Existence Of God

QUESTION: Is it reasonable to believe in the existence of God?

ANSWER:

Is it reasonable to believe in the existence of God? Wait, don’t answer that question to hastily! From the least to the greatest, the question of God’s existence has baffled and intrigued us for centuries. A little boy lies placidly on a hillside staring into a moonless nighttime sky. He wants to know who lit the stars and put the planets in motion. He ponders the great mysteries of the heavens and quickly his mind fills with unanswerable questions. Where is God in all of this?

Centuries ago, a man wrestled spiritually and philosophically within himself. His question was the same as that of the little boy; can I believe in the existence of God? This man witnessed the slaughter of his family, livestock, and wealth. In his torment he exclaims, “Oh, that I knew where to find Him [God]” (Job 23:3a). The man was Job and he was a righteous man who knew and trusted God, yet the question persisted. Is it reasonable to believe in the existence of God?

A highly educated man named Paul witnessed the martyr of more than one Christian. He had directly been responsible for the arrest and imprisonment of dozens who claimed to believe in the existence of God. Privileged to be tutored by some of the greatest minds of his day, Paul was indeed an intellectual. He used this intellectual prowess in his quest to eradicate all Christians and by that, what they believed. Yet, he later wrote, “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 . . .” (Romans 1:20a) Paul’s conclusion? It was simple, is there any other option than to believe in the existence of God? Our options are the same as Job’s, Paul’s, and the little boy’s.

Our option is to either believe in the existence of God and know there is a benevolent Creator who instills in our seemingly chaotic world harmony, purpose, and hope, or trust our creation and ultimate fate to chance. In response to Job’s demand for answers God responded, “Where were you when I laid the earth's foundation? Tell Me, if you understand” (Job 38:4). It is not for us to understand, only to believe. Job summed it up, “My ears had heard of You but now my eyes have seen You” (Job 42:5). Our “eyes” are our hearts and God can indeed dwell there and through His Spirit reveal His divine presence. Is it reasonable to believe in the existence of God? Absolutely!

Follow one man’s journey as he researches the existence of God. . .