1997-06-07 - The Existence of God?

The Comprehensive Study Series,  Part 1

Series Introduction

I would like to begin a new series of devotionals with this 5 part study. For a very long time I have wished to write a comprehensive Bible Study which would accumulate for the reader. I pray this study would bring you a deeper and richer understanding of the Bible. I plan to cover the basics and build on that. I'd like to call it a print-out Bible study. Not only do I hope and pray that this would help you to be a disciple of Jesus, examining carefully the Word of God; I hope in turn it would help you to "teach others to be" a disciple of Jesus. May the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob use these feeble lines to His Glory, to bring the many to Him. Amen

The Existence of God?

Somewhere in the human mind is an intuitive knowledge which actually wells up from his soul. He has senses, he exercises rational thought processes, and he is moral. We sense things through our feelings and we believe what we sense - sight, sound and things like that. We may not always understand all we are subjected to -yet we certainly recognize the reality of those things. The whole is the sum of its parts (and we do not have to be taught this) - or for every effect there must be an adequate cause, or the shortest distance between two points is a straight line. From our childhood we recognize certain things- certain simple truths! Also there is an understanding within ourselves that makes us aware of our own behavior - if we are right or wrong -- and it definitely distinguishes between right and wrong. This same device inside of us gives us a feeling of responsibility for our right or wrong behavior and a feeling that we should be punished for our wrongdoing, whether we are punished or we are not. Belief in God likewise is an intuitive truth. Man is so made that he recognizes God in the things that are made - and we are all dependent on these things for our existence. Everything came from somewhere, and I might add, for some reason. The earth, the heavens, the air we breathe, the food we eat - and also our ability to utilize these things in our existence. Some folks have decided to disavow such belief, but when the pressure of false teachings and unproven theories are removed, they have the opportunity to exercise their own intellectual and moral powers, and they usually conclude that yes -- there must be a supreme being whom we are all dependent upon and to whom we are accountable. What does God have to say on this subject? :

Romans 1:18-25 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hinder the truth in unrighteousness; 19 because that which is known of God is manifest in them; for God manifested it unto them. 20 For the invisible things of Him since the creation of the world are clearly seen, being perceived through the things that are made, even his everlasting power and divinity; that they may be without excuse: 21 because that, knowing God, they glorified Him not as God, neither gave thanks; but became vain in their reasonings, and their senseless heart was darkened. 22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God for the likeness of an image of corruptible man, and of birds, and four-footed beasts, and creeping things. 24 Wherefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts unto uncleanness, that their bodies should be dishonored among themselves: 25 for that they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshipped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.

VS 18 and 19 say Gods wrath is revealed against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who hold down the truth with the testimony of their ungodly lives and slow its progress among men. Plus God allowed the truth to be shown to them - which proves that man's intuitive ability is capable of recognizing and having a knowledge of a supreme being.

VS 20 Clearly shows man's innate powers enable him to recognize Gods existence, everlasting power and Deity, regardless of where they are or under what conditions. Men are without excuse not to acknowledge God in all His Glory and all His Authority. In essence, according to the scriptures their really are no atheists. When men would not acknowledge God and glorify Him, they turned to their own reasonings and vanity, and God allowed their own hearts to become darkened and to become fools. They, according to this passage of scripture, turned to idolatry and refused to have God in their knowledge -- so God turned them over to their reprobate minds and they plunged into the depths of sin and degradation - even knowing that these things are worthy of death.

I would like to point out another interesting fact from scripture that proves to me that mans constitution was created so that he could recognize the existence and perfections of God.

Romans 2:14-15 14 for when Gentiles that have not the law do by nature the things of the law, these, not having the law, are the law unto themselves; 15 in that they show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience bearing witness therewith, and their thoughts one with another accusing or else excusing them.

Also the evidence of the Almighty's existence may be seen by every man and woman of every generation, in every part of the world. Therefore all people, were and are without excuse in failing to acknowledge God.

Psalm 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; 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 his course. 6 His going forth is from the end of the heavens, And his circuit unto the ends of it; And there is nothing hid from the heat thereof.

Part 2 - Next week's devotional will cover Positive Proof of the Existence of God from a Scientific Point of View.

In His Service,
Liv4Yeshua