Compelling reasons to believe in God

Description: Non-Christians don’t understand why Christians believe in God, and Christians sometimes struggle to summon compelling reasons. Here is some helpful background.

Introduction

Questions about God often arise in times of uncertainty, suffering, or when life challenges occur. As Christians, our faith in God is foundational, yet sometimes it can be difficult to explain why we believe, especially when caught off guard. Even though we trust deeply in God’s presence and sovereignty, actually affirming why we believe can be daunting. Some Christians feel overwhelmed when asked to defend their faith, while others may not feel equipped with clear, persuasive reasons.

This blog provides solid reasons that support belief in God, rooted in evidence, historical events, and the experience of countless individuals throughout history. The examples presented are not exhaustive, but offer compelling arguments that uphold the reality of God and his active role in people’s lives.

1. The witness of creation

The natural world around us is testament to the existence of an intelligent Creator. From the vastness of the cosmos to the complexity of a single cell, the intricate design of the universe points to a purposeful Creator. Science continues to unveil the wonders of creation, and yet the more we learn, the more we see that these systems, laws, and phenomena are finely tuned and can’t easily be attributed to random chance.

The sheer complexity of DNA, the delicate balance of the laws of physics, and the beauty and order found in nature, all point to something beyond mere coincidence. To believe that all this arose without intention or design seems far more difficult than acknowledging the possibility of deity. The evidence of the created order is a clear and compelling reason to believe in God.

2. Existence of the soul and spirit

While science can explain much about the human body and mind, it falls short in explaining the existence of the soul and spirit. Christianity offers a coherent framework. The idea that humans possess an immortal soul, and a spiritual essence, aligns with belief in a Creator who designed humanity with purpose.

The need to nourish each aspect of our humanity – body, soul, and spirit – reveals a Creator who cares holistically for our well-being. This deep truth offers a connection to something greater than ourselves, with the promise of an eternal relationship with him.

• Nourishing the body: our physical body allow us to experience and interact with the world. It needs healthy food, exercise, and rest to function well. Illness, fatigue, and even premature death result if we don’t take care of ourselves physically. For Christians, looking after our body is a way of honouring the life God has given us.

  
  

• Nourishing the soul: the soul comprises our mind, emotions, and will – essentially, what makes us who we are. It’s home to our thoughts, desires, and personality. Just as the body needs sustenance, the soul also needs to be nourished through things such as, learning, reflection, relationships, creative expression, and also seeking out truth, love, and wisdom. Confusion and emotional instability result if we don’t nourish our soul. In aligning our soul with God’s will, we find peace, fulfilment, and a truer sense of identity.

  
  

• Nourishing the spirit: the spirit connects us directly with the divine. Unlike the soul, which governs our individuality, the spirit allows us to reach beyond ourselves and engage in a relationship with God. It’s nourished through prayer, meditation, and scripture, i.e. practices that open us to the guidance, comfort, and empowerment of the Holy Spirit. We risk becoming separated from God, and vulnerable to all manner of evils, if we fail to nurture our spirit. A strong and nurtured spirit, draws us closer to God and gives us true purpose in life.

  
  

The harmonious care of body, soul, and spirit leads to a life that reflects God's design and intention, and is evident in the faithful outlook of Christians.

3. The moral argument

One of the central questions that philosophers, theologians and many others wrestle with is pinning down the source of moral values. Where do we get our sense of right and wrong? Some argue that human evolution has led to morality; that it’s simply a response to the inbuilt desire for species survival. However, this explanation falls short when it comes to concepts like justice, mercy, and love, which often go against the survival-of-the-fittest mentality.

Belief in God provides a more satisfying answer to the question. If there is a moral law, there must be a moral lawgiver. God is that ultimate source of objective moral values and duties. Without him, morality becomes relative and subjective, shifting according to culture, time, or personal preference. With God, we have a stable and consistent foundation for understanding good and evil, right and wrong.

