How do you know that God exists?

[agedman]

There have been a number of posts showing the wonders of the universe speak of the existence of God. The Psalmist says, "The heavens declare..."

Abraham looked (in my opinion) at the astrological signs and could see the plan of God for the ages written in the heavens. (Gen 15:5,6)

The Scriptures teach that the law of God (basic ten commandments) are imprinted into every person's heart, so that even the atheist have a conscience of God and make unto themselves a god. (Romans 1:18-21)

But how does one prove God exists?

We don't.

The Scriptures teach that God implants faith into a person and that person believes. It is an individual experience to be born again.

Paul said it this way, " Heb 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that comes to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him."

 

[Christos doulos]

I have a question for everyone. Simply put, how do you know that God exists?

When I think about it, I realize that I could have been born into a part of the world where the dominant religion is not Christianity............

Too long and didn't read: I want to know why you believe in Christianity's version of God.

Inspite the obvious rhetoric. I just know. One day I didn't believe and the next...POOF! It was as if I was in a dark room all my life and never knew it, and then all of a sudden someone turned on the light.

My perspectives changed, my alliances changed, my ideology changed. Everything made sense. No longer was I thinking like the world because I saw the futility in it. I went from liberal minded to God minded.

I am now alien to this world. I don't make sense to the world and the world doesn't make sense to me.

 

[glfredrick]

I believe that EVERYONE is born with an innate sense or knowledge of God. (Romans 1 says that, and I have seen plenty of evidence to support the truth of Scripture.)

That sense or knowledge is not "informed" and for that we need a specific revelation, Word, Prophet, Christ, Holy Spirit convicting our spirit.

That the entire world worships SOME form of deity (even athesits, who simply don't want to admit that they are god) is evident. We cannot escape God, but we also cannot "identify" God unless or until He reveals Himself to us, for He is transcendent, "wholly other," and He can only come to us. We cannot go to Him, for we are bounded by our own physical universe, thus, we give thanks and praise to God for revealing Himself to us! Had He not, we would be utterly lost, for our innate sense or knowledge points to God and our sin nature makes us culpable; but without the remedy that is God revealed, and our atonement that is Christ crucified and raised from the dead, and without our filling by the Holy Spirit who convicts and guides, we are lost without hope! Praise God! He gifts us with what we otherwise cannot have!

 

[Earth Wind and Fire]

I believe that EVERYONE is born with an innate sense or knowledge of God. (Romans 1 says that, and I have seen plenty of evidence to support the truth of Scripture.)

That sense or knowledge is not "informed" and for that we need a specific revelation, Word, Prophet, Christ, Holy Spirit convicting our spirit.

That the entire world worships SOME form of deity (even athesits, who simply don't want to admit that they are god) is evident. We cannot escape God, but we also cannot "identify" God unless or until He reveals Himself to us, for He is transcendent, "wholly other," and He can only come to us. We cannot go to Him, for we are bounded by our own physical universe, thus, we give thanks and praise to God for revealing Himself to us! Had He not, we would be utterly lost, for our innate sense or knowledge points to God and our sin nature makes us culpable; but without the remedy that is God revealed, and our atonement that is Christ crucified and raised from the dead, and without our filling by the Holy Spirit who convicts and guides, we are lost without hope! Praise God! He gifts us with what we otherwise cannot have!

Here is my consern.... I thought I knew & accepted God however I sinned mightiness ......George Whitefield would say I never really knew or accepted God (I was just going through the motions & living a liers faith). That conviction by Whitefield helped change my life. Now non cals will say that somewhere I accepted Christ but I was a real bad sinner that negated any real belief. What say you?

 

[HankD]

How do you know that God exists?

You answered the question yourself rednaut.

However, it seems that you put the only scriptural answer that one can give to that question in a negative light.

Obviously there is no definitive proof that God exists, and many fall back onto some of the Bible's passages on faith as a way to explain why they believe in something that we can't prove even exists;

Why not "fall back" on something that pleases God?

Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.​

OK, in a secondary manner, pursue the evidences to satisfy the intellect, no harm in that, but allow your faith in Him and His works to grow while you seek His person.​

Jude 1:20 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost.​

HankD​

 

[Aaron]

16. carbon dioxide and water vapor levels in atmosphere

if greater: runaway greenhouse effect would develop

if less: insufficient greenhouse effect.

