What do the Bible and history have to say about the existence of God? This blog will explore both biblical and historical insights regarding the existence of God.

The question of God's existence has been a central theme in philosophy, theology, and human thought for centuries. Various arguments have been proposed to support the belief in a divine creator, each drawing on different aspects of reality—such as the origins of the universe, the complexity of life, moral values, and historical events. From the cosmological argument, which posits a first cause for everything that exists, to the moral argument, which suggests a transcendent source for ethical values, these perspectives seek to provide a rational foundation for faith. This exploration not only engages philosophical inquiry but also invites personal reflection on the nature of existence and meaning. As we delve into these arguments, we will consider both biblical insights and historical contexts that have shaped the discourse surrounding the existence of God.

1. Cosmological Argument

The cosmological argument emphasizes that everything that begins to exist has a cause. Since the universe began to exist (as indicated by the Big Bang theory), it must have a cause that is outside of time and space. This first cause is often identified as God, who is uncaused and eternal.

This perspective is supported by both biblical and historical references.

“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” This verse establishes that God is the initiator of all creation.”

— Genesis 1:1

“Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made.”

— John 1:3

These two verses establish that God is the initiator of all creation and emphasize His role in creation.

Historical Support:

In the 13th century, Thomas Aquinas presented the Five Ways in his work "Summa Theologica," arguing for the necessity of a first cause.
In contemporary philosophy, William Lane Craig has articulated the Kalam cosmological argument, emphasizing that the universe had a beginning and thus requires a cause.

2. Teleological Argument

The teleological argument, or argument from design, posits that the intricate complexity and order found in the universe suggest a purposeful designer. This is seen in the fine-tuning of physical constants and the complexity of biological organisms.

The Bible declares in Psalm 19:1-4 that

“The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork. Day unto day utters speech, And night unto night reveals knowledge. There is no speech nor language Where their voice is not heard. Their line has gone out through all the earth, And their words to the end of the world.”

— Psalm 19:1-4

This passage emphasizes that nature reflects God's creative power. Also, Romans 1:20 reminds us that creation itself reveals God’s nature.

“For 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 1:20

Historical References:

In his book "Natural Theology" (1802), William Paley argues that just as a watch’s complexity implies a watchmaker, the complexity of the universe implies a divine designer.
Also, a contemporary advocate of intelligent design, Michael Behe discusses the concept of "irreducible complexity" in his book "Darwin's Black Box" (1996), arguing that certain biological structures are too complex to have evolved through natural selection alone.

3. Moral Argument

The moral argument posits that if objective moral values exist, they must come from a transcendent source. If morals were merely subjective or culturally relative, there would be no basis for claiming one action is universally right or wrong.

Biblical support for moral argument for the existence of God

Romans 2:14-15 suggest an inherent understanding of moral law.

“Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law.”

— Romans 2:14-15

In Matthew 22:37-40, Jesus teaches the law as love for God and neighbor, indicating a foundational moral principle that transcends cultural differences.

Historical support for moral argument

In "Mere Christianity" (1952), C.S. Lewis argues that the existence of a universal moral law points to a moral lawgiver, which he identifies as God.
Moreover, the 18th-century philosopher, Immanuel Kant, argued in "Critique of Practical Reason" that moral duties imply the existence of God as a necessary foundation for moral order.

4. Ontological Argument

The ontological argument asserts that the concept of God as the greatest conceivable being necessitates His existence. If we can conceive of a perfect being, then that being must exist; otherwise, it would not be the greatest.

Biblical References for ontological argument:

“God said to Moses, ‘I AM WHO I AM.’”

— Exodus 3:14

This statement suggests that God’s essence is existence itself. While responding to the religous leaders of the day, Jesus referenced Exodus 3:14, indicating that he is God.

“Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.”

— John 8:58

Also, Colossians 1:17 makes it clear that Jesus, God the Son, is the creator of all things, indicating that He existed before all things were made.

“He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.”

— Colossians 1:17

Historical support for ontological argument

In his work "Proslogion" (11th century), Anselm of Canterbury formulates the argument, claiming that God’s existence is self-evident through the very concept of God.
René Descartes, In "Meditations on First Philosophy" (1641), rearticulated the ontological argument, emphasizing that the idea of a perfect being entails existence.

5. Historical Argument

The historical argument examines significant events, particularly the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, which have had a profound impact on history. The transformation of Jesus’ followers and the rapid spread of Christianity are viewed as evidence of divine involvement.

Biblical Views:

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is by far the most significant event in human history.

“For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.”

— 1 Corinthians 15:3-4

This passage underscores the resurrection as a historical event. Apostle Paul shared with the Corinthian Church a historical event. In addition, after his resurrection, Jesus physically appeared to his disciples, thus emphasizing the historical basis for the resurrection.

“After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive.”

— Acts 1:3