, or goal, is an argument from design and purpose. Everything in the universe has a purpose. The original or ultimate designer or purposer is God. The psalmist pointed out this fact.

23 The Existence Of God 23 He waters the hills from the upper chambers; the earth is satisfied with the fruit of your works. He causes the grass to grow for cattle, and vegetation for the service of humanity, that he may bring forth food from the earth, and wine that makes glad the heart of humans, oil to make their face shine, and bread which strengthens one s heart (Psalm 104:14,15). If everything observable in the universe has a design and purpose, then why not the universe itself? There cannot be poetry without a poet, there cannot be music without a musician, and there cannot be design without a designer. The biblical writers saw God behind the intricate design and balance of the universe. The hearing ear and the seeing eye - the LORD has made them both (Proverbs 20:12). The psalmist wrote. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well (Psalm 139:14). There is a majestic harmony in the universe. The order and design we see everywhere tells us that the Creator is not disorganized or does things in a haphazard way. The Creator has a purpose in everything that He does. From the most distant objects in space, to the minutest material detected by a microscope, we find order and design. The Argument From The Watch One of the oldest illustrations that is used to point to design is that of a watch. When a person examines a watch it bears the marks of design. There are a number of parts of the watch that are put together for a purpose. They are arranged in such a way as to regulate the motion of the watch in order to tell time. Two things can be inferred from looking at the design of a watch. First, the watch had to have had a maker. Second, the maker had a purpose in mind when designing the watch. We make these conclusions even though we never saw the watch being made, never saw the watchmaker, or had no idea how the work could be done. In the same manner, when we look at the universe and its intricate design we assume that it had a Designer who wisely made it for a purpose. The belief in a Designer is not affected by the fact that we did not see Him, did not observe His construction, and cannot understand how He did it. Although a watch demonstrates intricate design, how much more does the hand upon which the watch is worn show the obvious work of the Creator? The Value Of The Teleological Argument The value of the teleological argument is that it demonstrates that some intelligence made the universe in its present form. The universe is too intricate to have randomly come together. Chance does not explain the intelligent design that we find everywhere. The Limitations Of The Teleological Argument The weaknesses, or limitations, of the teleological argument are as follows.

24 24 God a. We do not if this intelligence is personal or impersonal. b. We do not know whether this designer is finite or infinite. c. We do not know whether it is the only fashioner that exists. d. We do not know whether it owes it power to some other being. 3. THE ANTHROPOLOGICAL ARGUMENT The anthropological argument is the argument from humanity. We learn something about God and His existence from the way in which we are made. Human beings are rational, intelligent beings reflecting, in some ways, their Creator. All of us feel the need to worship something greater than ourselves. All of these truths points to the existence of God. The cry of the psalmist is the cry of all humanity. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God? (Psalm 42:2). Humanity is looking for something to satisfy that thirst. Saint Augustine, the great scholar of the ancient church said it well. You have made us for yourself, and our heart is restless until we find our rest in you. The religious sense is not found in any other creatures except human beings. It would be in vain to attempt to teach any religious sense to the highest type of ape but even the lowest type of human may be taught about God. The value of this argument is that it gives evidence of a personal being who exists and who is the proper object of the love of humankind. The Weaknesses Of The Anthropological Argument The weaknesses of this argument are as follows. a. We do not know whether this being is the Creator of all things or merely the Creator of humankind alone. b. We do not know whether this Creator was Himself created. c. We do not know whether this Creator is infinite or finite. 4. THE MORAL ARGUMENT The moral argument states that there must be a God to account for the sense of right and wrong that is universal within humankind. Every human culture has some moral standards. Human lives are regulated by conceptions of right and wrong. The reason humanity has moral standards is because the Creator put that within us. This human moral sense points to the existence of God. The Bible says.

