Whether or not God exists is one of the most fundamental questions a person can ask. For many, it shapes their entire worldview and provides meaning and purpose. According to the Bible, here are some key reasons why the existence of God matters:
Our Origin and Identity
If God does not exist, then humans are merely the result of time and chance acting on matter. We would simply be highly evolved animals with no ultimate purpose or meaning. However, the Bible teaches that we are created in the image and likeness of God (Genesis 1:26-27). This gives humans unique value, identity and dignity. If we are created by God, we have inherent worth and a divine purpose.
Morality
Without God, morality is simply a human construct with no objective foundation. There would be no absolute right or wrong – just personal preference and cultural norms. However, if God exists, then morality is grounded in His unchanging and holy character. Murder, injustice, oppression, racism, greed, etc. are wrong because they go against God’s good design for human flourishing. Ethics transcend culture and circumstance because they are based on God’s eternal law (Psalm 119:142).
Meaning and Purpose
If God does not exist, our lives ultimately have no meaning or purpose apart from what we arbitrarily assign them. We are just insignificant specks in a vast cosmos headed for oblivion. However, if we are created by God for relationship with Him, then our lives take on incredible meaning and eternal significance. Every person has value and a divine calling because God formed us all in the womb and has good works prepared for us (Jeremiah 1:5, Ephesians 2:10).
Hope
Without God, death is the end – there is no hope beyond the grave. Everything we do ultimately ends in futility because it is transitory and will not last. However, if God exists, then we have hope of eternal life through Christ’s resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:12-22). Death loses its sting because it leads to glory in God’s presence. The trials of this world are momentary afflictions compared to the hope of eternity with God (Romans 8:18).
Knowing Truth
If naturalism is true and the physical world is all there is, then our reasoning abilities are merely the result of chemicals and cannot be fully trusted. Truth becomes unknowable. However, if human minds are made in God’s image, we have the ability to discover truth and knowledge that is grounded in God’s revelation. Through His Word and Spirit, we can know truth that transcends culture, experience and circumstance (John 14:6).
Justice and Evil
Without God, evil often goes unpunished. Abuse, genocide and oppression seem to carry no consequences. However, the Bible promises that a day is coming when God will judge the world with perfect justice (Ecclesiastes 12:14, 2 Corinthians 5:10). No evil deed will go unpunished or hidden forever. God will right every wrong and bring His perfect kingdom. Justice will prevail in the end because God exists and is sovereign over history.
Fulfillment
If naturalism is true, then pursuing pleasure is the highest goal for life. We are just accidents of nature driven by desires. However, we all know people can “have it all” yet still feel empty inside. Why is that? It’s because we were made to glorify God and find life in Him (Isaiah 43:7, John 10:10). To know God and walk in His ways is the only path to deep fulfillment and satisfaction (Psalm 16:11). He made us, saved us, and sustains us.
Grace and Redemption
If God does not exist, we are in bondage to our sinful condition and cannot free ourselves from it. However, because God is loving and merciful, He provided a way of redemption through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross (Ephesians 1:7). When we repent and believe the Gospel, we receive complete forgiveness and are reconciled to God (Acts 3:19). Without God’s grace, we would remain under condemnation, but with it we have eternal life (John 3:16).
Power Over Sin
If naturalism is true, then we have no power to overcome our sinful tendencies – they are just part of our genetic makeup. However, the Bible teaches that through the indwelling Holy Spirit, Christians can put sin to death and walk in newness of life (Romans 8:13). Because God exists, we have everything we need for godliness (2 Peter 1:3). We are not helpless against sin but can live transformed lives by God’s power.
Prayer
If atheism is true, then praying is pointless – it’s just talking to yourself. But if God exists, we have direct access to communicate with the Creator and Sustainer of the universe! We can cast our cares upon Him and receive grace, help and guidance (1 Peter 5:7, James 4:8). We are not alone but can turn to a Heavenly Father who hears and answers our prayers (Psalm 145:18-19). What an amazing privilege.
Security and Sovereignty
If deism is true and God created the universe but remains distant and uninvolved, we have no guarantee that good will ultimately triumph over evil. However, the Bible declares that God is actively sovereign over history working out His perfect plan (Daniel 4:35, Romans 8:28). Believers can rest secure knowing God holds the future and will cause all things to work for our good – even amidst suffering and uncertainty (Romans 8:28).
In summary, the existence of God provides the foundation for meaning, ethics, redemption and hope. It answers the deepest questions that all humans ask. Knowing God is the height of knowledge and the path to ultimate joy. That is why the Bible calls us to seek after God and find life in Him (Acts 17:27, Psalm 16:11). He alone can satisfy our weary souls with living water that never runs dry (John 4:14). The greatest treasure in the universe is knowing Christ as Lord (Philippians 3:8). That relationship makes every struggle or trial on earth more than worth it all. So yes, it matters profoundly whether or not God exists – and according to the Bible, He certainly does.
