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Answer
There are numerous perspectives not only on the nature of God but also on His very existence. Humans have a limited understanding of the intricacies of our immediate world and the universe as a whole. The paradox is that God’s essence is not one of confusion but of peace. First Corinthians 14:33 states, “For God is not a God of confusion but of peace.” The key to resolving confusion is not to evade the question entirely but to focus on the very One whom many opt to disregard (Philippians 4:6-7).
We should actively tackle the tangible, real problems that humanity faces, such as poverty, illiteracy, and disease. It is true that discussions about the existence and nature of God can divert our attention from addressing those challenges. So, why should any of us be concerned about whether or not God exists? To the believer, it is the foremost theological question. To the skeptical, it remains a philosophical matter. Theology, to the agnostic, is simply a human construct; the issue of God’s existence appears meaningless.
The Bible’s portrayal of God illustrates why His existence is significant. God’s holy nature is revealed in contrast to human (sinful) nature, and the Bible provides humanity with a moral standard. Without an arbitrator, there is no ultimate authority to evaluate the principles we set for ourselves (Psalm 19:7-11). Who determines what is wrong and what is right? Why are we obligated to assist those in need? By what means can we oppose illiteracy? If there is no God, and life on earth is merely “survival of the fittest,” then why should anyone strive to feed the hungry? On what basis do we establish the bedrock of our ethics?
God discloses His essence to us: “I AM WHO I AM” (seeExodus 3:3-15). This passage emphasizes God’s self-existence, which is completely independent of humanity’s perceptions of Him. He encompasses all things, and He Himself sets the standard for what is good. Psalm 19:1–5 beautifully illustrates God’s timeless nature and His revelation of that nature through His creation.
The issue of God’s existence is crucial because, practically speaking, if God truly exists, there is a strong possibility that He desires to establish a connection with us and that certain criteria must be met for that connection to occur. Therefore, this question is fundamental. We are either made in God’s image, or we are not. Love and compassion are either inherent to God’s character (and thus should be reflected in us), or they are merely outcomes of a random biological occurrence (and therefore unnecessary). Our existence holds meaning (or lack thereof) based on the presence (or absence) of God. While addressing the temporary, material challenges of humanity is significant, addressing the eternal, spiritual dilemmas of humanity is even more crucial.
The Bible teaches that humanity has been corrupted by sin. In reality, the pressing global issues we encounter today are ultimately the consequences of sin. Consequently, the question of God’s existence becomes paramount, as disregarding God’s existence means disregarding the reality of sin and, consequently, the root cause of the world’s troubles.
Thankfully, God has provided a means to forgive sin and restore our relationship with Him through faith in Jesus Christ (John 3:16;Romans 3:21-26). Sinful humanity is spiritually dead and often rejects any notion of the one true God. John 3:19 declares, “This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.” It is God who leads us to have faith in His Son through the Holy Spirit (John 6:41-51). Salvation is a gift God offers.
God’s love extends to all mankind “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”, (John 3:16). Our role is simply to believe what God says and yield to His Spirit. The validity of this message, of course, is contingent upon God’s existence!
Why do people attempt to persuade others to agree with their view of God’s existence? Why can’t Christians keep their faith within the confines of their homes and churches, as they are often told to do? The motivation for many Christians is that they want everyone to have the opportunity to fellowship with God. Also, Christianity is inherently evangelistic. One of Jesus’ mandates is to spread the gospel and make disciples. This outreach is done out of love, and it is an endemic principle of the Christian faith.
While no one has seen God, He manifests Himself to us in a number of ways. First, God is made known through His creation “For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world 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). The willing observer can look all around him, see God’s handiwork, and spend a lifetime in wonderment at the intricacies and interdependence of all physical things. Scripture states it is foolish to deny there is a God “The fool hath said in his heart, there is no God. They are corrupt, they have done abominable works, There is none that doeth good.”, (Psalm 14:1). The universe was clearly designed, and we have been created with an ability to comprehend it at some level. Scripture is unambiguous that God has given us everything we need to acknowledge His existence (Job 38).
God also reveals Himself through His Word (Psalm 19:7-11). The Bible teaches us about God’s nature and instructs us in morality: “And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.” (1 Timothy 3:16). The supreme expression of God is found in the Son of God, Jesus Christ: “Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:” (Colossians 1:15).
The plain fact is that God does exist. He loves us and wants to bring us from spiritual death to life in His Son, Jesus.