(emphasis mine) Carbon dioxide levels have fluctuated dramatically over the centuries. It is surmized that Venus' runaway greehouse effect was due mostly to the evaporation of water, which was then carried away by the solar winds.

 

[Amy.G]

We cannot escape God, but we also cannot "identify" God unless or until He reveals Himself to us, for He is transcendent, "wholly other," and He can only come to us. We cannot go to Him, for we are bounded by our own physical universe, thus, we give thanks and praise to God for revealing Himself to us! Had He not, we would be utterly lost, for our innate sense or knowledge points to God and our sin nature makes us culpable; but without the remedy that is God revealed, and our atonement that is Christ crucified and raised from the dead, and without our filling by the Holy Spirit who convicts and guides, we are lost without hope! Praise God! He gifts us with what we otherwise cannot have!

:thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

 

[DaChaser1]

Beyond what you said about the bible as truth, I had to find some real proof, not just a series of statements. It started when He showed me examples in my life that related to scripture, then He showed me another scripture that confirmed my experiences. Then I was allowed to paticipate in a healing, and it blew my mind. I went home thinking it was bizzare and was afraid it might be something else besides God. I opened my bible, and He confirmed my experience again! I had a Holy Ghost experience and it continues. That is how I know this is real. Thank God for His promises to those that seek!

How did you know that your expereiences were of the Lord, and not of man or demonic forces?

On what basis did you judge them on?

 

[DaChaser1]

Here is my consern.... I thought I knew & accepted God however I sinned mightiness ......George Whitefield would say I never really knew or accepted God (I was just going through the motions & living a liers faith). That conviction by Whitefield helped change my life. Now non cals will say that somewhere I accepted Christ but I was a real bad sinner that negated any real belief. What say you?

think that in one sense can "prove" God by the very existence of the universe, and of Life on earth, as what HAD to happen by physical scientific laws would have to be seen as "miracle"

In other sense, God is the one who reveals Himself to us through both jesus and the scriptures, and he takes the initive, so he will be the One to make sure that we "kmow" He exists, as he will work to hios elected Ones to make sure they come to know Him, as in the person of Christ!

 

[glfredrick]

Here is my consern.... I thought I knew & accepted God however I sinned mightiness ......George Whitefield would say I never really knew or accepted God (I was just going through the motions & living a liers faith). That conviction by Whitefield helped change my life. Now non cals will say that somewhere I accepted Christ but I was a real bad sinner that negated any real belief. What say you?

I say that you could believe all you want, but until God does what only God can and does do, you were yet lost in your separation from God.

Our belief or our faith does not necessarily trigger God's divine action, but it can (we cannot rule that out). God "may" use our own rudimentary faith as part of His effectual call, but that is only one of the particulars required for salvation.

Additionally, where does it ever say that an individual, born again, does not sin? We can and we do. The Word does say that God disciplines His children (sons, harkening back to our legal adoption -- sons, because only sons can inherit). Those who sin after being reborn will see the consequences for that sin in ways that the lost will not, for they are already doomed. What more can come their way?

 

[DaChaser1]

I say that you could believe all you want, but until God does what only God can and does do, you were yet lost in your separation from God.

Our belief or our faith does not necessarily trigger God's divine action, but it can (we cannot rule that out). God "may" use our own rudimentary faith as part of His effectual call, but that is only one of the particulars required for salvation.

Additionally, where does it ever say that an individual, born again, does not sin? We can and we do. The Word does say that God disciplines His children (sons, harkening back to our legal adoption -- sons, because only sons can inherit). Those who sin after being reborn will see the consequences for that sin in ways that the lost will not, for they are already doomed. What more can come their way?

the faith sufficient to save is from God Himself, as jesus is the Godd sheperd, who watches over his flock, the Ones that God Himself gave Him!

We know that the saved by God are the Ones who he opens up their hearts/minds in a spiritual sense to even be able to "prove' God exists to us!

Catch 22 in all of this is that while sinners, still dead spitiually, cannot get enough evidence to "prove" that god exists, as will reject it any ways, but once saved, the HS Himself will witness that truth, and have it confirmed by bible!

 

[webdog]

Not sure why JesusFan was banned..but why is he allowed to have multiple accounts? "Catch 22" is his pet phrase

 

[freeatlast]

I have a question for everyone. Simply put, how do you know that God exists?

