The Bible never makes any attempt to prove the existence of God. It never occurred to any prophet or apostle to prove that God is. All the inspired writers presupposed an awareness of God's Being among all men. I make that same assumption. All attempts at proving the existence of God are as redundant as it would be for a man to try to prove that light is light, fire is fire, ice is cold, or heat is hot.
The title of my message tonight is the simple and forthright declaration that GOD IS! The existence of God is confirmed by many, many things; but the Bible is, as John L. Dagg put it, "The Volume of Revelation, a light emanating from the Father of lights, and is, of itself, an independent proof of his existence." While heaven and earth, day and night, speak for God, we do not depend upon natural things for our knowledge of him. Instead, we look to the Bible. Here God speaks for himself. Creation never contradicts, but always confirms what is revealed in the Bible. Yet, we must never build our faith upon natural things. So we will begin and end our study of God's Being with the Bible, and make no appeals to any other source for the proof of his existence. We will begin where the Bible begins in…
Genesis 1:1 "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth."
The Being or existence of God is the foundation of everything. John Gill wrote, "The Being of God is the foundation of all religion; for if there is no God, religion is a vain thing; and it matters not neither what we believe, nor what we do; since there is no superior Being to whom we are accountable for either faith or practice."
When we come to the study of God, we have come to the most transcendent theme that can ever occupy the minds of men. The Being of God is a subject as inexhaustible as it is incomprehensible, a theme that is delightful, profitable, and blessed beyond measure.
Proposition: The Bible begins with the announcement of the fact that God is and that he is the sovereign Creator of all things.
Genesis 1:1 "In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth."
Divisions: In this study, I want to show you five avenues of divine revelation, five avenues of knowledge given in Holy Scripture, by which we know that God is.
The Bible tells us that God's Being, his existence, and certain aspects of his nature are made known to all men by…
I. THE PHYSICAL UNIVERSE.
Psalms 19:1-6 "The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament showeth his handiwork. (2) Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night showeth knowledge. (3) There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard. (4) Their line is gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them hath he set a tabernacle for the sun, (5) Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race. (6) His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof."
God has never left himself without a witness. Every human being who has ever enjoyed the privilege of living upon God's earth with sanity and reason has seen and heard God's testimony of his own existence in creation and providence. This is what Paul and Barnabas told the heathen at Lystra who worshipped them as gods.
Acts 14:15-17 "Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein: (16) Who in times past suffered all nations to walk in their own ways. (17) Nevertheless he left not himself without witness, in that he did good, and gave us rain from heaven, and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness."
Three things are revealed to all men in creation, which cannot be denied by anyone. Many brazenly denounce God's existence and proclaim themselves to be atheists; but they are all liars. Do not think I am being rude when I say that. Either they are liars or this Book is a lie; for this Book declares that all men know these three things about God.
Throughout history, wherever human beings have been found, they have demonstrated a knowledge of these three things. This natural knowledge is inadequate and is always perverted because of man's depravity; but all men know that God is, that he is wise, and that he is almighty, because all men live as his creatures upon the earth he created, where his voice is heard every day and every night.
Creation is not the only source of light possessed by all men. The Scriptures also tell us that all men are aware of God's Being because he has stamped his image upon man's soul and written his law in…
II. THE CONSCIENCE OF MAN.
Romans 2:14-15 "The Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: (15) Which show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another."
Every human being lives with an irrepressible God consciousness. Every man's conscience proclaims loudly that God is, that he is almighty, that he is holy, and that he will punish sin.
A. Man is by nature, by the stroke of his Creator, a religious being.
As I said before, I realize that some fools claim to be atheists; but their claim is a lie. According to the first chapter of Romans, all men by nature "hold the truth of God in unrighteousness." That is to say, they hold it down, suppress it, and try to deny it; but they cannot escape it. They will by training and education become either professed atheists or bass idolaters. That is the best that training and education can do, apart from the grace of God. Civilization has never turned barbarians into Christians. It only turns them into clothed barbarians who can read and write. This God consciousness has all men convinced of three things…
B. B.The light of nature, this God consciousness, renders all men without excuse, but brings none to a saving knowledge of God.
Look at Romans one again. The Holy Spirit tells us that this knowledge of God by creation and conscience renders all men without excuse; but it never leads to or gives repentance and faith. It reveals "the wrath of God," but never the grace of God. The witnesses of God in nature do not constitute gospel light, but only a basis for judgment and condemnation.
Romans 1:18-20 "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; (19) Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath showed it unto them. (20) For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse."
Men are without excuse because they will not obey the light of God in creation. They never have, never will, and never can because all men are depraved, perverted, and spiritually dead. Therefore, they take the knowledge of God that they have and pervert it, heaping upon themselves even greater condemnation.
Romans 1:18-32 "For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; (19) Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath showed it unto them. (20) For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: (21) Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. (22) Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, (23) And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. (24) Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: (25) Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. (26) For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: (27) And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was meet. (28) And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; (29) Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, (30) Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, (31) Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: (32) Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them."
Notice the order of degeneracy. It is written for our learning. This is the way of man when left to himself.
2. Then, he changes the truth of God into a lie and makes images of God to suit his own ideas of God.
3. Idolatry is followed by utter uncleanness, vile affections, moral perversity, and the universal acceptance of them.
Because all men are dead in trespasses and in sins, perverse and depraved at heart, it takes more than the light of nature given to and stamped upon men by creation to bring them to the knowledge of God. Therefore the Lord God reveals himself and makes himself known to his creatures by…
III. THE WRITTEN WORD OF GOD - THE BIBLE.
Psalms 19:7-11 "The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. (8) The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. (9) The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. (10) More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. (11) Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward."
