Not only is there evidence for God’s existence from biblical revelation but there are also the philosophical arguments supporting the concept of God’s existence. Admittedly, these arguments may not convince those antagonistic to the Christian faith of its validity. However, they do provide a thought provoking response to those who contend that Christianity does not contain any assemblage of reasoning or logical thought.
What then are the philosophical arguments for God’s existence? They include the ontological argument, the cosmological argument, the teleological argument, the moral argument, the anthropological argument, the religious experience argument and the argument from the existence of miracles: most notably Jesus Christ’s resurrection from the dead.
The Ontological Argument is an argument that attempts to prove the existence of God through abstract reasoning alone. The argument begins with an explanation of the concept of God. Part of what we mean when we speak of “God” is a “perfect being.” That is what the word “God” means. The reasoning is that a God that exists, of course, is better than a God that doesn’t.
Additionally, to speak of God as a perfect being is therefore to imply that He exists. Where does the idea of “God” originate? There is a sense of man’s need to worship something, or someone, greater than himself. Man, in whatever culture he exists, is inwardly driven to honor and praise an object: even it that object is himself.
If God’s perfection is a part of the concept of God, and if God’s perfection implies God’s existence, then God’s existence is implied by the very idea of God. When we speak of “God” we cannot but speak of a being that exists.
To say that God does not exist is to contradict ourselves; it is literally to speak nonsense. The argument is saying that the very idea of God, and the corresponding idea that God does not exist, implies that He does indeed exist. Otherwise, if God did not exist we would never think of the concept of God. Since we do think of the concept of God, even in a person’s denial, this implies God’s very existence.
The Bible gives credibility to the ontological argument.
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth. For what can be known about God is plain to them, because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened. Claiming to be wise, they became fools, and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images resembling mortal man and birds and animals and creeping things. (Romans 1:18-23, ESV)
God has revealed himself and his existence to every human being. This awareness is not only within the visible creation, but also within each and every individual. This awareness extends to possessing a concept of God’s invisible attributes, His eternal power and His divine nature. Therefore, man is without excuse in saying there is no God and denying he knew God’s existence.
Take the opportunity today to thank God for how He has revealed His existence to us. Have a blessed day in the Lord.
Soli deo Gloria!
His Word Today 