4. Fulfilled prophecies

The Bible contains numerous prophecies about Jesus that were fulfilled with remarkable accuracy. Centuries before his birth, Old Testament prophets predicted specific details about the Messiah, including where he would be born, how he would suffer, and his resurrection from the dead. For example, the prophet Isaiah described a suffering servant who would bear the sins of many and be pierced for our transgressions (Isaiah 53). In Psalm 16, the psalmist speaks of God's Holy One not being abandoned to the grave, which Christians understand as a foreshadowing of Jesus' resurrection (Psalm 16:10).

The fulfilment of these prophecies, written long before Jesus’ time, offers compelling evidence for the divine inspiration of scripture and the truth of God’s plan for salvation.

5. Consistency of scripture

One of the remarkable features of the Bible is its internal consistency. Written over centuries by various authors, the Bible maintains a cohesive message of God’s love, justice, and redemption. The themes of mercy, faith, and moral order are woven throughout its pages, giving it credibility as a divinely inspired text.

Additionally, the number of ancient Christian manuscripts that have survived over the centuries far exceeds that of any other ancient texts, both in quantity and proximity to the original writings. For example: the Codex Vaticanus (4th Century AD), one of the oldest manuscripts of the entire Bible; the Codex Sinaiticus (4th Century AD), discovered at Mount Sinai's St. Catherine's Monastery and one of the oldest and most complete manuscripts of the Bible; and the Dead Sea Scrolls (3rd to 1st Century AD), discovered in the mid-20th century, the scrolls include fragments from every book of the Old Testament.

All this reinforces the Bible’s authenticity and reliability. Moreover, historical and archaeological findings often align with Biblical accounts, further strengthening its credibility. While not every detail is corroborated, the Bible's historic portrayals align with external evidence in many instances.

6. The transformation of the disciples

One of the most compelling reasons to believe in the resurrection of Jesus is the remarkable transformation that took place in his disciples. Although previously full of hope, they were frightened, scattered, and in hiding in the immediate aftermath of Jesus’ arrest. Despite bold declarations of loyalty, they’d became disillusioned and paralysed by fear. Peter had even denied knowing Jesus three times, exactly as Jesus had foretold.

However, something extraordinary happened that completely changed them. After witnessing the risen Jesus, these same disciples were transformed from fearful cowards into fearless witnesses. At Pentecost, after the disciples had received the Holy Spirit, Peter stood before a crowd in Jerusalem and proclaimed the resurrection of Jesus with authority and courage. Later, he and other apostles confronted the very same Jewish authorities that had condemned Jesus, openly declaring that they couldn’t be silent about what they had seen and heard (Acts 4:19-20).

This dramatic change cannot be easily explained unless the resurrection is true. The disciples, who had nothing to gain and everything to lose, were willing to suffer torture, imprisonment, and death for their belief. Most were martyred for their unwavering testimony that Jesus had risen from the dead – and no one dies for what they know to be untrue. This transformation is a powerful argument for the reality of this cornerstone of Christianity and for belief in our life-giving God.

7. Jesus’ Post-Resurrection Appearances

After his resurrection, Jesus appeared to many people, providing further proof of his victory over death. These appearances were not limited to the disciples and isolated individuals, but were seen by groups of people, in some cases large crowds. St Paul, writing to the Corinthians, referenced these appearances, pointing out that Jesus had appeared to more than 500 people at one time, most of whom were still alive when Paul wrote his letters (1 Corinthians 15:6).

This point is crucial: Paul was encouraging those who doubted to speak directly to the living witnesses. These were real people who had seen the risen Christ, and their testimony was available for scrutiny.

The widespread and diverse nature of these verifiable appearances makes it hard to argue that they were hallucinations or fabrications. Together with the disciples’ bold transformation, they strongly support the claim that Jesus was raised from the dead by the power of God.

8. Historical evidence of Jesus

One of the central pillars of Christianity is the historical figure of Jesus Christ. While much of what we know about his life comes from the New Testament, his existence is also supported by other historical sources outside of Christian texts. Roman historians such as Tacitus, Jewish historians like Flavius Josephus, and others have written about Jesus, providing a historical foundation for his life and death. These records affirm that Jesus was a real figure, whose teachings and actions had a profound effect on the world.

