How Do We Know if God Is Real?

As believers in Christ, we often find ourselves in conversations with others who question the existence of God. In a world that is becoming more focused on science and logic, it is easy for some to wonder: “How Do We Know if God Is Real?”

The Bible tells us in Isaiah 55:8 (NKJV), “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” illustrating that there is so much more to God than we could ever grasp from a human perspective. In this article, we’ll explore various aspects, such as personal experience, scripture, historicity, and scientific evidence, to better understand how we can be confident in the reality of God.

Let us embark on this faith-affirming journey together, as we seek to gain an even deeper appreciation for the Lord’s presence in our lives.

I. Exploring the Concept of God: Defining a Higher Power

When discussing the concept of a higher power, it is essential to explore the nature of God as described in the Bible. God is introduced early in Scripture as the eternal, self-existent, all-knowing, all-powerful Creator of the universe. In Genesis 1:1, this truth is made clear: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” Furthermore, God reveals Himself throughout the Bible as one who is unchanging, faithful, and loving, yet also just and holy.

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In order to better understand the divine attributes of God, it is helpful to consider some of the essential characteristics that Christians attribute to Him:

• Eternal: God exists outside of time, without beginning or end. Psalm 90:2 states, “Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever You had formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God.”
• Self-existent: God is not dependent on anything outside Himself for His existence. In Exodus 3:14, He reveals His name to Moses as “I AM WHO I AM,” signifying His self-sufficiency.
• Immutable: God is unchanging in His nature, will, and promises. Malachi 3:6 affirms, “For I am the Lord, I do not change.”
• Omnipotent: God possesses absolute, unlimited power. Jeremiah 32:17 proclaims, “Ah, Lord God! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm. There is nothing too hard for You.”
• Omniscient: God has perfect knowledge of all things, past, present, and future. Psalm 139:4 reveals, “For there is not a word on my tongue, but behold, O Lord, You know it altogether.”
• Just: God always acts in accordance with what is right and fair. Deuteronomy 32:4 proclaims, “He is the Rock, His work is perfect; For all His ways are justice, A God of truth and without injustice; Righteous and upright is He.”
• Love: God’s very nature is love, as further revealed in 1 John 4:8, “He who does not love does not know God, for God is love.”
• Holy: God is morally perfect and completely set apart from creation. Leviticus 19:2 states, “You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy.”

As we explore the concept of a higher power, it is crucial to recognize that the God of the Bible is not an abstract concept, but a living, personal being who desires an intimate relationship with each one of us.

II. The Interplay of Science and Religion: Can They Coexist?

The age-old debate between science and religion has led many to believe that these two domains cannot coexist. However, as believers in Christ, we must remember that all truth is God’s truth. In fact, numerous renowned scientists have held deep religious beliefs, such as Sir Isaac Newton and Gregor Mendel. Instead of viewing scientific discoveries as threats to our faith, we can view them as revelations from God that help us better understand His amazing creation. The Psalmist beautifully captures this sentiment in our Bible: “The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork.” (Psalm 19:1, NKJV).

In a Charismatic Christian worldview, we acknowledge the following:

• Genuine scientific research and spiritual pursuit don’t have to be mutually exclusive.
• God is the author of all truth, including the natural laws revealed through science.
• In our pursuit of scientific knowledge, we should be guided by the words of the apostle Paul: “Test all things; hold fast what is good.” (1 Thessalonians 5:21, NKJV).
• Miracles are still relevant as they reveal God’s divine intervention in our everyday lives.

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By embracing the interplay between science and religion, we can deepen our understanding of both the natural and spiritual realms. So, let us remember that we serve a limitless God whose sovereignty extends over all of creation, and be open to exploring and appreciating the complexities of the world He has made. After all, “For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead.” (Romans 1:20, NKJV).

III. Personal Experience and Spiritual Encounters: Anecdotes or Evidence?

Many believers in Christian circles say that personal encounters with the Holy Spirit are subjective experiences that cannot be quantified or measured, and as such, they carry little weight as evidence of God’s existence or activity. However, the Bible is filled with accounts of deeply personal and often emotionally intense experiences of God’s intervention in human affairs.

