The NRBC School of Theology: Systematic Theology Course 2

7. THE EXISTENCE AND KNOWLEDGE OF GOD:
The 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith

This course is based on the text, 'The 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith,' with notes by Kevin Matthews. Please feel free to print these notes to allow you to study the text online/offline. This lesson may be used in other study situations if you like (eg. Groups, Bible Studies, etc).

The two areas of theology known as the existence and knowledge of God obviously overlap. Does God exist? What evidence is there for His existence? From what do we get true knowledge of God? Can He be known?

We have decided to break into our studies of the ‘1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith’ at this point to briefly consider these two important areas.

QUESTION: What do you think; does God exist? Give reasons for your answer.

7.1 Does God Exist?

Theology assumes the existence of God. This is not merely the thought that there is something out there, but that there is a self-existent Personal Being that is God, who is the First Cause of all things. In this, theology is not alone, for it is the basic assumption of the Bible (Gen 1:1).

QUESTION: Does everybody know that God exists? Give reasons for your answer (see Psalms 10:4; 14:1; Romans 1:18-21).

Atheism is not so much the disbelief of the existence of God, as it is the denial and suppression of the knowledge of God’s existence. It is an attempt by man to silence an accusing conscience, that is constantly reminding him of his having to do with this God whom He is both disobeying and denying.

7.2 The Evidence for the Existence of God

Over the years theologians have sought to demonstrate the existence of God by various evidences and proofs. However, it should be noted that until God reveals Himself to a person, giving the gift of faith (Heb 11:6), these proofs and evidences are of no value to him.

7.2.1 The Ontological Argument (Because the Idea of God Exists)

This proof runs along the lines that because man has an idea of the existence of God, as is clearly evident throughout the history of the world, God must therefore exist. In fact, if man had never fallen into sin, the law written upon our hearts may very well have been a source of much knowledge concerning God.

7.2.2 The Cosmological Argument (Because the World Exists)

This proof runs along the lines that because the world exists, it must have a cause, therefore there must be a First Cause. This First Cause must be God (Job 12:7; Ps 19:1,2; Rom 1:20).

7.2.3 The Teleological Argument (Because Order Exists)

This proof runs along the lines that because the world reveals harmony, order and purpose, there must be behind all this an intelligent Being.

7.2.4 The Moral Argument (Because Morality Exists)

This proof runs along the lines that God must exist because of the existence of morality among men, for this implies that behind men must be a moral Being.

7.2.5 The Historical/Ethnological Argument (Because Religion Exists)

This proof runs along the lines that because throughout history there has been a sense of the divine in all peoples and tribal groups, there must be an original understanding of God from which this has come.

‘The notion of an invisible, over ruling power, with some form of religious worship has been universal. It is proof of an ancient revelation handed down by tradition having proceeded from God, springing up naturally in the human mind.’

John L. Dagg

NOTE: If you wish to email me regarding your answers to this first lesson, please copy and paste them into an email (Attachments will not be opened). I will then get back to you as soon as I can (expect a delay due to various committments).

Links to Online Texts

• 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith
• 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith

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