Existence of God - Lesson 2

 Lesson 2

Existence of God -  II 

Evidences 

Reading : Isa. 40: 12 -31

Memory Verse : Isa 40 : 28 - 29 

Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.

Theme :   To Make the student be convinced of the evidences for the existence of God and to enable him to convince others.

In the fouteenth century Madhavacharia and his disciple spread meterialism in India. Last 2000 years several atheists like Feuerbach ,  Karl Marx  , Ingersoll and Voltaire 

The existence of God is not to be proved by logic. It is a reality to be experienced. Even then, it is necessary for us to understand that belief in God is not contrary to science and ligic and be able to convince others how seek out opinion. Hence let us examine some evidences for the existance of God. 

1. The Order In The universe 

The Cosmological Argument

• The universe displays God's power

• Intricate design points to a Creator

• Psalm 19:1 "The heavens declare the glory of God"

• Romans 1:20 "God's eternal power and divine nature are clearly seen"

a) The heavens declare the glory of God;the skies proclaim the work of his hands.(Psa 19:1). The Universe stands as a testimony to the existance of God. the order, beauty and perfection that we observe in the universe declare the intelligence and power working behind all that. Greek philosophers gave the name "cosmos" to the universe, meaning arrangement of perfect order. Imagine that we find a working watch lying in an open place. The watch shows seconds, minutes, hours and date perfectly well. Can you believe that the watch formed by itself quite accidently? Will you accept the statement of  a person if he says that the watch come into being by an accident union of some metal pieces one fine morning? Who can deny the fact that the watch was made by an intelligent person? the unicerse is designed in much more wonderful way that a simple watch. Consider the solar system which is only a small part of this univers. 

The Solar System

• Heliocentrism: Sun is the center of the solar system

• Contains 8 planets, moons, asteroids, comets, and other objects

• Governed by gravity

• Formed approximately 4.6 billion years ago

• Vast distances between objects

The planets, including the earth , and satellites are moving in space at fixed speeds in their own orbits, held together by gravitational forces.

He speaks to the sun and it does not shine;he seals off the light of the stars. He alone stretches out the heavens and treads on the waves of the sea. He is the Maker of the Bear  and Orion, the Pleiades and the constellations of the south.(Job 9: 7 - 9)

“Can you bind the chains of the Pleiades? Can you loosen Orion’s belt? Can you bring forth the constellations in their seasons or lead out the Bear  with its cubs? Do you know the laws of the heavens? Can you set up God’s  dominion over the earth? (Job 38 : 31 - 33)

Earth rotates on its own axis at an angle of 23.5 degrees and it s orgits, the sun in a regular fashion giveing rise to days and nights, seasons and years. Any slight changes in the system will sresult terrible consequences . 

b) Consider the structure of our body. 

The Human Body

• The human body is composed of cells, tissues, organs, and systems.

• Each part works together to maintain life and health.

• Cells are the basic building blocks.

• Tissues are groups of similar cells that perform specific functions.

• Organs are made up of different tissues that work together for a common purpose.

• Systems are groups of organs that work together to perform complex functions.

We are able to see, hear think, speack etc.. by the coordinated functioning of millions of cells in out brain. Our eyes are wonderful cameras. Their lenses adjust themselves automatically, distinguishes colours and work long hours. 

c) The earth is wornderfully protected by the atmosphere 

The Protected Earth

• The Earth's atmosphere acts as a protective shield.

• It absorbs harmful solar radiation.

• It regulates the planet's temperature.

• Atmospheric pressure enables liquid water to exist.

• The atmosphere protects us from space debris.

The atmosphere covers the earth like a 500 mile thick blanket. It protects the earth from millions of meteorites that bombard it from outer space, it moderates the climatic conditions, holds the water vapour for producing rains, hold gases in the right proportion for the sustenance of life and thus declares the mighty handywork of God.

d) The size of the earth 

   

The size of the earth, it's distince from the sun, it's orbiting around the sun, the special nature of water and other wonderful attangements which can be seen in the universe are all evidences of the presence of a creator . 

2. The Conscience of Man 

The Conscience of Man

• Inner sense of right and wrong

• Guides moral behavior

• Shaped by upbringing, culture, and experiences

• Can be conflicted or unclear

• Key part of human experience

Inside every person dwells an awareness of an eternal almighty and benevolent God. The moral nature of man is the result of this awareness. When a person believes in God, moral consciences also receives satisfaction. 

3. The First Cause

"Every occurrence has a cause behind it" is an accepted scientific principle. Whatever we see now has been caused by somthing else. Thus when we go back in time a first cause becomes necessary. it is not logical to think that the universe has no cause or origin. Dr. Oparin, a Russian evolutionist, has wrote a book entitled, "Origin of life". While talking about origin, he concedes that there is a beginning to life. Similarly, atheists try to give their own theories about how the earth and other planets have came into being, there by admit that there is beginning to the planets. if there is beginning, then there must be a cause which is beyound this universe. This first cause must be person who can be none other than God. 

4. The First Movement 

Atomic Structure

• Atoms are composed of protons, neutrons, and electrons.

• Protons and neutrons reside in the nucleus.

• Electrons orbit the nucleus in shells.

• The number of protons determines the element.

• The number of neutrons determines the isotope.

Atom is the smallest particle of matter. Inside the atom, there is a nucleus with electrons moveing around it. From the electrons inside the atom, to the planets in the solar system there is an ongoing process of movements. An exterior force is required to make an object move. As we go back in the prcess of movements we reach the pont where we come to the first force which operated to start the movement. The power person which operated that first force to begin the first movement is God. 

5. The Gradation Argument 

we see a gradual gradation in matters of the universe. We know about the gradings like good, better and the best. We see grades in knowledge, goodness , strength , process of law, etc .. 

Then there must be someone who is the most knowledgeable, filled with all goodnesses, the strongest, etc.. above whom nothing can be better. God is the one who will surpass in all the attributes

6. Unusual occurrences and experiences 

  

Personal Experience

• Miracles

• Near Death Experiences

• Answered Prayers

• Visions

• Prophecy

Evolutin incident which happened like answers to prayers and experience which changed life of individuals totally are evidences of the work of God. Examples of man eating tribes becoming lovers of people, miraculous healing from incurable diseases and radical solution to complex problems of life anre clear evidences of the work of God. 

7. Arguments against the theory of evolution 

This is quoted as proof against belief in God. But this theory is based purely on assumptions. The theory has never been proved. We shall be dealing with this theory in the lesson. 

God cannot be understood with the wisdom of man. It needs revelation from God. Even then, a person can get the realization of the existence of God if he thinks about it in an impartial and sincere attitude. Some of the thoughts about God many appear beyond logic, but they are not contrary to logic. logic is not the way to God, but it shows the way to God. Let us therefore commit outselves for a life base on faith in the almighty and eternal God.