How do we know that God is Real

Encountering the Divine: Faith Beyond Arguments

Summary: This question explores the theological arguments for the existence of God, ultimately asserting that personal experience is indispensable in knowing God.

Application: This message encourages individuals to seek personal encounters with God beyond intellectual arguments, emphasizing the importance of a relationship with Him through faith and experience.

1. In plain view

English Standard Version Chapter 1

For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. 20 For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.

By this verse we know that it is impossible to look at the world and refute its evidence of having a creator.

There is an argument for this theological standpoint called the cosmological argument. This argument points out that the universe around us is an effect that requires an adequate cause (Ryrie, 1999).

To expound the law of cause and effect states that every action produces a specific reaction or result. This means that nothing can happen by chance.

While Newton was the one to organize the thoughts of cause and effect into the mechanics, Aristotle defined the four causes in 350 B.C.

What I found interesting is that the idea of the universe not having a creator did not really gain movement until the 18th century.

2. Don’t hit your mom

Romans 2:14–15 “For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law. They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them”

By this Paul is stating that even without hearing the truth of the Gospel of Christ the Morality that is written in our hearts convicts of what is write and moral and that failure to adhere to that truth is a conviction in itself.

Stott writes that “

The Message of Romans 3. God’s Judgment Is Impartial (12–16)

He is simply saying that some Gentiles sometimes do some of what the law requires. This is an observable, verifiable fact, which anthropologists have everywhere discovered. Not all human beings are crooks, blackguards, thieves, adulterers and murderers. On the contrary, some honour their parents, recognize the sanctity of human life, are loyal to their spouses, practise honesty, speak the truth and cultivate contentment, just as the last six of the ten commandments require.

Paul here is saying that because God created all of us we are self-conscious moral people. Lets not mistake morality for Goodness, but we do tend to hold similar base morality along all cultures.

This is known as the Moral Argument which is a part of the anthropological argument, which asks the questions of how can a moral intelligent, and living being, be explained apart from a moral, intelligent, and living God.

Can we really say that it is by chance all of mankind holds the same morality?

According to the breathed word of God we see in romans this morality shows that our conscience bears witness to conviction that we have as creations of God.

3. Relational Riches in Christ

Philippians 3:7–8 “But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ. Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ”

After Paul shows us the cosmological and moral arguments, In the end we see Paul's personal testimony of encountering Christ, where he values knowing Christ above all intellectual achievements.

This change in pace shows that we have to understand the importance of personal relationship with Jesus. Its not enough to have a head full of knowledge.

Proverbs 15:14 “The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouths of fools feed on folly.”

Paul compliments this proverb by telling us 1 Corinthians 1:18 “For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”

With that arguments are only helpful, but they are not what brings people to Christ.

Share about self:

I was filthy (addict, sexual sin, fighting, no value in self, suicide attempts at 8 years old)

In Christ (I am called by name, chosen, loved, filled with peace)

It was through the power of the Holy Spirit that I knew God was real He showed Himself to me and my hearts desires are now to serve, love, and share the message of the Gospel.

It is only by God that it was possible for my heart to change.

Our testimony Is what proves God exists.

When People see the love and compassion and the way we adore the father and the way He loves us brings people to a point of knowing there must be a God.