Q: Ought every one to believe there is a God?

A: Everyone ought to believe there is a God, and it is their great sin and folly who do not.

This question raises the issue of human responsibility in believing that there is a God. The word “ought” brings out the implication that humans have a moral obligation/responsibility to believe that God exists. If God is the first and chiefest being (Q.1), then as His creatures it is our duty and purpose to live in a way that recognizes His presence and Lordship. The catechism takes this responsibility seriously by calling the rejection of God’s existence a great sin and folly. It is utter foolishness to reject the God who is the first and chiefest being.

Scriptural Basis:

Romans 1:19-20 (ESV) For what can be known about God is plain to them because God has shown it to them. For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.

     In this passage from Romans 1, Paul is laying out the condition of the gentiles and their reaction to general revelation. There are some attributes of God that are revealed through His creation which bears the evidence for its Creator. Paul specifically mentions God’s eternal power and divine nature. These two attributes are more than enough to leave us without excuse for believing God exists. God has made His existence plain to His creation. Those who suppress this truth in their unrighteousness will not have an excuse on judgement day. Paul’s language in Romans 1 conveys the same moral responsibility found in the catechism’s use of the word “ought”. Paul’s resounding answer to question two would be, “Yes, everyone ought to believe in God because He has shown himself plainly through what has been made.”

 Psalm 14:1 (ESV) The fool says in his heart, "There is no God." They are corrupt, they do abominable deeds; there is none who does good.

This verse highlights the foolishness of denying God’s existence. There is a constant comparison made throughout scripture between the wise man and the fool. The wise man starts with God as the first and chiefest being. In the wise man’s heart, nothing makes sense apart from God who is the foundation for knowledge and wisdom. The wise man is able to fulfill his purpose in this world because he serves the God who created both him and the world he lives in. The fool, on the other hand, rejects God’s existence. He is called a fool because he constantly relies on God for his own existence while rejecting Him. It is a great sin and folly to reject God’s existence because creation screams out evidence and we are morally bankrupt when we live in opposition to Him.

Worldview Challenge:

As our culture around us goes deeper and deeper into secular humanism, we(especially our kids) are being told that Christians are foolish for believing in a God that modern science has proven to be a myth. This issue is a question of ultimate authority. Will we believe God’s word as the highest authority or not? Paul very clearly taught that all of creation proclaimed God’s existence. Secular scientists claim that the material world gives us no reason to believe in God. These two views are at odds with one another and Christians cannot continue to straddle the fence by separating their faith from every other part of their lives. Neutrality is a myth. Whenever we look at facts, we are always interpreting them through our worldview. Those who deny God’s existence are in rebellion against their Creator and they interpret the facts in a way that fits into their rebellious worldview. However, believers look to the authority of God’s Word, recognizing that all of creation is reliant upon him, and interpret the facts through the worldview provided in His Word. This topic is very deep, yet very relevant. I encourage you to contemplate these things and resolve in your heart to live with God’s Word as your highest authority.

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.