Is There a God?
By Ryan E. Faison
Student Ministries Pastor at Christ Church
In a world riddled with disinformation and subjectivity, evidence of any truth is welcomed. On any given subject, you may hear or even ask the probing question “Where’s the proof?” The call for convincing evidence is even greater when discussing the existence of God. How could you and I know if it is reasonable to believe in God?
Let’s be clear: No one can present arguments why God exists that can convince everyone–without the possibility of doubt. What is possible is to provide what many view as conclusive proof of God for your consideration. Since there is seldom neutral ground on the popular query “Does God Exist?”, we can weigh the evidence and consider the alternatives. Read on if you’re ready to explore the answer to this question beyond lacking responses like “just believe” or “have faith.”
The existence and structure of the universe are proof there is a God.
When we observe the universe—its physical attributes and the qualities of human nature—we can see clues pointing to the existence of the supernatural. This is called general or naturalistic evidence. Everything which comes into existence is caused by something else. Therefore, the existence of the universe is better explained by the existence of God.
Take an examination of modern-day physics, for example. Since the 20th century, physicists have studied how the universe is modified for the existence of intelligent life through the lens of the Fine-Tuned Argument (FTA). In short, this argument asserts that if small changes occurred to issues of matter, density or gravity, our universe would not be able to sustain life. Here, we face the question: Was the universe a lucky, cosmic coincidence or was it deliberately designed for the purpose of life? I submit to you that a coincidental formation of the universe capable of lasting for thousands of years is a weaker argument than the existence of God.
Related to this, the intricacy of our planet and our solar systems suggests an intelligent design. While offensive to some scientists, intelligent design points to an external intelligence as the source of the diversity of life. Believers of the Christian faith profess this designer is not a nebulous, abstract figure, but the Creator, outlined in Holy Scriptures or the Bible. This Creator not only formed the universe but supports it now. The Earth’s size is perfect, for if it was any smaller an atmosphere would not exist. The Earth is also positioned at the right distance from the sun–any closer and we’d burn. Even as we explore the elements of our planet such as gravity, water, and other natural components, the interconnectedness of space, time, matter, and energy provides greater evidence of a design by a Designer.
The former agnostic physicist Paul Davies frames it this way: “Through my scientific work, I have come to believe more and more strongly that the physical universe is put together with an ingenuity so astonishing that I cannot accept it merely as a brute fact.” The reality our universe is designed to be life-permitting points to an intellectual Creator.
Our conscience and morals are evidence for the existence of God.
Another piece of evidence for the probability God exists is in the investigation of the source of moral values. The question is not must we believe in God to live a moral life? Rather, how do we even know or define an objective moral standard without God? Without this standard, our moral compass would be subjective to our own whims, opinions, and experiences. Despite living in a “You do you” society, I must admit—it’s a relieving thought to know the standard is not up to me!
Granted, there are some things we can identify as just wrong. There’s a stark contrast between someone dying of natural causes and someone dying due to murder. But how do we differentiate between the two morally? A scientific argument does not account for giving us the tools to make this distinction. Man’s conscience requires a Giver of laws. Without God as the standard of right and wrong, government rule or systems would be based solely on who has greater authority and resources. The virtues of truth, deciding right or wrong, and upholding human ethics points to God’s existing standard over other ever-changing factors.
The Bible is proof God is real.
The Biblical text must be examined if we are exploring the question “Does God exist?” It’s what’s called special revelation. Now I’m not going to assume you view the Bible as the actual word of God or a source of truth, but let’s suppose you did. If it is, which I am most persuaded of, take in how its first page declares the existence of God: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). In the Old and New Testaments–the two major sections of the Bible–the evidence of His existence is also interspersed throughout the texts. A huge supporter of Jesus, the Apostle Paul, notably wrote this 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
Even when we examine major world religions, we see a common thread in their prominent figures. Buddha, Moses, Muhammad, and Confucius identified themselves as a prophet or teacher. None ever claimed to be equal to God.
But Jesus did!
In a revolutionary way, Jesus said God exists. He made it clear that whoever saw Him had seen the Father (John 14:9). Then when His claims were questioned, Jesus bolstered it this way: “Even though you do not believe me, believe the evidence of the miracles, that you may learn and understand that the Father is in Me, and I am in the Father.” (John 10:38). When you ask the question “Does God Exist?”, I would highly recommend examining the life and the words of Jesus because throughout the Bible, Jesus uniquely addressed doubts about the existence of God Himself.
You may even find that the words of Jesus offer doubts about your doubts.