2 Timothy 3:16 "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness."
Blessed beyond comprehension are those men and women who are privileged of God to have his Word delivered to them. If we had nothing else except the written Word of God our blessedness would be incalculable; but we have been blessed beyond that! God has been pleased to send his messengers to us, making himself known to us by the preaching of the gospel, and has established in our midst a gospel church, in which he meets with us, speaks to us, and allows himself to be worshipped by us.
Added to that is this great, great boon of grace - God almighty allows us to be the instruments by which he makes himself known to other chosen sinners. No wonder Paul spoke as he did to the church at Rome.
Romans 1:14-17 "I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise. (15) So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also. (16) For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. (17) For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith."
Yet, in the purpose and pleasure of God, there is necessity for more knowledge yet. It is not enough merely to have the light of creation, and of God consciousness, and even the light of the written Word of God. The knowledge of God by which we are saved and have eternal life comes to sinners by the revelation and knowledge of…
IV. THE INCARNATE WORD OF GOD - JESUS CHRIST.
John 1:1-3 "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (2) The same was in the beginning with God. (3) All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made."
John 1:14 "And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth."
John 1:18 "No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him."
John 17:3 "And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent."
Hebrews 1:1-3 "God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, (2) Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; (3) Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;"
It is utterly impossible for sinners to know God apart from God's revelation of himself in the Person and work of Jesus Christ, his dear Son. It is in, by, and through Christ that we have the complete revelation of God. Christ is the living Word of whom the written Word speaks. He is the sum of all God's purposes and all the prophets' message. In Christ all the fullness of God resides. In him is the expression and revelation of all God's Being. If you want to know who God is, what God is, what God has done, and what God requires of men, if you want to know the way to God, look to and study the words, works, ways, and Person of the Lord Jesus Christ.
John 14:6 "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me."
John 14:9 "Jesus saith unto him, Have I been so long time with you, and yet hast thou not known me, Philip? he that hath seen me hath seen the Father; and how sayest thou then, Show us the Father?"
This is the necessity for the preaching of the gospel.
The Scriptures cannot be known, and Christ cannot be known, except through the preaching of the gospel.
1 Peter 1:23-25 "Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever. (24) For all flesh is as grass, and all the glory of man as the flower of grass. The grass withereth, and the flower thereof falleth away: (25) But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you."
Romans 10:13-17 "For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. (14) How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? (15) And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! (16) But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Esaias saith, Lord, who hath believed our report? (17) So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God."
Yet, the mere preaching of the gospel will never communicate the knowledge of God to lost sinners. When all is said and done, the only way a sinner can ever know God is by the gift and operation of God the Holy Spirit in…
V. THE EXPERIENCE OF FAITH.
Hebrews 11:1-6 "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (2) For by it the elders obtained a good report. (3) Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear. (4) By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh. (5) By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. (6) But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."
The only way we can know God is to believe him; and the only way we can believe him is for God himself to give us faith in Christ.
A. Faith in Christ is the gift and operation of God in us, created in and bestowed upon chosen, redeemed sinners in regeneration by the irresistible power and grace of His Spirit.
Ephesians 2:8 "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:"
Philippians 1:29 "For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for his sake;"
Colossians 2:12 "Buried with him in baptism, wherein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead."
B. This gift of faith is communicated to and wrought in God's elect through the instrumentality of gospel preaching.
1 Corinthians 1:18-24 "For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. (19) For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. (20) Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? (21) For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. (22) For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: (23) But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; (24) But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God."
C. With this gift of faith, every believer is given the abiding unction of the Spirit by which we are given grace through the Word of God to know all things spiritual.
1 Corinthians 2:12-16 "Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. (13) Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. (14) But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. (15) But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. (16) For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ."
1 John 2:20-27 "But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things. (21) I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth. (22) Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son. (23) Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: (but) he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also. (24) Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father. (25) And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life. (26) These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you. (27) But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him."
Application:
It is a sad, sad proof of human depravity that men everywhere deny or disregard the existence of God. We read in the Book of God of the fool who cries, "No God," of nations that "forget God," and of individuals who do not have God in all their thoughts. Such people, while they cannot convince themselves that there is no God, so despise him that they want nothing to do with him. They say, "Depart from us. We desire not the knowledge of your ways."
There is only one cure for this sad, cursed condition. The only effectual cure for men's souls is the new birth.
John 3:3-7 "Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.(4) Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? (5) Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.(6) That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.(7) Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again."
Yet, even in the thoughts of regenerate men and women, even among those who are true believers, sometimes horribly sinful questions and doubts arise concerning the existence of God. These are things with which Satan harasses and seeks to destroy God's elect. For such harassing thoughts the only cure is grace. The remedy for such wicked thoughts is the diligent study of God's Word and works, asking him to graciously apply them to your heart.
2. Prayerfully and confidently acknowledge God in all your ways.
3. Walk humbly with God, seeking and bowing to his will in all things.
John L. Dagg made this good observation in the conclusion of his study of the existence of God. - "If we habitually walk with God, we shall not doubt his existence."
I send you home, and send you out to face the world with this word. - Remember God and walk with him in humble faith.
Proverbs 3:5-10 "Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. (6) In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. (7) Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil. (8) It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones. (9) Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: (10) So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine."
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