These experiences, while often anecdotal in nature, provide compelling evidence of the reality of the Holy Spirit’s work in people’s lives. Consider the Day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples in the Upper Room, filling them with the presence of God and sparking a dramatic and immediate transformation in their behavior: “Then they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance” (Acts 2:4, NKJV).

Some of the powerful spiritual experiences we witness today are:

• Healing: Many Christians testify of being healed by the power of the Holy Spirit – whether from a physical ailment, emotional trauma, or spiritual bondage.
• Prophecy: Prophecies and visions granted by the Holy Spirit continue to offer guidance, warning, or encouragement as God’s people navigate the challenges of life.
• Tongues: Speaking in tongues, as experienced on the Day of Pentecost, continues to be a manifestation of the Holy Spirit’s presence in Christian meetings and personal prayer times.
• Conviction of Sin: The Holy Spirit’s work in bringing conviction of sin and drawing people to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ.

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While critics may dismiss these experiences as anecdotal or based on psychological factors rather than genuine spiritual encounters, we should not underestimate their value as evidence of the reality of God’s work among His people. Our faith is built not only on propositional truth and formal doctrine but also on the living, experiential knowledge of God and His love for us. The Holy Spirit continues to move in our world today, bringing transformation, healing, and grace to those who seek after Him. So let us continue to be open to the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives, and remember that our personal experiences and spiritual encounters carry important weight as evidence of the reality of God’s hand on our lives.

IV. The Role of Faith in Understanding the Reality of God

Faith plays a crucial role in understanding the reality of God. In the Bible, we find in Hebrews 11:6 that “…without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” As believers, we must emphasize the importance of putting our faith in God, as it is through faith that we are able to grasp a deeper understanding of His reality. Here are a few ways faith in God transforms our understanding of His reality:

• By cultivating our personal relationship with Him
• By enabling us to experience His love, grace, and mercy
• By opening our eyes to the spiritual realm
• By giving us the ability to discern His will for our lives
• By empowering us to see His hand at work in our daily lives

Faith allows us to trust God’s plan for our lives, even when we cannot see it ourselves. The Bible teaches us in 2 Corinthians 5:7, to “walk by faith, not by sight” – which reminds us to trust in God’s goodness and wisdom, even when circumstances don’t make sense to us. When we surrender our need for control or understanding and turn to God in faith, we can truly experience the peace, joy, and purpose that comes from having a relationship with Him. In moments of doubt, let us hold on to this truth found in Proverbs 3:5-6 – “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” By seeking God diligently and trusting in Him completely, we can come to an entirely new understanding of His reality through the power of faith.

Conclusion

In conclusion, our quest to determine if God is real takes us on a journey of personal experiences, scriptural evidence, and logical reasoning. The Bible, specifically in the New King James Version, provides a wealth of information and wisdom that points towards the existence and nature of God. Verses such as Hebrews 11:6, where it says, “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him,” act as guiding principles for those wanting to develop a closer relationship with God and recognize His presence in their lives.

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Remember, God desires a personal relationship with us, and this can be fostered through prayer, worship, and the study of His Word. Even with life’s challenges, we can find comfort in Psalms 46:1, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” So, open your heart to God’s presence, explore the rich tapestry of experiences from fellow believers, and continually seek understanding through scripture, prayer, and the beauty of creation itself.

At the end of the day, it is essential to approach our search for God with sincerity, humility, and openness. While empirical scientific proof may not be available, the overwhelming evidence of personal testimonies and the guidance provided by the Bible fortify our faith in God’s existence. May your journey be filled with awe-inspiring moments and profound realizations as you continue to seek the truth behind God’s reality. Don’t forget, God is omnipresent and His love endures forever (Psalms 136:1). So, keep seeking, and in due time, you will find the reassurance and the personal relationship you desire with our divine Creator.