God's Existence
Moving to the Christian God
Exodus 3:14
And God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM." And He said,
"Thus you shall say to the children of Israel, &39;I AM has sent me to you.' "
NKJV
Apologetics is the presentation of a defense of the message of the Bible. These pages are not the place for a full blown discussion of apologetics or the various arguments involved in defending the Gospel. But, in discussing the arguments in favor of the existence of God, a variety of apologetics must be used, for one must move from the general arguments of God's existence to a more particular argument for the God of the Bible. The apologetics are based upon five foundational truths about the Bible and God.
In reading the Bible, it is important to recognize one very important fact. The Bible never, ever, ever, attempts to prove the existence of God. THE BIBLE ASSUMES GOD IS REAL AND EXISTS. What the Bible does is teach us about God.
If one were arguing for the existence of God, the various arguments presented to prove His existence do little to bring you to the Bible. There would be a couple of more steps. First, you will need to consider what supernatural attributes God would possess. Such a list might read as follows:
- Perfect
- Eternal
- Immutable
- Immortal
- Self-existence
- Unity
- Spirit
- Omnipresence (all present or present everywhere)
- Omniscience (all knowing)
- Omnipotence (all powerful)
- Love / Grace / Mercy
- Holiness
- Truth
- Righteousness / Just
- Goodness
- Sovereignty
- Freedom
- Infinite
- Life-giver
- Incomprehensible
- Incomparable
- Wrath
- Wisdom
A review of these traits will demonstrate the supernatural quality involved with God. These traits logically postulate a single, all-powerful God. At this level, only three Gods are left. These are 'Allah of Islam, God of Judaism, and God of Christianity.
Without being unfair to the other two, both may be dismissed. Both possess many of the traits. Indeed, the followers of Islam and Judaism would argue theirs is the only true God. But, both lack when all of the traits are considered. This is especially true in the area of forgiveness and assurance of the relationship with God. These would fall under the attributes of grace, mercy, and love.
It is at this point, one must finally come to the Bible to learn about God.
For more on God's attributes go here.
