Christian Living

IS GOD FOR REAL

by Charles (Chuck) Robey
04/18/16
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"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. ² He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made."(John 1:1-3)

In my youth, we played a game, whereby we would imagine seeing God's face in the clouds. I guess that's why, to this very day, I often times habitually look up to the heavens as I pray.    

Have you ever questioned the fact of God's existence ? I must admit, I have been there and done that. And yes, God does exist. He exist anthology, in astronomy, in physics, in nature, in the creation of the heavens and the earth, and in the creation of all creatures small and great (Psalm 19:1-4).

Most importantly, however, was God's creation of mankind, in the natural and moral likeness of Himself (Genesis 1:26-27). In this original creation, mankind was given intellect, emotion, and a free will to choose right from wrong (James 4:17).

When our first parents committed the first sin, in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 3:1-7), mankind loss the moral likeness, which was his sinlessness, but man still retained the natural likeness of intellect, emotion, and will (Genesis 9:6) (James 3:9).

So, what are some naturalistic arguments for God's existence ?  The Cosmological effect. The universe is an effect which requires an adequate cause, and the only sufficient cause is God (Psalm 19:1).  The Teleological effect. The universe not only proves a maker but also a designer (Romans 1:18-20). The Anthropological effect. Since man is a moral and intellectual being,  he must have had a maker  with the same traits (Acts 17:29). The Ontological effect.  This is the idea of  the existence  of the "Most Perfect Being", which is a likeness of God.

Then, there is the Biblical arguments for God's existence. Biblical writers both assumed and argued for the existence of God (2 Timothy 3:16) ( 2 Peter 1:20-21).

And too, we all must admit down deep  within us is the recognition that there is something beyond this life and someone beyond this world. We can deny this knowledge intellectually.  Nonetheless,  God’s presence in us and all around us is still obvious (Ecc 3:11).

I realize God's attributes are not simple to comprehend. Like God's "Infinity". The fact that He is, He was, and He will be without termination  and finitude (Genesis 21:33). In other words, He is "eternal" the beginning and the end of all things (Revelation 1:8).  

Then there is His "Omnipresence, meaning He is everywhere (Psalm 139:7-12, His  "Omniscience ", meaning He knows  all (Ephesians 1:8), His  "Omnipotence", meaning He  has all power (Revelation 19:6),  His unity, meaning He is one ((Deuteronomy 6:4), and His "Immutability", meaning  He is unchanging and unchangeable (James 1:7).  

And the all important trait, of His "Sovereignty, meaning He is the supreme ruler (Ephesians 1:8). This decree of God is His eternal purpose, according to the counsel of His divine will. Whereby, for His own glory, He has foreordained whatsoever comes to pass. .Often  times, God's decree is inconsistent with our human freedom.  However God has always known what is best for us all.

As a part of His eternal existence, not only is He the Father of all creation (Acts 17:29), He is the Father of the nation Israel (Exodus 4:22), the Father of the Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 3:17), and the Father of all believers in Christ (Galatians 3:26).

Now, I realize the Bible predicts that people will obviously  reject the existence of God, by believing Satan's lies (Romans 1:25). However, the Bible also stated that mankind is without excuse (Romans 1:20).  This unbelief, in part, is simply due to prophecy, as  this mindset will be prevalent in the last days (2 Timothy 3:1-,9,13) (2 Timothy 4: I 3-4)             .

Conclusion, God has, and will always exist in the hearts of all mankind (Ecclesiastes 3:11).  Especially, those individuals who by faith have taken God's free grace (Ephesians 2:8-9), by excepting His finished work on the cross (1 John 4:9) (John3:16), for the redemption of mankind's inbred sin (Ephesians 1:7), brought on by the fall of man in the Garden of Eden (Geneses 3:1-7).

In all reality,  I know, in my human finite mind, I can never absolutely and positively  prove, without a doubt, the existence of God. However, I can definitely see the effects of answer prayer. I can see the effects of a changed life. I can witnesses one free from the addition of alcohol or drugs. And I can testify to His saving and keeping grace, and love within my life. Yes, that's all I need (1 John 4:7-8) (1 John 5:3).

 Author's Post Script

In our finite minds, proving that God exist, is simply a matter of faith (Hebrews 11:1). The existence of God cannot be proved or disproved. The Bible says that we must accept by faith the fact that God exists (Hebrews 11:6). If God so desired, He could simply appear and prove to the whole world that He exists. But if He did that, there would be no need for faith (John 20:29).

I realize today's politically correct social environment, is all about evolution. The progression of all things, living and dead. I'm not the smartest "tool in the shed", but I just have a few comments on this issue of evolution. If man was made of the dust of the ground, why is the dust not continually turning into  mankind ?  And how can a one cell ameba evolve turn into a fish and the fish eventually evolve into a monkey, which in turn produces a human genesis, or an accomplished  human musician. Or better still, to have this one cell parasitic marine low life suddenly develop into an accomplished "preacher", through the evolution process.  I know in growing up, my Mom wanted me to turn out to be a talented piano player, which obviously never happened.  

I must take God's existence by faith (Hebrews 11:1), in that He is a Spirit and I am to worship Him in spirit and truth (John 4:24).