------------------------------------------------------- **Cross Reference:** #doctrine_of_God, #theology_proper, #attributes_of_God, #Christian_apologetics ## The Doctrine of God’s Existence: Understanding Who God Is and How We Can Know Him The **[[doctrine of God]]’s existence** is foundational to **[[Christian theology]]**. It addresses the questions of **who [[God]] is**, **what He is like**, and **how we can know** Him. The **[[Bible]]** doesn’t set out to **prove** that **[[God]] exists**. Instead, it **assumes** His **existence** from the very beginning: “**In the beginning, [[God]]…**” (Genesis 1:1). This tells us that **[[God]]** is the **starting point** of all reality and **everything else** flows from Him. In this post, we will explore the **[[biblical view]]** of **[[God’s existence]]**, the **nature** of His **[[being]]**, and how we can **know** and **understand** [[God]] through **[[Scripture]]** and **reason**. ### The Bible’s Assumption of God’s Existence (Genesis 1:1) > “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” > — **[Genesis 1:1](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+1.1&version=AMP)** The **opening words** of the **[[Bible]]** introduce us to **[[God]]** as the **[[Creator]]**. There is no **introduction**, no **argument** for His **existence**—just the **simple statement** that **[[God]] is** and that **[[God]] creates**. - **[[God]] Exists Outside of Time and Space**: The verse “**In the beginning, [[God]]…**” shows that **[[God’s existence]]** is **prior** to **[[time]]** and **[[space]]**. He is not **part** of the **[[universe]]** but **separate** from it. While **[[time]]** and **[[space]]** have a **beginning**, **[[God]]** has **always existed**. - **[[God]] Is the Source of All Things**: Genesis 1:1 reveals that **everything** that **exists**—the **[[Heavens]]**, the **[[earth]]**, and all **[[creatures]]**—came into being through **[[God’s creative power]]**. This sets the foundation for understanding that **[[God]]** is the **ultimate source** of **[[life]]** and **meaning**. ### God’s Revelation Through Creation (Psalm 19:1) > “The heavens declare the glory of [[God]], and the sky above proclaims his handiwork.” > — **[Psalm 19:1](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+19.1&version=AMP)** Although the **[[Bible]]** does not try to **prove** [[God’s existence]], it does point to **evidence** in **[[creation]]** that **testifies** to **who [[God]] is**. - **[[Creation]] Reveals [[God’s Glory]]**: **Psalm 19:1** tells us that the **[[Heavens]]** and the **sky** are like a **canvas** that displays the **[[glory of God]]**. The **beauty**, **complexity**, and **[[order]]** of **[[nature]]** point to a **[[Creator]]** who is **wise**, **[[powerful]]**, and * good**. - **[[Natural Revelation]]**: This is often called **“[[Natural Revelation]]”**—the idea that **[[God]]** can be **known** through the **created world**. When we look at the **[[stars]]**, the **[[mountains]]**, or the **intricacy** of a single **[[flower]]**, we see **evidence** of **[[God’s hand]]** at work. ### Knowing God Through Human Conscience (Romans 2:14–16) > “They show that the work of the [[Law]] is written on their hearts, while their [[conscience]] also bears witness…” > — **[Romans 2:15](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+2.15&version=AMP)** Beyond the **external world** of **[[nature]]**, **[[God]]** has placed a **witness** of **Himself** within **us**: our **[[conscience]]**. - **The [[Moral Law]]**: According to **[Romans 2:14](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+2.14&version=AMP)**, even people who do not have the **[[written law]]** of **[[Scripture]]** still have a **sense of right and wrong**. This **[[moral awareness]]** is **evidence** of **[[God’s presence]]** in **[[human life]]**. It’s as if **[[God]]** has **written** His **[[Law]]** on our **hearts**. - **The Witness of [[Conscience]]**: Our **[[conscience]]** tells us that there is a **standard of goodness** that we are **accountable** to. When we **sin** or do something **wrong**, we feel **guilt**. When we act in **[[love]]** or **[[mercy]]**, we feel a **sense of joy**. This inner **witness** points to a **[[moral Lawgiver]]**—**[[God]]** Himself. ### Arguments for God’s Existence: Reason and Faith (Hebrews 11:6) > “And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” > — **[Hebrews 11:6](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Hebrews+11.6&version=AMP)** Throughout **history**, many have tried to **prove** [[God’s existence]] through **[[reason]]** and **[[logic]]**. While these **arguments** can **strengthen [[Faith]]**, they are **not enough** on their own to fully **comprehend** [[God]]. **Hebrews 11:6** reminds us that **faith** is **essential** in our **knowledge** of **[[God]]**. ### God’s Being and Our Response: Faith, Worship, and Obedience Understanding the **[[doctrine of God’s existence]]** calls us to **respond** in three key ways: 1. **[[Faith]]** 2. **[[Worship]]** 3. **[[Obedience]]** ### Concluding Thoughts The **[[doctrine of God’s existence]]** invites us to **marvel** at the **greatness** of the **[[Creator]]** and to **seek** Him with our **whole hearts**.