25 The Existence Of God 25 For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things contained in the law, these, although not having the law, are a law to themselves, who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and between themselves their thoughts accusing or excusing them (Romans 2:14,15). The conscience of every human being tells them when they do right and when they do wrong. Whether the conscience is obeyed or not, it is still speaking. Conscience does not create the standard, it merely testifies to it. The conclusion drawn from this is that there is a Lawgiver who has placed a standard of right and wrong within each of us. The value of the moral argument is that demonstrates that a perfect standard exists apart from humanity. The Weaknesses Of The Moral Argument The weaknesses of the moral argument are basically the same as the weakness of the anthropological argument. a. We do not know whether this being who gave the standard is the Creator of all things or merely the Creator of humankind alone. b. We do not know whether this Lawgiver was Himself created. c. We do not know whether this Lawgiver is infinite or finite. 5. THERE IS A UNIVERSAL BELIEF IN A SUPREME BEING Belief in the existence of some type of Supreme Being is widespread throughout the world. It seems that all societies have some sort of higher power that they acknowledge. No matter how crude, or how sophisticated the society may be, humankind has the need to believe in some greater power. Even if some society were discovered that had no religious beliefs this would not disprove the rule. That would be like arguing the presence of blind people in the world proves that human beings are creatures who cannot see. The universal testimony is that human beings are incurable religious. Since we find the universal need to acknowledge something greater than ourselves, it is fair to ask the question as to how this need originated. Certainly it is now through reason - there are many reasoning humans who deny the existence of God. It seems that God has left behind fingerprints about Himself that sinful humanity can still appreciate. Scripture says. For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities - his eternal power and divine nature - have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that human beings are without excuse (Romans 1:20). The value of this argument is that it shows the universal acceptance and need for the idea of God.

26 26 God The Weaknesses Of The Universal Belief Argument The universal need for God does not mean that such a being exists. The need may have been created by the desire for humanity to have some type of purpose or meaning in life. 6. THE BIOLOGICAL ARGUMENT The biological argument is an argument from the nature of life itself. One of the universal truths that science has discovered is that life only comes from life. Put another way, life does not come from non-life. If life does not spontaneously appear from non-life then there must have been a source of life from which it originally came. This source of life is God. The Weakness Of The Biological Argument While it is true that life can only come from life it does mean that someday a principle won t be discovered that contradicts this. Furthermore, if life originally did come from a Creator we still do not know whom this God is that first brought about life as we know it. It could be one God, or one of many gods. 7. THE ONTOLOGICAL ARGUMENT The Ontological argument is the argument from being. Historically this is last argument that has been given to for God s existence. It is based upon the idea of a perfect being. God is something greater than anything that a human being can conceive. It has been argued that humanity s conception of a perfect being must be based upon some reality. Why would humankind conceive of such a perfect being if such a being did not exist? Therefore, God must exist. Weakness With The Ontological Argument Although this argument has been given in various forms throughout history, it is not very convincing. Merely because humanity can conceive of a perfect being does not guarantee the existence of such. Although it may seem logical to some, there has to some evidence to back it up. THESE ARGUMENTS RELATE TO DIFFERENT ASPECTS OF GOD The various arguments that have been given for God s existence relate to different aspects of His being. The ontological speaks of His complete perfection, the cosmological to His creative abilities, the teleological to His designing intelligence, and the anthropological to His personal nature. These arguments do reflect truth about God. The universe had a cause and that cause is God; the universe has a Designer and that Designer is God; the universe has a purpose in God s plan, and God has given the moral sense of right and wrong to us. The problem is that sinful humanity, on their own, cannot have correct knowledge about God, or know God personally. Special revelation is needed for that. The Bible says. For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe (1 Corinthians 1:21).

27 The Existence Of God 27 Should We Give Any Arguments? It must also be noted that there are a number of believers who do not believe that any arguments should be given to prove God s existence. Because humanity is in a darkened state due to sin, it is improper to argue for God s existence to those who have no capacity to understand. God s existence should be merely assumed and proclaimed to these people it should not attempt to be proven. Summary There have been a number of arguments that have been brought forward to show that the existence of God is nothing something irrational or contrary to the facts. They include the following. The cosmological argument says everything must have a cause. The teleological argument argues that the intricate design of the universe shows intelligence and purpose. The anthropological argument points out the fact that human beings are unique. The moral argument observes the fact that morality is found in every culture. There is also the fact of the universal belief in a supreme being. The biological argument states that life does not come from non-life. Finally, the ontological argument the idea of a perfect being such as God must mean that He exists. Each of these arguments has their strengths and weaknesses. While none of them are decisive, in and of themselves, together they show that God s existence is certainly not irrational. However, these arguments do not tell us who that God is, or how we can get to know Him. This can only be understood through special revelation.

