18.    Does the Bible attempt to prove the existence of God?

• God is the uncreated source, creator and provider of the universe; a spirit; eternal; infinite and perfect in His being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness, and truth.

• But it is not blind faith. It is primarily based on the Scriptures, and secondarily based on rational arguments using our reasoning.

19.    Can we objectively prove the existence of God?

• Inductive arguments (there are at least 20) about God’s existence are probabilistic arguments, but so are scientific theories. There is no fully conclusive proof but the cumulative effect of philosophical arguments makes the denial of God’s existence very difficult (Ps 14:1).
• However, the rational arguments are traditionally not used to lead non-believers from unbelief to faith, but rather to confirm and support faith of believers.

• The gradual "running down" of the universe shows there must be a First Cause at the beginning; this First Cause can only be an infinite great Being. Based on the Second Law of Thermodynamics [which says: there is less and less available energy in a system, example: a mixture of hot and cold water] and the disintegration of radioactive elements, the universe is running down like a clock. So possibility that the universe existed from eternity is impossible; the universe must have a beginning and a First Cause.

• The design and purpose of the physical world prove the existence of an intelligent Being (Ro 1:19-20, Ps 94:9, Ps 19:1-2). It is extremely difficult to ascribe all the natural phenomena characterized by intelligent design to chance occurrences. [Example: density of water highest at 4 degrees, complexity of the eye existed for sight, balance in the distribution of heat on the earth, presence of the atmosphere and the protective ozone layer, etc.]

• Man is characterized by knowledge, righteousness, holiness. The source of all "good" must be absolutely good. The existence of moral nature and moral order (absolute right or wrong, truth telling, deep-seated sense of responsibility) in man points to a source, a moral Being (Ro 2:14-15).

• Man has the idea of an infinite and perfect being. But if this being is only an idea and without reality, then this being is not perfect because existence is a necessary part of perfection. Since the very concept of perfection requires existence, an infinite and perfect being must exist.

• We have in us the idea of God who is a perfect and absolute Being. But this idea has no objective reality (cannot be objectively proved) as compared to something like a storm. This idea must be originated from God. [Example: the presence of the word ‘glacier’ on a flat tropical island; the explanation for such word lies outside of their apparent environment.] It is true that an idea may also be imagination of a few persons, but the idea of God is universal among all peoples.

• Observable supernatural events such as miracles prove the existence of a higher intelligent Being.

• Miracles are the supernatural acts of God which transcend natural laws. Natural laws were originally decreed by God and God is not obligated to follow the natural laws.
• Purpose of miracles: revelation of God (a sign) and His works, largely not for the benefit of believers; therefore some believe that miracles must be public and observable.
• Examples: Ex 15:13 demonstrated God’s mercy; Nu 16:30 demonstrated God’s judgment; Dt 3:24 demonstrated God’s greatness and power; Ex 4:5 attested Moses’ divine mission; Jn 9:30 attested Christ’s claims.
• In the Bible, recorded miracles were concentrated at the beginning of 4 Biblical periods: (1) Age of Law in Exodus, (2) Age of Prophets at the time of Elijah and Elisha (1Ki 17 to 2Ki 13), (3) Ministry of Jesus in the gospels, and (4) early Church in Acts. The miracles help to initiate a new stage in the history of the Kingdom of God.

c. The term "miracle" has often been applied too loosely. Events not to be considered as miracles include: regeneration (born again), ordinary answers to prayer (example: Eliezer’ prayer in Gen 24:12-20), works of magic or deception, events of Satanic or demonic origin.

d. Modern miracles: Some believe that there have been no miracles since apostolic times. However, we must not put limits on what God can or cannot do; miracles can still happen today. Yet, we must be cautious in applying the term "miracle" as many of the alleged miracles have been found to be instances of self-deception, or even fraud.

21.    How does the Bible address God?

a. The widely used name "Jehovah" is an inaccurate transliteration of God’s name. The Hebrew name of God in the Bible was written as YHWH because Hebrew alphabet does not contain any vowels. It is generally accepted that the proper pronunciation is "Yahweh". However, observant Jews always avoid saying the sacred name of God and would pronounce "Adonai" to substitute for "Yahweh" when they read their Bible (Old Testament).

b. There are many names for God in the Bible. They were given by God Himself and they are expressive of God’s being and His actions. Some of these are selected below.

c. Old Testament names:

• Yahweh – self-existent: "I am who I am" meaning forever present (Ex 3:14-15)
• Yahweh Jireh – God provides (Gen 22:13-14)
• Yahweh Elohim – God the mighty one (Jdg 5:3)
• Yahweh Raah – God is my shepherd (Ps 23:1)
• Yahweh Sabbaoth – God of hosts (armies) (1Sa 1:3; 17:45; Ps 24:10; 46:7,11)
• Yahweh Shalom – God is peace (Jdg 6:24)

• Adonai – Lord, master (when avoid using Yahweh) (Ex 4:10-12; Jos 7:8-11)
• Elohim – Mighty one (Gen 1:1,26-27; 3:5; 31:13; Dt 5:9; 6:4; Ps 5:7; 86:15; 100:3)
• El Elyon – Most high (Gen 14:18; Nu 24:16; Is 14:13-14)

• Yeshua – Jesus, Yahweh is Saviour (Mt 16:13-16; Jn 6:42; Ac 2:36; Titus 2:13; 2Pe 1:11)
• Christos – Christ (Gr.), Messiah (Heb.), both meaning the Anointed One (Mt 16:13-16; Jn 1:41; 20:31; Ac 2:36; Ro 6:23; Titus 2:13; 1Pe 1:11)
• Kyrios – Lord, master (Lk 1:46; Ac 2:36; Jude 4; Rev 4:8)
• Soter – Saviour, one who delivers from danger and death (Lk 1:47; 2:11)

Abba – Father (or more accurately, Daddy) (Ro 8:15; Gal 4:6; Jas 1:17)