Question: How may we know there is a God?
Answer: The light of nature in man and the works of God plainly declare there is a God (Rom. 1:19,20; Ps. 19:1, 2, 3; Acts 17:24); but his word and Spirit only do it fully and effectually for the salvation of sinners (1 Cor. 2:10; 2 Tim. 3:15,16).

This is perhaps my son’s favorite question and answer set. If you do not already have Dr. Orrick’s The Baptist Catechism Set to Music you must ascertain yourself a copy. Dr. Orrick does an incredible job with the music for this question and answer set.

Now let’s look at the logical flow of the questions thus far (I believe this provides a wonderful basis for conducting a conversation toward the gospel). The logical flow goes something like this…. Is there a supreme or chiefest being? Should we believe in Him? How may we know He exists? See, is that not the basis for a God-centered conversation in propagating the Gospel? Now to an analysis of the answer itself.

First, the fact that God exists is generally revealed in two ways: (1) in the heart of man and (2) in creation itself. We have two ways, apart from Scripture, to know that there is a first and chiefest being and to know that we should believe in Him. Romans 1:19 tells us that “what can be known about Gos is plain to them [the unconverted], because God has shown it to them.” We are told by the Psalmist that they heavens declare the glory of God.

Man is the only creature that can sit in a field and ask to himself the questions that David asks himself in Psalm 8, “what is man that You are mindful of him?” Man is the only creature that God ever created that can ponder their own existence. Therefore, our existence must have purpose! Man is the only creature that God ever created that can be evoked unto praise for looking at a majestic creation.

But, however, God only reveals Himself, specially, to sinners through His Word and by His Spirit. He does so completely and effectually. It is through God’s Word that we are converted and the blind are made to see and the mystery, once hidden, is revealed in Christ Jesus. When God reveals Himself through His Word, He does so fully…..again, the mystery that was once hidden is now revealed. He does so effectually, as well. Man cannot save Himself (Psalm 49:5-9), and a dead man cannot make Himself alive. We are brought to life, effectually (without error, without fail) by the good hand of our great God.

So how may we know? In our hearts, in creation, and especially through His Word and by His Spirit.