Why Do People Believe in God?
By Jack Redmond
Church Mobilization and Online Campus Pastor at Christ Church
One of the reasons people believe in God is that He reveals Himself to people. This is called “revelation” and occurs through nature and internally within people. Let’s look at some Bible verses (also referred to as Scripture) to help us better understand this idea of how revelation works.
People believe in God because of general revelation.
The term “general revelation” is used to describe ways that God has revealed Himself to all people in ways that anyone can see the evidence that God exists. Here’s a relevant Scripture:
“20 For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.” Romans 1:20 NIV
This common theme of God as Creator of earth, heavens and all things that have been created is a continual theme from the beginning of the Bible (in the Book of Genesis) to the end (in the Book of Revelation). Essentially, the idea is that you can’t have a painting without a painter, a watch without a watchmaker, or creation without a Creator.
People believe in God because of personal revelation.
While general revelation describes universal evidence or experience available to all mankind, personal revelation is well, more personal. This type of moment consists of a specific understanding and experience people have directly from God. Such an encounter can be illustrated by the following Bible verse:
“This is the covenant I will make with them after that time, says the Lord. I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds.” Hebrews 10:16—quoting Jeremiah 31:33
This verse was first recorded by the Jewish prophet Jeremiah in the Old Testament (the first portion of the Bible) and then quoted in the New Testament (the second portion of the Bible) by the writer of Hebrews, another book in the Bible. This text states that God puts His laws in our hearts and minds. This can help explain why universal norms exist resulting in laws against murder, theft, etc., while promoting honoring God, commitment to marriage, and respecting of parents. This is one reason why people say, “All religions teach the same thing.” While I agree in a universal morality amongst most —if not all —major religions, this does not mean they are equal or teach the same way to salvation, heaven, eternity, etc., In fact —that is where they differ.
People believe in God because He makes Himself known.
Many religions would say that God is unknowable or unapproachable, while Christianity declares that God is present and knowable. Scripture to support this claim can be found here:
“17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit[a] of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe.” Ephesians 1:17-19a
The Apostle Paul was against the Christian message and Jesus Himself until he had a personal encounter with Jesus on a road called Damascus (check out Acts chapter 9, verses 1-19 to read more). Later Paul wrote to followers of Christ that they “may know him better,” meaning that God is personally knowable.
Everyone has the opportunity to have a personal relationship with Jesus.
Even if all people do not “believe in God,” it does not mean that God is not real or that each person does not have the opportunity to have a personal relationship with Jesus. The Apostle Paul is also an example of an extremely religious person that was still distant from God. When he surrendered his life to follow Jesus, that’s when he began to know God on a personal basis and was truly launched into his life’s purpose.
I would argue it doesn’t matter what other people believe, but what you personally believe. God is not afraid of your questions, fear or doubt. He is waiting for you and promises that if you seek Him, you will find Him. Here’s one last Bible verse for your consideration: “But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul.” (Deuteronomy 4:29 NIV)
