Questions about God: 2. How do you know that there is a God?

2. How do you know that there is a God?

The answer to this question affects the whole of our lives. As Christians we believe that God has revealed Himself to us in a number of ways, which I explain in the next chapter. God’s revelation to us is the basic way of finding what we need to know about God. One book of the Bible was specifically written to explain the Christian message. It is found in the New Testament part of the Bible, and is called Romans. Early on in the book we read, ‘the basic reality of God is plain enough. Open your eyes and there it is! By taking a long and thoughtful look at what God has created, people have always been able to see what their eyes as such can’t see: eternal power, for instance, and the mystery of his divine being. So nobody has a good excuse.’ Romans 1:19 – 20

The whole of the world shows the greatness of God. Each designer leaves his mark on his creation and this is true with God’s creation of the world. From the intricacy of the human body to the tiniest molecule, from the largest mountain to the smallest cell, design needs a designer. Creation demands a creator. The history of the world seems to point to an unfolding pattern that is heading in a direction, and has purpose. Considering all the different religions of the world, each seeking God with a desire to pray, leads to the conclusion that there is within human beings an awareness of someone to whom we owe allegiance, and of whom we are aware. Though I am deeply unhappy about Spiritualism, Yoga, Zen, Palmistry and so on, they nevertheless illustrate the eternal search for God that characterises us human beings. Within us there is something that points to God. Universally, humans have a sense of morality. From childhood we know the difference between right and wrong. How do we know this difference? It is not only nurtured by society, but it is also part of our nature. The Bible teaches that God has put within us our conscience. His stamp is on us. It is interesting to note that when we face trouble, we soon find ourselves crying out to God.
Sir Winston Churchill quipped “I have never seen an atheist in a lifeboat”. The question we have to ask then is this: do you truly believe in your heart that you are the result of a random chance? And, if that is true, what worth is there in life? Why do we love, long, and live for life at all? Such deep seated inward questions demonstrate that we are more than a conglomeration of chemicals covered in skin, and that there is a God who gave us life, and created us for a reason. Yes, there is no scientific formula to prove God’s existence, but there is plenty of evidence in and around us that demands an explanation. So, considering that Jesus claimed to be God, it is wise to look at Him and see if His claims were justified, especially as He said that He is the way to God.

Questions about God: 3. Isn’t faith a leap in the dark, and aren’t the atheists really on the right track?