I. Theology Proper- 1. Origin of the Idea of God

I. Theology Proper

1.Origin of the idea of God.

What we will begin with is the origins of the idea of God. Where did the knowledge of God come from? Is it a product of deductive reasoning? I will state and prove two facts about where this knowledge comes from. First, the knowledge of God is innate in every human (the doctrine of innate knowledge or intuitive truths). This type of innate knowledge is not found by research or reasoning, but is part of our constitution as rational and moral beings. Secondly, I will treat the effects of the supernatural revelation of God to man. I will also give the traditional philosophical “proofs” of God that teach the unbeliever of God’s existence.

Innate Knowledge-

The doctrine of innate knowledge does not infer a conscious recognition of God at birth. Babies cannot know God the same way they cannot know math or english. This knowledge of God is not a state of consciousness that lies dormant in the mind, waiting to become active through due processes. Most of man’s knowledge is this way. It is stored up in the mind until due processes bring it to the forefront of a person’s mind. History is a good example of vast knowledge not consciously kept, but stored up in the mind until produced by some stimulus. The knowledge of God is therefore not like other knowledge, but is stored in the constitution of man, perceiving certain things to be true without proof or instruction.

An example of this innate knowledge of God is idolatry. The nature of man is full of pride and self-sufficiency. When he lowers himself, despite his nature, to worship an image as his superior, he proves this point of innate knowledge by paying reverence to God through his worship of the idol. The Scripture proves this doctrine in several places. Paul says that the gentiles even “knew God,” but did not honor Him as God (Rom 1:21). He says that the unbelievers “exchanged the truth of God for a lie” (Rom 1:25). Implying that there must have been some knowledge of God in their wicked heart to replace with a lie. Scripture also tells of man’s rejection of this inner sense of God and even deny that God exists: (Ps. 14:1; Ps. 53:1; Ps. 10:3-4; Rom 1:18; Rom 1:20) etc. 

Supernatural Revelation-

Though the mind bears witness of God’s existence, the concrete evidence of God’s existence is found in His supernatural revelation. There are two types of revelation. One is the general revelation found in creation, the other is the specific revelation found in His Word.

The first of these being known to all men, even those who are of the furthest from civilization. God’s being is made known through two types of general revelation: ordinary works of the heavens, and those above the ordinary course of nature. First, the structure of the universe, the structure of the human body in all its symmetry, prove God’s existence on an ordinary level. This microcosm called the human body is proof enough of God’s existence. The second level of general revelation is the revelation above the ordinary course of nature which can be defined as God’s conduction of the world in perfect accordance with reason. In conducting all affairs of men, he punishes crimes, protects and avenges the innocent, and sheds innumerable blessings on the good and bad. It is without a doubt that the bad will soon experience the judgement of God that is in reserve for them, because all other crimes receive a visible manifestations of His anger. His excellence of divine wisdom is distributed everywhere and in everything in due season, confounding the world and taking wise their own craftiness (1 Cor 3:19).

The second form of supernatural revelation is the most clear and irrefutable revelation, which is Scripture itself. It begins with “In the beginning God . . . (Gen 1:1). It starts and ends glorifying the Creator, Sustainer, Redeemer, Savior, etc. This revelation is so clear that if man does not agree with it, it does not prove the revelation invalid, but that those who are rejecting it are evaluating it wrongly.

Traditional “Proofs”

These traditional “proofs” of God’s existence are sub-points to the greater argument of the knowledge of God as an extra-mundane, personal God, Creator, Preserver, and Governor of the world, otherwise known as Theism. In proof of Theism, these points are brought up by philosophers.

1. The cosmological argument states that every known thing in the universe has a cause. Therefore, the universe must have a cause and that cause must be the supernatural being of God.
2. The teleological argument states that the design of the world gives evidence to a sovereign creator. The Greek word telos means “end” or “purpose.” Since the universe appears to be designed with a purpose, there must be a purposeful creator to ordain it as such.
3. The ontological argument states that since there is a God who is defined as a being “greater than which nothing can be imagined.” It then argues that the characteristic of existence must belong to such a being, since it is greater to existence than not to exist.
4. The moral argument begins from man’s sense of right and wrong, and for the need of justice to be done. Therefore, there must be a God who is the source of morality who will one day judge all men.

These proofs are not sufficient to lead man to salvation, for the gospel is not herein presented. But, it is enough to point the man to the true source of life and light: God. These help to prove intellectually to the unbeliever that that God exists, but should not be used as replacement of Scripture in pointing man to salvation.

The knowledge of God, therefore, is sufficiently provided in our constitutions as humans. It is further expanded by general and special revelation, so that man understands God and his being greater. Nature can be used to convince the unbeliever of God’s existence, but may not be used to direct Him to saving faith. This must come through God’s special revelation in His Word. The doctrine of innate knowledge is therefore acceptable in the light of truth due to the Bible’s teachings and the examples given in man’s nature.


 Blogging for His glory, Adam Setser