Is there evidence supporting God's existence?

I. Scriptural Foundations

The opening pages of Scripture set the stage: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). This foundational message affirms that God is not only eternal but also personally involved in bringing all things into existence. Throughout the Old and New Testaments, God’s existence is presented as self-evident. The psalmist proclaims, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands” (Psalm 19:1). Such passages emphasize that the very order of creation points to a Creator.

Although Scripture consistently treats God’s existence as undeniable, it also recognizes that some demand proof. “For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—His eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from His workmanship” (Romans 1:20). This verse speaks of an inherent revelation in creation, suggesting that evidence is available for those who will consider it.

II. Cosmological and Design Evidence

1. Origins of the Universe

Scientific paradigms suggest that the universe has a beginning. The sudden expansion of all matter and energy from an initial point (commonly referred to as the Big Bang) implies that the cosmos is not eternal. This aligns with the view expressed in Genesis 1:1 that the universe came into being at a finite point in time. Various scholars, drawing from cosmological research, propose that the cause of the universe must be transcendent, existing outside space and time. This concept is supported by Stephen Meyer’s work showing that the observable complexity of the universe, especially in finely tuned physical constants, suggests deliberate initiation rather than random emergence.

2. Fine-Tuning of the Universe

The precise values of fundamental constants (such as gravitational force, electromagnetic force, and the cosmological constant) are balanced in a way that allows life to exist at all. Even minor deviations would make life impossible. This “fine-tuning” phenomenon is frequently presented as evidence of purposeful design. While some attribute this balance to chance, many argue that such intricate precision points to an intelligent cause consistent with biblical claims that God “works all things according to the counsel of His will” (Ephesians 1:11).

3. Complexity of Biological Systems

At the level of biology, the DNA molecule encodes a vast amount of information. Stephen Meyer and others in the Intelligent Design field have highlighted that information of such complexity is typically the product of an intelligent mind. The intricate interdependence of biological structures and processes supports the notion of deliberate planning rather than unguided natural processes. The biblical perspective underscores that God is the Author of life, forming humanity “fearfully and wonderfully” (Psalm 139:14).

III. Young Earth Perspective and Geological Observations

1. Biblical Genealogies

Basing calculations on the genealogies in Genesis and elsewhere has led some, such as Archbishop James Ussher, to conclude that the earth is only several thousand years old. This interpretation views the historical accounts in Scripture as literal chronological markers. While there is vigorous debate regarding scientific interpretations, those who hold a young-earth view see the genealogical records as reliable and consistent.

2. Strata and Fossil Records

Proponents of a young-earth interpretation, such as Ken Ham, point out features in the geological column—like polystrate fossils (trees extending through multiple layers of rock)—that appear more consistent with rapid burial, potentially caused by a global flood event. This aligns with the account of Noah’s Flood in Genesis 6–9. While interpretations vary among researchers, many see these observations as evidence that catastrophic processes better explain certain geological formations than slow, uniform deposition over millions of years.

3. Radiometric Dating Challenges

There are debates regarding assumptions in radiometric dating methods (such as initial conditions and the constancy of decay rates). Young-earth advocates cite examples where volcanic rocks of known, recent origin have been dated with apparently much older ages. Although interpretations differ in the broader scientific community, these anomalies offer avenues for re-examining conventional dating models.

IV. Archaeological and Historical Corroboration

1. Biblical Cities and Empires

Archaeological excavations at sites such as Jericho, Hazor, and Nineveh have revealed remnants that confirm the historical existence of places and civilizations mentioned in Scripture. Artifacts, building structures, and written records provide converging lines of evidence that the narratives set forth in the Bible take place amid real people and actual locations.

2. Inscriptions and Stele

The Tel Dan Stele, discovered in the 1990s, mentions the “House of David,” providing extrabiblical verification for King David’s dynasty. Similarly, the Moabite Stone references events recorded in 2 Kings 3. These archaeological finds underscore that the biblical accounts align with historical realities, and they reinforce the notion that the God of Scripture acts within genuine history.

