Don Stewart :: Does the Bible Attempt to Prove That God Exists?

Nowhere in the Bible are there arguments seeking to prove God's existence. The fact of His existence is assumed from the first page where we read:

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth (Genesis 1:1).

His existence is assumed throughout the rest of Scripture. Nowhere do we find in Scripture a series of proofs of His existence. The Bible assumes the fact of God's existence and calls upon people to make a venture of faith toward Him.

And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him (Hebrews 11:6).

It is impossible to know God except by faith. Since He is invisible to humanity we can only know Him by means of faith.

His Existence Is Evident To All

Scripture says that God's existence is evident to everyone.

For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. Ever since the creation of the world his eternal power and divine nature, invisible though they are, have been understood and seen through the things he has made. So they are without excuse (Romans 1:19, 20).

If a person denies the existence of God, then there is no reference point for correctly understanding themselves or the world around them.

Only A Fool Denies That God Exists

Not only does the Bible assume that God exists it says only fools deny His existence.

Fools say in their hearts, "There is no God." They are corrupt, they commit abominable acts; there is no one who does good. God looks down from heaven on humankind to see if there are any who are wise, who seek after God. They have all fallen away, they are all alike perverse; there is no one who does good, no, not one (Psalm 53:1-3).

Only a foolish person would deny that God exists. The fact of His existence should be obvious to all. Those who do reject the truth of God end up in idolatry. The Apostle Paul wrote.

For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and wickedness of those who by their wickedness suppress the truth . . .for though they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their senseless minds were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools; and they exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling a mortal human being or birds or four-footed animals or reptiles (Romans 1:18,21-23)

There Is No Excuse For Denying His Existence

Those who deny God's existence have no real excuse. Paul wrote 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).

The Bible Reveals The True God

The Bible is more interested in showing that the God of Scripture is the true God who exists. In the ancient world it seems that everyone believed in some type of god. Atheism was not really an issue. The question, therefore, was, "Which God or gods exist?" This is the issue that the Bible addresses itself more than the mere fact of God's existence. The God of the Bible is contrasted to the false idols that people were worshipping.

Summary

From the first page of the Bible until the last, God's existence is assumed. Nowhere is there a case made out to prove that God exists. The writers of Scripture take it for granted. They state that His existence is obvious to all. Only those who are fools deny that He exists. Those who reject His existence have no real excuse.