The reality, that man’s primary reason for existence is to glorify God and enjoy him forever, leads us to ask more questions. I want to focus on three questions in this post: Who is God?, Should everyone believe there is a God?, and How do we know there is a God?.
Who is God?
God is the first and greatest being. When we say that God is first and greatest we do not imply that there is another god. We simply mean that he is the only true self-existent being. As Isaiah reports, “Thus says the LORD, the King of Israel and his Redeemer, the LORD of hosts: ‘I am the first and the last; besides me there is no god” (Isa. 44:6, ESV). Elsewhere Scripture testifies, “For great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; he is to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the peoples are worthless idols, but the LORD made the heavens” (Ps. 96:4-5, ESV; see also Ps. 8:1 and 97:9). So we sing with Hannah, “There is none holy like the LORD; there is none beside you; there is no rock like our God” (1 Sam. 2:2, ESV).
Should everyone believe there is a God?
Yes, everyone should believe there is a God; and it is great sin and foolishness for those who do not. The author of Hebrews reminds us, “Without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him” (Heb. 11:6, ESV). And David warns, “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God.’ They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds, there is none who does good” (Ps. 14:1, ESV).
How do we know there is a God?
The light of nature in man and the works of God plainly declare this is a God, but his Word and Spirit only do effectually reveal him to us for our salvation. This answer points to two types of knowledge: the first is natural knowledge, the second is spiritual knowledge. Natural knowledge can be drawn from the conscience (light of nature in man) and the works of God (like creation). Paul explains,
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 (Rom. 1:18-20, ESV; see also Ps. 19:1-2).
Spiritual knowledge must be revealed by the Word and the Spirit. Paul writes to Timothy, “And how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus” (2 Tim. 3:15, ESV). Elsewhere Paul states, “But, as it is written, ‘What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him’—these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God” (1 Cor. 2:9-10, ESV; see also 1 Cor. 1:21-24; Matt. 11:27).
People chose to reject belief in God, not because of a lack of sufficient evidence of his existence, but because they want to suppress the truth with their unrighteousness. There is a God, he is the first and greatest being, the creation proclaims his handiwork, and we should trust him. When we fail to do so we commit great sin and foolishness; we turn a blind eye to the truth staring us in the face.
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