The Certainty Of God's Existence
Rom. 1:18-21.
A. If faith is inferior to knowledge,
Gods existence cannot be proven. We have
but faith:
we cannot know; for knowledge is of things we see. (Tennyson).
That question simply asks Can our knowledge of Gods
existence be certain or must it always be doubtful?
What is the role of faith in human knowledge: Faith is one kind
of knowledge. Faith is not unsubstantiated opinion, irrational
anti-intellectualism, an existential leap in the dark,
naive hope for credibility, or mere wishful thinking.
a. To understand what faith is, we must observe how human knowledge
is acquired.
(A) Sense perception: Certainty depends on dependability of the
senses and correct
interpretation of the sense data.
(1) Inference: Certainty here depends on truthfulness of the premises
and validity
of the inference. Jno. 20:8; 2:11; 3:2,8.
(a) Acceptance of testimony: Certainty depends on strength of
the evidence
and credibility of the witness. Lk. 1:1-4; Jno. 20:29-31; Rom.
10:17.
If the conditions for accuracy are met, knowledge gained through
faith
is no less certain than that gained through sight
(sense perception),
2 Cor. 5:7; Heb. 11:1.
Sense perception only confirms and fills out the knowledge gained
otherwise and thats Jobs statement in Job 42:5.
The nature of faith: faith is a higher kind of knowledge. Faith
is certainty of what cannot be verified by ones own senses.
Faith is not antithetical to knowledge, but to sight
(sense). Heb. 11:1, Now faith is the substance (Assurance)
of things hoped for, the evidence (Conviction) of things not seen.
(a) Now faith is...the proof of things we do not see and
the conviction of their
reality faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed
to the senses.
Faith always has to do with the unseen or future - Heb. 11:1-7,
13, 27 cf. Jno. 8:56. Cf. hope Rom. 8:24. Faith, therefore,
allows us knowledge of what is inaccessible to the senses, and
is for that reason a higher kind of knowledge - 2 Cor. 4:18.
The sufficiency of faith: faith is not insufficient merely because
it is probable.
Distinction needs to be observed between moral and
demonstrative reasoning.
A demonstrative proposition is one which can unequivocally
be shown to be true, e.g. a proof in geometry. A moral
(probable) proposition cannot be so demonstrated.
Unlike demonstrative propositions, moral propositions admit degrees
of certainty. Possible, plausible, probable, certain. Moral propositions
are proven by lines of evidence which are cumulative in effect.
If the evidence is sufficiently strong to support it, a proposition
that is morally certain is, for all practical purposes,
no less sure that one that is demonstrably certain.
Gods existence being a moral proposition, evidence is crucial.
Proof of the proposition is possible, not by unequivocal
demonstration, but by furnishing the preponderance of the evidence.
Faith must be shown more reasonable than any alternative. It is
unfair and unreasonable to require demonstrative proof for a moral
proposition. Though Gods existence cannot be demonstrated
beyond the possibility of any doubt, it can be proven beyond any
reasonable doubt. Jury decisions in legal courts are accepted
on that same basis. Therefore the acceptance of God on the same
basis is not unreasonable.
Moral certainty of Gods existence is attainable. How important
is faith? Faith is a practical necessity for every person. Your
cannot always demand empirical proof. Consistent empiricism would
mean the elimination of most of what every person knows, including
the rotundity of the earth, etc. Historic Doubts. Adam, Noah,
Abraham, Moses, King Henry VIII, Cleopatra, Julius Caesar, Napoleon
Buonaparte, George Washington, etc.
The exercise of faith is a practical necessity in daily life.
It is foolish to demand empirical data in order to accept what
has already been assured by valid inference and the acceptance
of credible testimony - Jno. 20:24-31.
2. Why the difficulty of believing in the existence of God? The
evidence available in the universe alone is more than sufficient
to produce assured faith and knowledge of Gods
existence in the mind of one who is willing and able to evaluate
the evidence fairly.
(1) Together they become absolutely decisive. There are powerful
reasons for mans intuitive conviction that God is, Eccl.
4:12. Rom. 1:19-20, Paul says, Gods existence may
not only be seen, but clearly seen.
(1) Why, then, do some doubt Gods existence, and why do
others deny it?
(1) Some are unable to believe because of honestly-held theoretical
objections. The invisibility of God can be rationally assumed
from the existence of the universe, planet earth and our own existence.
When you read the Bible and piece it all together. the conclusion
is simple. It is in mans best interest to believe in God and the
evidences for God.
(2) Why do people just stubornly refuse to believe? Some approach
the issue with a disposition that keeps them from arriving at
the truth. Their
background prejudices, presuppositions, preconceived ideas, biases.
One
of the most powerful is Moral cowardice. The atheist cannot find
God for the same reason a thief cannot find a policeman.
He doesnt want to.
(2) Lack of willingness to love God and submit to Him if He does
exist. Pascal said, Divine things must first be loved, in
order to be known. Jesus said, in Jno. 7:17, If anyone
wants to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether
it is from God or whether I speak on My own authority. What
is needed is the attitude of Mk. 9:24.
(1) Man can possess certain knowledge of his Creators existence.
This knowledge involves trust - 2 Tim. 1:12. This knowledge involves
love and joy - 1 Pet. 1:8. You do not have to be unsure of Gods
reality.
(2) Acts 20:32.
Spur - 04/21/2002 pm
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