28 28 God QUESTION 6 What Does Nature Tell Us About God s Existence? (Natural Theology) Nature is one of the ways in which God has revealed Himself to humanity. What exactly does nature, that is the universe around us, tell us about God? Can we find evidence of God s existence from looking at the world in which we live? The examination of what evidence nature can provide is known as Natural Theology. God s Existence And Precision Are Evident In Nature The Bible asserts that the universe is a testimony to God s existence and precision. The psalmist had this to say. The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows his handiwork. Day unto day utters speech, and night unto night reveals knowledge. There is no speech nor language where their voice is not heard (Psalm 19:1-3). The Apostle Paul told the people in Lystra. You should turn from these vain things to the living God, who made the heaven, the earth, the sea, and all things that are in them, who in bygone generations allowed all nations to walk in their own ways. Nevertheless he did not leave himself without witness, in that he did good, gave us rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness (Acts 14:15-17). To the church at Rome the Apostle Paul wrote. For since the creation of the world his invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse (Romans 1:20). These passages are reminders that God s creative work can be observed in nature. He created things to function in an orderly fashion and He continues to keep things in order. His handiwork is present everywhere for all to view. One need only look around. How Much Information Can Be Known From Nature? There has been a debate concerning how much information about God can be derived from nature. Basically there are five points of view: nature can teach us nothing about God, only believers can understand truth about God from nature, nature can actually prove that God exists, nature provides enough truth as to be able to save people, nature provides everyone a knowledge of God s existence but not enough to save. OPTION 1. THERE IS NO TRUTH FROM NATURE Some Bible students argue that natural theology, as such, does not exist. Fallen humanity cannot derive any truth from nature. Because humankind has fallen from their original perfect state we are now totally corrupted by sin. This fact holds true for believer and unbeliever alike.

29 The Existence Of God 29 OPTION 2. ONLY BELIEVERS CAN UNDERSTAND IT Some Christians have argued that only believers can understand the testimony of nature concerning the things of God. Those who have the benefit of God s Word can clearly understand the physical world because of the testimony of Scripture. Without Scripture, nature tells unbelievers nothing. OPTION 3. NATURE CAN PROVE GOD S EXISTENCE It has also been argued that nature can actually prove that God exists. Those who hold this view do not believe that nature is sufficient to save individuals from their sin, but they can know, for a fact, that God does exist. OPTION 4. NATURE IS ABLE TO SAVE LOST SINNERS There have been some theologians who have argued that truths from nature can actually save those who have not had any acquaintance with special revelation. They believe there is enough in this revelation of God to save an individual. OPTION 5. NATURE PROVIDES A BASIC KNOWLEDGE OF GOD The biblical position is that nature can provide a basic knowledge of God. All people, at all times, know that God exists through what He has revealed. Yet nature only tells us the basic facts about God. We do not know any specific information abut God. Nature Is Not Enough While nature testifies that God does exist, in the final analysis it is only God Himself who can give us knowledge of His own being. The Bible makes it clear that God s revelation of Himself in nature is not sufficient knowledge for sinful humanity to know Him. Then Paul stood in the midst of the Areopagus and said, Men of Athens, I perceive that in all things you are very religious; for as I was passing through and considering the objects of your worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Therefore, the one, whom you worship without knowing, him I proclaim to you (Act 17:22,23). Paul wrote to the Ephesians: To me... this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to make all people see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ (Ephesians 3:8,9). Nature, by itself, is an inadequate source to know the God of the Bible. While the evidence from nature may give some secondary attesting to God s existence, it certainly is not enough for anyone to know which God exists or what God expects from humanity. At best, the arguments from nature are consistent with other arguments that can be brought forward the existence of the God of Scripture. Therefore any help that nature can give is only minimal for people misinterpret God s revelation in nature. It is the Bible alone that tells us how to understand nature. In addition, nature cannot tell us anything about where sin came from, how it can be pardoned, or how to live a holy life. The various religions that we find in the world give evidence to this. They all have the witness of nature before them yet they reach different conclusions about which God exists and what is