How may we know there is a God?
The light of nature in man and the works of God plainly declare there is a God; but his word and Spirit only do it fully and effectually for the salvation of sinners.
Proofs
- The light of nature in man and the works of God plainly declare there is a God; (Romans 1:19β20; Psalm 19:1β3; Acts 17:24)
- but his word and Spirit only do it fully and effectually for the salvation of sinners. (1 Corinthians 2:10; 2 Timothy 3:15-16)
Additional Exposition
Section 1
Is there a light in man?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: The spirit of man is the candle of the Lord, (Proverbs 20:27)
Is this light obscured by the fall?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Having the understanding darkened, (Ephesians 4:18)
Is it sufficient then to teach us anything?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Doth not even nature itself teach you, (1 Corinthians 11:14)
Doth it instruct us in the being of a God?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them, for God hath showed it to them, (Romans 1:19)
But is that knowledge which it affords attended with many doubts and uncertainties?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Thus the Athenians are said to seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him and find him, (Acts 17:27)
And are there many things concerning God, which it neither doth nor can discover?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: For the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God, because they are spiritually discerned, (1 Corinthians 2:14)
Section 2
May God be known by his works of creation?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: For the invisible things of him from the creation are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, (Romans 1:20)
Do the heavenly bodies prove the being of a God?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: The heavens declare the glory of God, (Psalm 19:1)
And our own bodies?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: I am fearfully and wonderfully made, (Psalm 139:14)
And may we learn this from every creature?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Ask now the beasts, and they shall teach thee, (Job 12:7)
Section 3
Is God known by his works of providence?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Who knoweth not in all these, that the hand of the Lord hath wrought this, (Job 12:9)
Is he known by his works of terror?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: The Lord is known by the judgment he executeth, (Psalm 9:16)
And by his works of mercy?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: He hath not left himself without witness in that he did good, (Acts 14:17)
Is God known by the accomplishment of prophecies?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: I am God, and there is none else, declaring the end from the beginning, (Isaiah 46:9β10)
Do miracles declare the existence of God?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: This is the finger of God, (Exodus 8:19)
But have men by these means attained to a sufficient knowledge of God?
Answer: No.
Proof: For the world by wisdom knew not God, (1 Corinthians 1:21)
Section 4
Is God known by his word?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: For it is profitable for doctrine, (2 Timothy 3:16)
Were men in the dark without the word?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: For it is a light that shineth in a dark place, (2 Peter 1:19)
Should we then have recourse to the word for the knowledge of God?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: To the law and to the testimony, (Isaiah 8:20)
And are those to blame who indulge unscriptural notions concerning him?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Intruding into the things they have not seen, (Colossians 2:18)
Section 5
Is the word sufficient to afford us the saving knowledge of God?
Answer: No.
Proof: For some hear and understand not, (Isaiah 6:9)
Is this then only to be attained by the Spirit?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: For the letter killeth, but the Spirit giveth life, (2 Corinthians 3:6)
And is the spirit promised for this purpose to all that sincerely ask it?
Answer: Yes.
Proof: Your heavenly Father shall give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him, (Luke 11:13)