When I think about it, I realize that I could have been born into a part of the world where the dominant religion is not Christianity. Had that happened, I could have easily believed in a God from a different religion. That idea alone is probably enough to cause anyone to ask themselves why they believe what they believe.

Obviously there is no definitive proof that God exists, and many fall back onto some of the Bible's passages on faith as a way to explain why they believe in something that we can't prove even exists; but for me that opens up a whole host of problems. If you're believing solely upon faith, then you could just as easily believe in anything. Believing in something without any reason or justification is just pure stupidity. I can choose to believe that the Earth is on the back of a turtle, but that doesn't make it right (and besides, we've already proven without doubt that the world is indeed not on the back of a turtle).

As I've gotten older, I've started to think that maybe religions (Christianity included) are all about selling answers as opposed to encouraging people to ask questions and be naturally curious (i.e. don't bother thinking too much about existence. Here, take this book. ALL of the answers you'll ever need are right there, in those very pages). When you really think about it, contemplating issues of existence can be a scary thing. For example, how do you know that you're not living in a dream and that I am a part of your mind attempting to share some message with you? What if you're in a sort of coma right now? How would you know? Could you even know? What we're all part of an artificial intelligence simulation that had been developed some time ago by a far more advanced civilization? Could you prove that otherwise? What if there's just no God and we exist here because this planet, in this galaxy, in this universe, is able to support the type of life that exists here, right now?

But instead of thinking about those issues, turning to what we know about the universe to find some explanation, or advancing our knowledge into these matters by pursuing research in physics, mathematics, cosmology, etc., many people flock to religion (this, in my opinion, is also a matter of social norms, family ties to particular denominations, the habits of social circles, etc). Religion takes away the uncertainty in the world, and instead gives its followers all the answers they'll need. Don't understand how God could condemn to hell a person who's never heard of him or a person who has heard of him but doesn't believe and lives a good life anyway? Simple. It's God's will. Don't see how that is "justice"? Doesn't matter. God's logic is far higher than yours and you aren't meant to understand it.

It also amazes me that people who experience near death experiences and claim to have seen a "light" or ascended to heaven report the exact same things as people who claim to have "died" during a hallucinogenic trip or meditation--some of which are induced by the releasing of chemicals that occur naturally in our bodies. That seems to suggest that maybe those near death experiences aren't exactly evidence of any supernatural being--this God, or even another one.

I guess what I'm trying to say, is that I'm curious as to why you believe in God. What compelling reason has convinced you that what you read in the Bible is absolute truth, the word of God, and that Christianity is somehow right while all of the other religions are wrong?

And if you want to contribute to this discussion, please don't say "I believe because the Bible is the truth" or anything like that. I understand that people believe the Bible is the word of God; I'm looking for the reasons behind that belief.

Thanks in advance to anyone who replies!

Too long and didn't read: I want to know why you believe in Christianity's version of God.

Actually you have posed more then one question. One is about why does another believe God is real and the other is why one believes in God. Two totally different things.
Before being saved I believed God was because of creation, but I also was an agnostic because of so called science. I had questions. I did lean more towards God being real, but I was unsure. It was not until the Lord moved in my life that I was moved to no doubt, and then later became to believe in Him.
You can read my testimony at my web page if you so desire, but once I was positive He was I not too long after came to faith in Him.

By the way you started this thread and have not answered your own questions. Why do you believe?

 

[Amy.G]

By the way you started this thread and have not answered your own questions. Why do you believe?

Yes. I would like to see some response from rednaut.

 

[michael-acts17:11]

I have a question for rednaut. Why do you think every culture throughout history has worshiped some form of deity as the source of life & matter? It is only recently that man has rejected the idea of a transcendent "creator" in lieu of the "order from chaos" theory of humanistic evolution.

All men, even the most ardent evolutionist, yearn for knowledge of the Creator. Think about it. Even Richard Dawkins & Stephen Hawking are spending their lives searching for the source of life & the universe. They deny the true God while devoting their lives to discovering why they exist. If they truly believed in the meaningless randomness of existence, they wouldn't be wasting their time looking for meaning & relevance in their own lives.

