And then there is A Priori Proofs (proving God’s existence by internal things—innate knowing that God exists). Some have said that God’s existence is an innate idea. Augustine and Calvin taught this. Augustine said that God is continuously putting pressure on man. Man’s sense of finitude is a way in which God impresses Himself upon man. But then again, British philosopher John Locke (1632-1704), vigorously attacked notion of man having any kind or innate, a priori knowledge (Essay Concerning Human Understanding, 1690). Time does not afford me opportunity to list other internal proofs of God’s existence. But take my word for it. For every one stated positively, there is also a thunderous refutation.

Now let me tell you what I think about this. I think we are missing boat when we focus on proving existence of God by human intellect alone. I think argument should change directions. I think Professor Ramm states it well. He writes, “The whole weight of Biblical view of God is in another direction. Scripture is not a record of how man finds God but how God finds man. The point of departure in Scripture is not how man infers or proves that God exists by either a logically organized proof or an unusual experience but that it is God who breaks into man and lets Himself be known” (Bernard L. Ramm, page 101). Hence, key expression in Holy Scripture would not be proof of existence of God but true knowledge of God or reality of God. The Bible doesn’t waste time trying to prove God’s existence through logic but declares His existence in opening verse—“In Beginning God…” From that point on Scriptures demonstrate Living God who invades human history and reveals Himself to man. God comes looking for man and not other way around.

I don’t have to wrestle with proving God’s existence. I don’t understand many of existential arguments anyway. Most of them give me a headache, trying to follow along. But here is good news. God doesn’t expect me with my finite brain to understand His infinite ways. He comes searching for me. He gives me His own Spirit with which to hear His voice and respond by faith. God comes looking for me. God reveals Himself in way He wants to be discovered. He initiates process. I get to enjoy relationship through Jesus Christ His Son.

It’s simply faith—that’s what God wants from me. He lives. His Life makes difference. I don’t need a “philosophy” of religion when I can have a relationship in Jesus, True Vine. How about you? Are you relating and abiding in Vine?

Keep faith. Stay course. Jesus is coming soon.

Pastor T. dash…

Moreover, Holy Spirit is illuminator. The work of Spirit of God as witness and as persuader is an analogy taken from juridical procedures. But there is another model of witness of Spirit which comes from what might be called realm of intellectual or of knowledge or of learning. In this model witness of Spirit is illumination according to Bernard L. Ramm, author of book entitled, A Christian Appeal to Reason (Word Books Publisher 1972). Illumination is seeing truth of God as truth of God. It does not necessarily mean new information. A person may know all facts and still overlook God.

Those who are of a pure heart will see God, according to Matthew 5:8. This means that vision of God is possible only on spiritual grounds, not rational or philosophical grounds. Illumination is then something that happens with saving faith in which there is forgiveness of sins which is in turn purification of heart. Then sinner sees God. Seeing is a visual term, an intuitional term. It means a direct grasp or apprehension of something in contrast to knowing something through logical processes such as induction or deduction (Ramm, page 42).

Think about this. When you reach limits of your understanding, don’t stop. Kick in faith. Ask God to help you believe. The Holy Spirit is glad to witness to saving grace of Father through Jesus Christ Son. He is overjoyed to persuade you of this truth. He will help you see God where others see only doubt and confusion. The Spirit of God is not a Ghost who scares believer. He is Spirit. And Bible says that those who worship God must worship Him in Spirit and Truth.

Keep faith. Stay course. Jesus is on His way. T.dash…