Is there a conclusive argument for the existence of God?
The Rational and Biblical Case for the Existence of God
The question of God’s existence has been debated throughout history, with brilliant minds on both sides of the discussion. In modern times, however, opposition to belief in God has become increasingly militant, with atheists often accusing believers of being irrational or delusional. Philosophers like Karl Marx, Sigmund Freud, and Friedrich Nietzsche dismissed belief in God as the result of mental disorder, wishful thinking, or willful ignorance. Their arguments have influenced a new generation of atheists who make similar claims. But are these assertions valid? Is belief in God truly irrational? Is there a logical, reasonable, and evidence-based argument for the existence of God? The answer is an unequivocal yes. Not only can a case for God’s existence be made, but it also reveals the weaknesses of atheism.
The Metaphysical Question: Why Is There Something Rather Than Nothing?
The most fundamental question of existence is, “Why does something exist rather than nothing?” This inquiry forms the basis of any discussion about God. It asks why we, the earth, and the universe exist at all. The Bible declares in Genesis 1:1, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” Scripture provides the answer upfront: God is the ultimate cause of everything.
To explore this question philosophically, we consider four possibilities:
Reality is an illusion.
Reality is self-created.
Reality is self-existent (eternal).
Reality was created by something self-existent.
Eliminating Illusion and Self-Creation
The idea that reality is an illusion has been a central tenet of some Eastern religions. However, this notion was debunked centuries ago by philosopher René Descartes, who famously said, “I think, therefore I am.” Proverbs 23:7 aligns with this reasoning, stating, “For as he thinks in his heart, so is he.” Illusions require a perceiver, and the act of doubting one’s existence only proves it further.
The idea of reality being self-created is also logically impossible. Something cannot create itself because it would need to exist before it existed—a contradiction. Colossians 1:16–17 states, “For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.”
The Choice: Eternal Universe or Eternal Creator
We are left with two possibilities: either the universe is eternal, or it was created by an eternal being. The 18th-century theologian Jonathan Edwards summarized the reasoning succinctly:
Something exists.
Nothing cannot produce something.
Therefore, a necessary and eternal “something” exists.
Atheists must argue for an eternal universe if they reject an eternal Creator. However, modern science and philosophy overwhelmingly disprove the concept of an eternal universe.
Scientific Evidence Against an Eternal Universe
The Universe Had a Beginning
Scientific discoveries confirm that the universe had a definite beginning. The second law of thermodynamics, the cosmic radiation echo, the expansion of the universe, and Einstein’s theory of relativity all point to a finite universe. Psalm 90:2 states, “Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever You had formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God.” Science aligns with Scripture in affirming a beginning.
The Principle of Causation
An effect must resemble its cause. The impersonal, purposeless, and amoral cannot create beings filled with personality, purpose, and morality. Genesis 1:27 teaches, “So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” This biblical truth underscores the principle that mind precedes matter.
Philosopher J.S. Mill noted, “It is self-evident that only Mind can create mind.” This aligns with John 1:1–3, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.”
Characteristics of the Creator
If we accept that an eternal Creator exists, what can we deduce about Him? By examining creation, we can infer the following attributes:
Supernatural: God exists outside time and space (Genesis 1:1).
Powerful: God created everything from nothing (Jeremiah 32:17).
Eternal: God has no beginning or end (Psalm 90:2).
Omnipresent: God transcends space (Psalm 139:7–10).
Timeless and Changeless: God is not bound by time (Malachi 3:6).
Immaterial: God is spirit, not physical (John 4:24).
Personal: God interacts with His creation (Genesis 3:9).
Infinite and Singular: God is one and infinite (Deuteronomy 6:4).
Intelligent: God designed the universe with precision (Psalm 147:5).
Moral: God defines right and wrong (Daniel 9:14).
Caring: God provides for His creation (1 Peter 5:7).
These attributes perfectly describe the God of the Bible.
The Weaknesses of Atheism
Atheism’s Philosophical Flaw
Atheism claims there is no God, but proving a universal negative is impossible. Mortimer Adler explains, “An affirmative existential proposition can be proved, but a negative existential proposition cannot.” To claim “there is no God,” one would need to search the entire universe and beyond—an impossible task. Psalm 14:1 says, “The fool has said in his heart, ‘There is no God.’”
The Weight of Evidence
The consequences of rejecting God are eternal. If God exists, ignoring Him has dire implications. Hebrews 9:27 warns, “And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.” Atheism requires an unreasonable leap of faith to deny the overwhelming evidence of God’s existence.
The Conclusion: A Rational Faith
Belief in God is not only reasonable but compelling. The evidence from logic, science, and personal experience leads to the conclusion that an eternal Creator exists. Romans 1:20 states, “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse.”
This Creator invites us into a relationship with Him through Jesus Christ. John 1:12–13 says, “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.”
God exists, and through His Word, we can know Him.