Does it make it any easier to believe in God if we call Him an intelligent designer or extraterrestrial being who first planted life on earth thousands of years ago? The evidence for the existence of God is overwhelming. His fingerprints are throughout the universe & upon our souls.

 

[Iconoclast]

I have a question for everyone. Simply put, how do you know that God exists?

Anything we know about God....that He indeed exists,comes from His revelation of himself to us.....by His word....in power.
He gives all men evidence that He exists in two ways;
1]creation;
1The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.

2Day unto day uttereth speech, and night unto night sheweth knowledge.

3There is no speech nor language, where their voice is not heard.

4Their 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,

5Which is as a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoiceth as a strong man to run a race.

6His going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it: and there is nothing hid from the heat thereof.

7The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.


2]conscience;

14For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves:

15Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another

16In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel.

All men have this knowledge that lets them know there is a God who is there,and to whom they are accountable.

We do not have to abandon the biblical revelation when that is the tool God has given us to give an answer to those who would ask.

When I think about it, I realize that I could have been born into a part of the world where the dominant religion is not Christianity. Had that happened, I could have easily believed in a God from a different religion

All world religions come from unsaved hearts,and demonic influences that resist and supress God's truth

18For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness;

19Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.

20For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

This has not taken God by surprise. He has determined planned and purposed to save a multitude ...worldwide ....In His Son.
This covenant purpose is taking place as we speak. It is unstoppable and victorious. Jesus seeks and saves that which is lost.

If you're believing solely upon faith, then you could just as easily believe in anything. Believing in something without any reason or justification is just pure stupidity

Yes ...natural, human faith is stupidity. SAVING FAITH..is a God given gift that we are granted at regeneration. IT believes and keeps on believing.

Mere human faith is tainted by mans fall into sin...and is totally depraved in it's worldview....We are to be restored image bearers...thinking God.,thoughts after him.

For example, how do you know that you're not living in a dream and that I am a part of your mind attempting to share some message with you? What if you're in a sort of coma right now? How would you know? Could you even know? What we're all part of an artificial intelligence simulation that had been developed some time ago by a far more advanced civilization? Could you prove that otherwise? What if there's just no God and we exist here because this planet, in this galaxy, in this universe, is able to support the type of life that exists here, right now

Proper mental health is being rightly related to God by new birth.

3Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.

4Trust ye in the LORD for ever: for in the LORD JEHOVAH is everlasting strength:

Any other thought or reality that is outside of God's word is not dealing with reality.

Don't understand how God could condemn to hell a person who's never heard of him or a person who has heard of him but doesn't believe and lives a good life anyway? Simple. It's God's will. Don't see how that is "justice"? Doesn't matter. God's logic is far higher than yours and you aren't meant to understand it

You need to try and understand God's revelation of His holiness.

But instead of thinking about those issues, turning to what we know about the universe to find some explanation, or advancing our knowledge into these matters by pursuing research in physics, mathematics, cosmology, etc., many people flock to religion

This fails because these scientists mostly deny biblical revelation and use an evolutionary model ..like the one sited in this thread....billions of years,etc...which is to be rejected....:thumbsup:

 

[convicted1]

Not sure why JesusFan was banned..but why is he allowed to have multiple accounts? "Catch 22" is his pet phrase

I did not know that JF was banned, but I thought that DAchaser1 wrote eerily similiar to him. The same city and state to boot. I wanted to say something, but was afraid I'd be wrong.


Hey Brother WB, so much for "great minds think alike", huh? Poking fun at myself, and not you...:laugh:

 

[convicted1]

Not sure why JesusFan was banned..but why is he allowed to have multiple accounts? "Catch 22" is his pet phrase

IOW, he's busted! He hung himself with his own rope.

 

[saturneptune]

Romans 1 answers this question quite well. Anyone with any common sense can look at the order of everything that sustains life and the universe and know there is an intelligence behind it. It would take an idiot to come to the conclusion this happened on its own. It takes no faith to believe in a Creator. I can understand faith and grace to believe the Gospel, but all it takes to believe that God created everything is eyes and a brain.

 

[DaChaser1]

Not sure why JesusFan was banned..but why is he allowed to have multiple accounts? "Catch 22" is his pet phrase

Jesusfan was not banned in the sense of he was "kicked off" the BB...

was that when his laptop fried and took all of the password info down, switched back to an account hat was set up prior to using the jesusfan moniker!