Can we know God?
The question of whether or not we can know God is deep and profound. Many search the universe in hopes of finding something transcendent, but a few simply give up the quest, and settle for the idea that the material universe is all that there is, and nothing more. Yet, for many thinkers, the idea of a material universe being all that there is, or philosophical naturalism, is untenable and that the very existence of the universe presupposes the supernatural.
The universe that we live in breath had a beginning. When we study the cosmos, we find that the origin of time, space, matter, and energy occurred at the big bang. Yet, nothing comes from nothing, so the finite material universe that exists must have been caused. The issue is not just a +100 canceling out -100 to equal 0, for even this presupposes the existence of +100 and -100; rather, the idea is that the universe came together out of nothing. What we know and observe in the universe, such as time, space, matter, energy, even the big bang are effects that must have a cause. There cannot be an infinite regress of causes (such is logically impossible); rather, the first cause must a timeless eternal personal agent.
In spite of human limitations, God does make Himself known, and while the finite cannot reach the infinite, the infinite can condescend to commune with the finite. The very creation points to the reality of God. As we continue to unlock the mysteries of the universe, we come to realize the uniqueness of the earth. We come to find that the earth’s location in its spiral galaxy, its distance from its sun, its moon’s size, its axis’ tilt, its magnetic field, and its water, and atmosphere not only makes it most suitable for life but also leaves the idea of random unguided chance simply improbable. Moreover, the very genetic building blocks of life on this planet and the complex information contained in them points to the reality of an intelligent designer.
The reality of moral absolutes in this universe, points to the reality of a Moral Law Giver. Whether or not individuals recognize them, there are things that are truly right and wrong that transcend simple cultural and sociological paradigms. (Torturing babies is morally wrong even in a society that accepts the practice.)
Human faculties of reason can bring us to the understanding there must be a divine first cause; however, it is not enough for us to know the Creator intimately. Left to ourselves we can only speculate on the divine. If we set out on a quest to find God, can we find Him? Should we reach the summit of Mount Olympus can we expect to see God’s dwelling?
God does not simply stop with just the evidence of His handiwork in the creation; rather, He also unveils Himself to the creation in a very special way, particularly through the incarnation of Jesus Christ. John declared, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God…and the Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:1, 14). He is the living Word of God. Matthew bestows upon the Child of the virgin the name “Immanuel,” which means “God with us” (Matt. 1:21-23). It is through the incarnation that we know God in the most intimate way, for the God-man, Jesus Christ, entered into the human drama to show people the way to a relationship with God. He even declared Himself to be God (John 8:58-59; 10:29-31), which is vindicated through the resurrection (John 20:30-31).
God also codifies His divine revelation in the Scriptures, or the written Word od God. He has spoken directly to man through the prophets. For example, Moses received the Commandments of God on Mount Sinai. The Lord also called prophets to speak on His behalf to people, validating their message though signs and wonders. The New Testament writers were also inspired by the Holy Spirit to write divine revelation. Peter declares, “But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter one’s own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God” ( 2 Pet. 1:20-21), whom also confirmed Paul as an author of Scripture (2 Peter 3:14-16). Paul, likewise, teaches, “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16).
The universe that we live in breath had a beginning. When we study the cosmos, we find that the origin of time, space, matter, and energy occurred at the big bang. Yet, nothing comes from nothing, so the finite material universe that exists must have been caused. The issue is not just a +100 canceling out -100 to equal 0, for even this presupposes the existence of +100 and -100; rather, the idea is that the universe came together out of nothing. What we know and observe in the universe, such as time, space, matter, energy, even the big bang are effects that must have a cause. There cannot be an infinite regress of causes (such is logically impossible); rather, the first cause must a timeless eternal personal agent.
In spite of human limitations, God does make Himself known, and while the finite cannot reach the infinite, the infinite can condescend to commune with the finite. The very creation points to the reality of God. As we continue to unlock the mysteries of the universe, we come to realize the uniqueness of the earth. We come to find that the earth’s location in its spiral galaxy, its distance from its sun, its moon’s size, its axis’ tilt, its magnetic field, and its water, and atmosphere not only makes it most suitable for life but also leaves the idea of random unguided chance simply improbable. Moreover, the very genetic building blocks of life on this planet and the complex information contained in them points to the reality of an intelligent designer.
The reality of moral absolutes in this universe, points to the reality of a Moral Law Giver. Whether or not individuals recognize them, there are things that are truly right and wrong that transcend simple cultural and sociological paradigms. (Torturing babies is morally wrong even in a society that accepts the practice.)
Human faculties of reason can bring us to the understanding there must be a divine first cause; however, it is not enough for us to know the Creator intimately. Left to ourselves we can only speculate on the divine. If we set out on a quest to find God, can we find Him? Should we reach the summit of Mount Olympus can we expect to see God’s dwelling?
God does not simply stop with just the evidence of His handiwork in the creation; rather, He also unveils Himself to the creation in a very special way, particularly through the incarnation of Jesus Christ. John declared, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God…and the Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:1, 14). He is the living Word of God. Matthew bestows upon the Child of the virgin the name “Immanuel,” which means “God with us” (Matt. 1:21-23). It is through the incarnation that we know God in the most intimate way, for the God-man, Jesus Christ, entered into the human drama to show people the way to a relationship with God. He even declared Himself to be God (John 8:58-59; 10:29-31), which is vindicated through the resurrection (John 20:30-31).
God also codifies His divine revelation in the Scriptures, or the written Word od God. He has spoken directly to man through the prophets. For example, Moses received the Commandments of God on Mount Sinai. The Lord also called prophets to speak on His behalf to people, validating their message though signs and wonders. The New Testament writers were also inspired by the Holy Spirit to write divine revelation. Peter declares, “But know this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture is a matter one’s own interpretation, for no prophecy was ever made by an act of human will, but men moved by the Holy Spirit spoke from God” ( 2 Pet. 1:20-21), whom also confirmed Paul as an author of Scripture (2 Peter 3:14-16). Paul, likewise, teaches, “All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; so that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16).
Comments
Post a Comment