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whatever for doubt; but it does mean that, while the truth of God’s existence is accepted by
faith, this faith is based on reliable information. While Reformed theology regards the existence
of God as an entirely reasonable assumption, it does not claim the ability to demonstrate this
by rational argumentation. Dr. Kuyper speaks as follows of the attempt to do this: “The attempt
to prove God’s existence is either useless or unsuccessful. It is useless if the searcher believes
that God is a rewarder of those who seek Him. And it is unsuccessful if it is an attempt to force
a person who does not have this pistis by means of argumentation to an acknowledgment in a
logical sense.” [Dict. Dogm., De Deo I, p. 77 (translation mine — L. B.).]
The Christian accepts the truth of the existence of God by faith. But this faith is not a blind faith,
but a faith that is based on evidence, and the evidence is found primarily in Scripture as the
inspired Word of God, and secondarily in God’s revelation in nature. Scripture proof on this
point does not come to us in the form of an explicit declaration, and much less in the form of a
logical argument. In that sense the Bible does not prove the existence of God. The closest it
comes to a declaration is perhaps in Heb. 11:6 . . . “for he that cometh to God must believe that
He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that seek after Him.” It presupposes the existence of
God in its very opening statement, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.”
Not only does it describe God as the Creator of all things, but also as the Upholder of all His
creatures, and as the Ruler of the destinies of individuals and nations. It testifies to the fact that
God works all things according to the counsel of His will, and reveals the gradual realization of
His great purpose of redemption. The preparation for this work, especially in the choice and
guidance of the old covenant people of Israel, is clearly seen in the Old Testament, and the
initial culmination of it in the Person and work of Christ stands out with great clarity on the
pages of the New Testament. God is seen on almost every page of Holy Writ as He reveals
Himself in words and actions. This revelation of God is the basis of our faith in the existence of
God, and makes this an entirely reasonable faith. It should be remarked, however, that it is only
by faith that we accept the revelation of God, and that we obtain a real insight into its contents.
Jesus said, “If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or
whether I speak of myself,” John 7:17. It is this intensive knowledge, resulting from intimate
communion with God, which Hosea has in mind when he says, “And let us know, let us follow
on to know the Lord,” Hos. 6:3. The unbeliever has no real understanding of the Word of God.
The words of Paul are very much to the point in this connection: “Where is the wise? where is
the scribe? where is the disputer of this age (world)? Hath not God made foolish the wisdom of
the world? For, seeing that in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom knew not God,
it was God’s good pleasure through the foolishness of the preaching to save them that believe,”
I Cor. 1:20,21.