The book of Hebrews tells us that "without faith, it is impossible to please God." This, however, presents a challenge to many seekers and skeptics. Must they rid themselves of rational thought and take a blind leap of faith? Aren't there logical arguments for God's existence? And if so, are the arguments for God strong enough for them to renounce their doubts and embrace God?
Can We Prove God?
Is it possible to prove that God exists? In order to answer this question, we must understand the nature of proof. There are essentially three levels of proof:
- Probability
- Beyond a Reasonable Doubt
- Beyond ALL Doubt
The first level is the simplest. One simply looks at the evidence - albeit objectively - and puts it on the scale to see which way it leans. Take the resurrection of Jesus. Is there more evidence supporting Jesus' supernatural resurrection from the dead or is there more evidence refuting the resurrection? Whichever way the scale leans reflects the standard of probability.
The second level is a bit tougher, and it is the basis of most western justice systems. In order to win a conviction of guilt against an individual accused of a crime, the prosecution must remove all "reasonable doubt" from the minds of the jury. This generally requires a substantial amount of evidence, bolstered by solid logical reasoning and argumentation.
The third level of proof is frankly impossible for anyone to achieve without direct sensory observation. If this were the standard in criminal court, for instance, we would have no convictions and our prisons would be pretty much empty. Why? Because the only way that prosecutors could win a conviction would be if the accused confessed to his or her own guilt or if the jury personally and directly observed the crime in question.
Must We Take a Blind Leap of Faith?
If we can't prove God's existence "beyond all doubt," does this mean we must take a blind leap of faith? The answer is, of course, no. Yet it is amazing how many people assume one extreme or another when it comes to belief in God.
The Apostle Paul encouraged the church in Thessalonica to "prove all things" or to "test all things." So, we are not expected to simply parrot the lines we hear in church, or to competely accept - without any analysis or evaluation - what we are taught by others. And we are not asked to take a blind step of faith, divorced from all reason or logic.
Faith is like jumping out of an airplane with a parachute. You can see and touch the parachute. You can check to see if it's properly packed. You can ask your jump instructor about the chute. You can even verify that others have used it successfully. But, ultimately, you do need to trust the chute. And the only way you'll know - beyond ALL doubt - that the chute will open for you is when it actually does open for you.
This is different, however, from a blind leap of faith, which would be akin to jumping out of the airplane without a parachute and hoping simply that one will magically appear! The Bible does not call people to a blind leap of faith. It calls people to a very reasonable faith.
So, is there proof for God's existence? If your standard of "proof" is evidence that removes ALL doubt, then the answer is no. If, however, your standard of proof is "probability" or "reasonable doubt," then there are compelling reasons to believe in God.
Brian Tubbs - Brian Tubbs is a minister, writer, and former educator living in Northern Virginia. He writes on personal development, faith, and ...