3. Dead Sea Scrolls and Manuscript Evidence

The Dead Sea Scrolls discovered in the mid-20th century contain fragments and complete copies of Old Testament texts that, when compared with modern renditions, reveal remarkable consistency. New Testament manuscript discoveries further show that textual variations do not undermine core doctrines. Scholars such as Dr. Dan Wallace and Dr. James White emphasize that the sheer volume and internal consistency of biblical manuscripts surpass that of other ancient texts, providing strong documentary evidence for the trustworthiness of Scripture.

V. Philosophical and Moral Arguments

1. Existence of Objective Morality

Many philosophical arguments assert that if moral laws are truly objective (as recognized by societies across time), they must have been instituted by a transcendent moral Lawgiver. This argument finds support in Romans 2:14–15, where it describes that even those without the Mosaic Law show its requirements “written in their hearts.” Such moral intuition points beyond subjective social constructs to an overarching standard.

2. Meaning and Purpose

Humankind’s universal search for meaning suggests that there is more to reality than mere material processes. Ecclesiastes 3:11 states, “[God] has set eternity in their hearts,” indicating a built-in awareness that sparks thirst for eternal significance. This yearning for ultimate purpose resonates with the teaching that only God can fulfill our deepest longings and explain our sense of duty, beauty, and aspiration.

3. Rationality and Consciousness

The fact that the human mind can comprehend and systematically investigate the universe implies a correspondence between rational thought and external reality. Some argue that a worldview in which reason arises purely by accident undermines confidence in reason itself. By contrast, Scripture points to the Creator who made humanity in His image (Genesis 1:27), granting us the ability to think, create, and understand—reflections of His own rational nature.

VI. Miracles and the Resurrection

1. Biblical Miracles

The Old Testament recounts numerous miracles, from the parting of the Red Sea (Exodus 14) to Elijah’s confrontation with the prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18). The New Testament recounts Christ’s miracles, including healings and His own resurrection (Mark 16:6; Matthew 28:6). If these events indeed took place in real time and space—as claimed by eyewitnesses—then they confirm God’s power over His creation.

2. Modern-Day Miracles and Healings

Though cautious evaluation is always necessary, documented testimonies of medical healings and other remarkable occurrences continue to surface. While skeptics may ascribe these to natural explanations or psychological impact, many individuals share experiences that, to them, present clear evidence of supernatural intervention. These accounts often echo biblical patterns of deliverance and restoration, pointing to a God who continues to act powerfully.

3. Resurrection of Christ

Multiple lines of evidence support the New Testament claim that Jesus rose from the dead, as analyzed by scholars like Dr. Gary Habermas. These include the empty tomb, early creedal statements found in passages such as 1 Corinthians 15:3–8, and the radical transformation of the disciples—who suffered persecution but steadfastly proclaimed they had seen the risen Christ. The resurrection has long been at the center of the Christian worldview, providing tangible historical grounds for affirming God’s existence and involvement in human history.

VII. Behavioral and Experiential Dimensions

1. Transforming Power in Lives

Across time and cultures, countless individuals testify that encountering God brings a transformation of character, purpose, and hope. This internal change—though not a repeatable laboratory experiment—can serve as a potent form of evidence, aligning with biblical teachings that the Spirit of God renews those who trust in Christ (Romans 12:2).

2. The Desire for God

The universal human longing for transcendence, meaning, and moral direction can be seen as pointing to a Creator who made us for fellowship with Himself. According to Scripture, “He is not far from any one of us” (Acts 17:27). This personal dimension often drives people to ask questions about God’s existence and seek direct experiences through prayer and worship.

VIII. Conclusion

Evidence supporting God’s existence emerges from a multitude of sources—Scripture’s unified testimony, the design and intricacy of the universe, archaeological and historical confirmations, philosophical reasoning about morality and purpose, and the reported miracles culminating in the resurrection of Christ. The Bible consistently affirms that these testimonies work together, revealing a God who fashioned the cosmos, entered human history, and continues to transform lives.

Such a wide range of corroborating lines—from the fine-tuning of universal constants to carefully preserved manuscripts—underscores a cohesive narrative. The evidence is neither confined to religious writings nor solely explained by natural processes. Instead, it converges to point toward a personal Creator, faithful to the claims set forth in Scripture, and active in both the ancient world and the modern day. As Scripture declares, “He who comes to God must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him” (Hebrews 11:6).