THE EXISTENCE OF GOD

Men have different ideas about the existence of God. In this lesson we will see some wrong ideas about God, then give reasons why we believe in the one true God.

Atheism


The Atheist says, I know God does not exist. I have proof. This is a statement the atheist cannot prove. An atheist would have to be everywhere at the same time to prove God does not exist. However, being everywhere at the same time is called omnipresence.Being everywhere at the same time is one of the characteristics of God. A person must be able to be everywhere at the same time to prove God does not exist. For example: If you were looking for your friend and heard that he was in America, you could come to America and visit some of the major cities looking for him. While you are in New York City, your friend could be in Chicago. If you then go to Chicago, you friend could have moved on to Dallas. By the time you made it to Dallas, your friend could have gone on to Los Angeles. You might travel around the whole country and never find your friend. But you would not be able to make the statement, I know my friend is not in America. To make that statement, you would have to be everywhere at the same time.

So, a person would have to become God to prove God does not exist! But if a person was God, then God would exist! Atheists cannot prove their claims!

Agnosticism

The Agnostic says, There is not enough evidence to prove there is or is not a God. This is really what the atheist believes. There is much evidence to prove the existence of God. We will discuss this evidence later in this lesson.

Deism

The Deist says, A Supreme Being created the universe, gave laws, then had no dealings with his creation. He will admit the universe did not just happen. But, he claims that the God who created the universe does not care for his creation, and does not provide for the needs of man.

Theism

The theist believes that God created the universe, but does not believe that He is the God of the Old and New Testament, does not believe in Christ, the church, or the plan of salvation. This would include Jews and Moslems. It would also include the polytheist. The polytheist believes there is more than one God. Buddhists, Hindus, and other eastern religions fit into this category.

Christian Theism

The Christian theist believes in the one God of the universe, the God of the Old and New Testament who created the universe. This would include belief in Christ as the Son of God, the one church that was planned by God and established in the first century, as well as God's plan for saving man.

THE ORIGIN OF THE UNIVERSE

When we talk about the existence of God we must also talk about the origin of the universe. From where did the universe come? It is a fact that the universe had a beginning.

There are two possible explanations for the origin of the universe. It either came into existence by accident or it was created. Did the universe come about by accident? No, it did not. Things do not come into existence by accident. If I said the watch that I wear came into existence by accident, you would laugh. You would not believe it.

Who Created The Universe?

Since the universe did not come about by accident, it was created. Who created the universe? Man certainly does not have the power or ability to create the universe. How do we know? The nearest star is 4.3 light years away. Man does not have the ability to reach the nearest star in the universe. There are billions of stars in the universe. If man cannot reach the nearest star, how could he create the universe?

The Bible emphasizes that God exists and he created the universe. In addition to the first two chapters of Genesis, note the following passages: For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. 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 1:18-20). 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). For every house is built by someone, but He who built all things is God (Hebrews 3:4).

Design/Designer

Because the universe has design, this means there was a designer. Clothes have a design because they have a designer. If they came about accidentally, there would be no design. However,because there is design, there has to be a designer.

Cause/Effect

If a ball rolls into the room, we would wonder who threw the ball into the room. The ball coming into the room is the effect. Whenever there is an effect, there must be a cause. The universe is the effect, so there must be a cause. The cause of the universe is Almighty God. Add to all of this the example of the human body. It could not have happened accidentally. Man was the creation of God (Genesis 1:26,27).

Moral Argument

What is the difference between humans and animals? Animals do not have any moral guidance in their lives. When was the last time you saw a dog arrested for stealing food from another dog? Was the dog sorry about it? There have been suggestions by some that animals have the same feelings and morals as humans. Some say that dolphins are smarter than humans, or cows show concern for a fellow cow who is stuck in a mud hole and cannot get out. Animals do not operate according to any ethical or moral code. Only human beings recognize the existence of morality and ethics. You may have animals discussing these things in animated and computer-enhanced movies, but not in real life! We have a law to obey today. It is the perfect law of liberty (James 1:25). It is the law of Christ (Galatians 6:2).

There are only two possible sources for the existence of morals and ethics. Either they evolved from man or they came from a Supreme Being (God). Atheism says there is no ultimate standard of right and wrong. Instead they argue for situation ethics, relativism, etc. The only reasonable and logical explanation for morals and ethics in this world is the existence of an eternal
God.

ATTRIBUTES OF GOD

The God of the universe does not have just one attribute. Some seem to think that God has only one attribute. People will say God is only a God of love, or only a vengeful God, etc. The Bible teaches there is just one God (Isaiah 44:6; 1 Corinthians 8:6). However, the Bible speaks of our one God having many attributes. He is all-powerful (Genesis 17:1); everywhere (Psalm 139:7-11); all-knowing (Hebrews 4:13); just (Psalm 89:14); eternal (Psalm 90:1,2); concerned for man (John 3:16); and He communicates with man (2 Timothy 3:16,17; 2 Peter 1:20,21).
It is impossible to believe in Christ and not believe in God. Jesus tells us that God exists. He proved His words were true. We must believe in God to go to heaven (Hebrews 11:6).

 

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