While sceptics may debate the finer points of these sources, the overwhelming majority of scholars agree that Jesus was a historical figure. His crucifixion under Roman authority is widely accepted, and the transformative effect his life and resurrection has had on his followers is a powerful testament to his significance.

9. Historical impact of Christianity

The influence of Christianity on history is profound and far-reaching. From shaping Western civilisation to inspiring movements for justice, education, and social reform, Christianity’s impact on the world is undeniable. The teachings of Jesus about love, compassion, and forgiveness have inspired countless acts of charity and service throughout history.

This is not merely historical, but ongoing. Despite persecution and challenges, Christianity continues to grow and influence cultures around the world. It stands in contrast to many other ancient traditions and religions that have faded into obscurity. A good example is Ancient Greece. Its religion centred around a range of gods and goddesses and had a profound influence on culture, philosophy, art, and governance. However, all their once-dominant practices have faded away, so illustrating the transient nature of human based traditions, even those with significant historical impacts.

The endurance and global spread of Christianity, even in the face of opposition and missteps, point to the reality of a faith rooted in more than mere human tradition.

10. The power of the Holy Spirit

Christians believe in the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, who provides guidance, comfort, and empowerment for daily living.

• Indwelling: belief that the Holy Spirit resides within the hearts and lives of believers. It signifies an intimate and personal relationship with God.

  
  

• Guidance: belief that the Holy Spirit guides believers in thoughts, decisions, and actions – like a spiritual compass. Prayer, meditation, and a receptive heart help discern the Holy Spirit’s guidance.

  
  

• Comfort: the Holy Spirit is often referred to as the Comforter or Helper. In challenging times, believers turn to the Holy Spirit for the internal peace that rises above current challenges and gives assurance of God's presence.

  
  

• Empowerment: the Holy Spirit is the source of spiritual gifts and empowerment. Particularly in the Book of Acts, the Holy Spirit is shown empowering early Christians and demonstrating spiritual gifts such as prophecy, healing, and speaking in tongues.

  
  

The Holy Spirit plays a vital role in shaping a believer’s life, helping them grow in faith, overcome challenges, and align their actions with God’s will.

11. Personal transformation

One of the most personal and compelling reasons to believe in God is the testimony of lives transformed by faith. Throughout history, and just as much today, countless individuals testify to how belief in God has changed their lives for the better.

The New Testament gives many examples, such as, Zacchaeus, a greedy tax collector, transformed after meeting Jesus (Luke 19:1-10), and a Samaritan woman at a well, trapped in sin, who found forgiveness and new life (John 4).

St Paul, whose letters make up much of the New Testament, deserves special mention. In Acts 26:4-23, he tells how his life was radically transformed after his encounter with Jesus. This changed him from arch-persecutor of Christians to passionate preacher of the gospel.

These stories are not relics of the past. They continue in the lives of individuals who turn to God and experience profound changes in character, priorities, and purpose. The reality of these transformations is a powerful testament to the presence and power of God today, and many accounts can be found in books and on the internet.

12. Answered prayer

Many Christians attest to the power of prayer in their lives. The experience of answered prayers – whether in small personal matters or in larger, life-changing ways – offers compelling confirmation of the active involvement of a caring and responsive God.

Prayers can be answered in unlikely ways or ways we don’t expect – and sometimes we may feel they’re not answered at all. One way of reflecting on this is retrospection, i.e. to look back and realise how the matters involved have developed, or how we have developed around them. This really lights up God’s hand at work, helps us see where we’ve been guided, and provides not only comfort, but tangible recognition of God’s loving attention, even in details.

Conclusion

Belief in God – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit – is supported by a myriad of compelling reasons, including the intricate design of creation, the transformative power of faith, the historical evidence of Jesus, and the consistency of scripture. These reasons, alongside the personal experiences of millions of believers, offer a comprehensive and persuasive foundation for belief in God.

With our world so full of questions, uncertainty, and scepticism, belief in God provides not only a framework for understanding the universe, but also a source of hope, purpose, and meaning. Faith invites us into a relationship with a loving Creator, who offers redemption, guidance, and eternal life through Jesus Christ.