How Can We Know That There Is a God?
Human reasoning and scientific observation alone can never fully prove the existence of God. If we are to know Him, He must make Himself known to us. And that is exactly what He has done. The Bible teaches that God has graciously revealed Himself to humanity — showing who He is, what He is like, and how we can know Him.
The ways in which God reveals Himself can be grouped into two categories: General Revelation and Special Revelation.
1. General Revelation
General revelation refers to the ways God makes Himself known to all people everywhere — through the world around us and the moral awareness within us. It is “general” because it is universally available.
a. The Material Creation
The natural world displays God’s power, wisdom, and creativity. The beauty of a sunset, the order of the universe, and the complexity of life all testify to a Creator.
“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” — Psalm 19:1
Through creation, we can know that God exists and that He is powerful and divine (Romans 1:20).
b. Man’s Constitution and Conscience
Human beings themselves reflect God’s image. Our reasoning, emotions, and moral sense all point to a Creator who is rational, relational, and righteous. Even those who have never read the Bible still possess a sense of right and wrong, because God has written His law on every human heart (Romans 2:14–15).
2. Special Revelation
While general revelation shows that God is, special revelation tells us who He is and how we can know Him personally. God has revealed Himself in specific ways and at specific times, providing truth that we could never discover on our own.
a. Direct Revelation
At various times, God spoke directly to individuals — to Adam and Eve in the garden, to Moses from the burning bush, to prophets through visions and words. These moments revealed His will and character in unmistakable ways.
b. Mighty Acts
Throughout history, God has revealed Himself through His mighty deeds — from delivering Israel out of Egypt to performing miracles that displayed His power and mercy. These acts show that God is active in human history, not distant or silent.
c. The Lives of Believers
God’s presence and power continue to be seen in the transformed lives of those who follow Him. When people live in faith, love, and holiness, the watching world sees a glimpse of the living God (Matthew 5:16).
d. The Bible
The clearest record of God’s revelation is found in Scripture. The Bible is not merely a collection of ancient writings — it is God’s Word, inspired by His Spirit and written for our instruction (2 Timothy 3:16–17). Through its pages, we learn who God is, what He desires, and how we can be reconciled to Him.
e. Jesus Christ
Finally, and most completely, God has revealed Himself in Jesus Christ. He is the Word made flesh — the visible image of the invisible God (John 1:14; Colossians 1:15). In Christ, we see the fullness of God’s love, justice, and truth. To know Jesus is to know God Himself (John 14:9).
Conclusion
We cannot discover God through human effort alone. But God, in His grace, has revealed Himself to us — through the world He made, the conscience He gave, the Word He spoke, and the Son He sent.
If we truly seek to know God, the clearest path begins and ends with Jesus Christ, the ultimate revelation of God to humankind.
Stand Firm! 