The Existence of God: Assumed in Scripture

The Bible assumes the existence of God, without attempting to prove it. In the book of beginnings, Genesis, we read, “In the beginning God” (Genesis 1:1). God’s existence is assumed. The Bible is God’s letter to His creation (you and me) revealing truth and Himself to us. He desires to have a personal relationship with us. As in the beginning, He invites us to come to Him, walk with and fellowship with Him, as Adam and Eve did in the beginning. He wants a relationship with us.

His relationship with man was thwarted and severed because of sin (Genesis 3:24; Romans 5:12). Jesus came that we might be reconciled to God (2 Corinthians 5:18-21; 1 Peter 3:18). As a result, we can begin to walk with God again, as did Adam and Eve. This was made possible through Jesus’ vicarious death on the cross. He was separated from God that we might be reconciled to Him.

The Bible says, “Without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6 NASB). If we are to come to Him and develop an ongoing relationship, the only requirement is that, we must believe (faith). Faith is the only way to please God and be accepted by Him. We must come to Him, in faith, believing He will accept us because of what Jesus did for us on the cross.

1. We must believe that He is (Hebrews 11:6). This means, we come to Him in faith, believing He exist and that He is there. “In the beginning God” (Genesis 1:1) and in the end God. He is the eternal and self existing one (Exodus 3:14; Psalms 90:2 and 93:2).

2. We must believe on or in Him. The Jews asked Jesus what they could do to do the works of God. “Jesus answered and said to them, This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent” (John 6:29 NASB). There is absolutely no work that we can do to please God other than believing on His Son, Jesus Christ (Roman 4:4-5; Hebrews 10:38; 11:6). We must come through Jesus (John 14:6 and Acts 4:12).

3. We must believe what He says. Abraham believed the promise of God (what He told him) and was not only declared righteous but was also called God’s friend (Romans 4:3 and James 2:23). Wow, that is awesome. We can actually be God’s friend. Jesus said, “You are My friends if you do what I command you” (John 15:14 NASB). Abraham believed, and therefore, followed what God said. God told him to leave his homeland and go to a land which He would show him when he arrived. Abraham Believed Him and left in faith and obedience (Genesis 12:1-5).

4. We must believe He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). As we come to Him, walk with and seek Him diligently, He will reward us in so many ways. He will reward us with His presence (Jeremiah 29:13) and in every area of life. He is our rewarder.

Knowing Him. The writers of scripture claimed to know God personally, therefore assuming His existence. Based on what we have seen, we can too. We can personally know the God of the universe. This is the difference between religion and true Christianity. It’s a relationship – knowing God personally. It’s no longer the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob but He is my God. Jesus said, “I ascend to my Father and your Father; and to my God and your God” (John 20:17 NASB). He my God.

Jesus said, “This is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent” (John 17:3 NASB). Eternal life actually consist in knowing God and having a personal relationship with Him. Paul said, “That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings” (Philippians 3:10 NASB). Paul’s desire and passion was knowing Jesus intimately and in every way possible. We can know Him if we will but believe and seek Him with all our heart (Jeremiah 29:13).

Why attempt to prove His existence? Why should we attempt to prove God’s existence when the Bible doesn’t? Let me close by sharing four reasons for arguing God’s existence.

1. Convince genuine seekers (1 Peter 3:15 and Luke 16:31). Helping those whose faith has been obscured by difficulties. Those who are legitimately wanting to know, but because of life’s difficulties are battling with and experiencing doubts. The enemy has used the circumstances of life to confuse them. This is not for the defiant, those insistent on sin, saying, “I defy you to prove His existence” (Luke 16:31). That would be casting your pearls before swine (Matthew 7:6). This is for the genuine seeker.

2. Strengthen the faith of those who already believe. Believers studying proofs (apologetics) because they believe. This can be like digging a post hole and putting the pole in it. It may stand upright in the hole you dug, but chances are it will not be overly sturdy. If you go on to pour cement in the hole around the pole, it will become steadfast and sturdy. Studying proofs (apologetics) is similar. It helps to solidify the faith we already possess.

3. Enrich the knowledge of the God we serve. What greater object of study is there than Him. We should seek to know all we can of Him. The Word says, “My people are destroyed (perish) for lack of knowledge” (Hosea 4:6 NASB). Let’s learn and absorb all of Him that we possibly can.

4. Give soldiers of the cross ammunition. The enemy (Devil) will attack people, trying to cast doubt and turn them away from the things of God. It is always better if His soldiers are equipped with the proper ammunition. Paul was ministering to the deputy of Paphos, Sergius Paulus, and the sorcerer, Elymas, attempted to turn him away from the faith. Paul was properly equipped with all that was needed to thwart the enemies plans (Acts 13:4-12).

We need to make sure the soldiers of the cross are equipped with all that is needed. The job of the Fivefold Ministry is the equipping of the saints (Ephesians 4:11-13). Let’s do our best to make sure they have the proper ammunition needed for any battle that may arise.