The Baptist Catechism Question No. 3

Q: How may we know there is a God?

A: The light of nature in man and the works of God plainly declare there is a God; but his word and Spirit only do it fully and effectually for the salvation of sinners.

Question 2 dealt with our responsibility as creatures to know our Creator. Question 3 addresses how we can actually come to that knowledge. There is a little overlap in our commentary on these two questions because our responsibility to know God is closely tied to the abundance of evidence for His existence. God created man in His own image and the entire creation bears the mark of its Creator. Creation itself plainly declares that there is a God and as creatures made in His image, we are created to recognize that truth. However, we have a sin problem that leads us to suppress that truth in unrighteousness (Romans 1:18). The evidence for God’s existence is plain for all to see, but we are blinded by our own sin and rebellion. Therefore, only the Holy Spirit can open the eyes of sinners as He works through the Word of God.  

Scriptural Basis:

Psalm 19:1-3 (ESV) The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard.

     The Psalmist writes that the heavens declare the glory of God. When we look at creation, we should hear the constant speech that only an all-powerful, good God could create such a beautiful and awesome universe. There is a general revelation of God through the things that have been made. Knowledge of the Creator is revealed by observing His creation. Those who are familiar with a craftsman’s work are able to identify their creations because of their unique details. On a grander scale, God’s creation bears the clear marks of His handiwork. The Psalmist goes so far as to say that every word of creation’s testimony is heard. The Psalmist would agree with Romans 1 by saying that we are without excuse because the evidence for God’s existence is clear.

2 Timothy 3:15 (ESV) and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.

     As Paul reminds Timothy to stay grounded in the Word, he tells him that the sacred writings (scripture) are able to make someone wise for salvation. God’s word has the power to transform a sinner’s dead and hard heart. To put it another way, God’s word can open the closed eyes of a rebellious sinner. Just as He said, “Let there be light” when He created the heavens and the earth, He can also say, “Let there be light” in the sinner’s darkened heart. This is what Paul meant in Romans 10:17 when he said, “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.”

1 Corinthians 2:10 (ESV) these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God.

     The work of the Holy Spirit is necessary in order to take God’s word and transform the sinner’s heart. The Spirit searches the things of God and reveals them to believers through the scriptures. When we read through 1 Corinthians 1-2, we learn that the natural man (unbeliever living in sin) sees the gospel as foolish. Only the spiritual man (believer made new by the Spirit) can comprehend the spiritual things of God. The difference between the natural man and the spiritual man is the work of the Holy Spirit through God’s word.

Worldview Challenge:

This question should inform our view of unbelievers and specifically atheists. If we accept Scripture as our highest authority, then we must come to the conclusion that everyone, at some level, knows that God exists. Creation declares God’s handiwork and every word of that declaration is heard. This understanding should dictate how we use evidence in evangelism and apologetics. There are numerous arguments for God’s existence which use facts, but an unbeliever who is suppressing the truth in unrighteousness will take those facts and reinterpret them for their own purposes. You cannot argue someone into salvation. They already have all the evidence they need. The problem is a rebellious heart, not an uninformed mind. The Spirit and the Word are necessary for the transformation of a sinful heart. Only then will a person recognize the Lordship of God and interpret the facts as they were meant to be interpreted. So in our conversations with unbelievers, we can use evidence from creation to give a defense for the faith; however, our priority must be sharing the gospel and praying for the Holy Spirit to take that word and change hearts.

Remember: Catechisms should be used as a helpful tool alongside a healthy intake of Holy Scripture. They should never replace God’s Word because their usefulness depends upon their accurate representation of God’s Word. When using these tools, always ground the answers in the scripture references provided.