Module 1: The God Who Is

Arguments from Creation: The intricate order and immense scale of the universe point to an intelligent, powerful, and uncaused first cause. The Cosmological Argument posits that everything that begins to exist has a cause, and since the universe began to exist, it must have a cause outside of itself. This uncaused cause is God. The Teleological Argument looks at the apparent design in creation, from the delicate balance of ecological systems to the fine-tuning of universal constants, and concludes that such design implies a divine designer. The Bible affirms this, stating in Psalm 19:1, "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands."

The Moral Argument: Every human society, regardless of its cultural specifics, operates with a fundamental sense of right and wrong. This universal, objective moral law points to a divine Lawgiver. The Bible supports this idea, explaining that God's law is "written on their hearts" (Romans 2:15). This inner conscience acts as an undeniable witness to a moral standard that transcends human invention.

The Inner Witness: Beyond intellectual arguments, humanity possesses an innate, intuitive knowledge of God. The Apostle Paul writes in Romans 1:19-20 that "what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse." This profound truth means that no one can claim ignorance of God's existence.

The Self-Witness of Scripture: The Bible's first verse, Genesis 1:1, does not begin with a defense of God's existence but with an assumption of it: "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth." The very narrative of Scripture is a testament to a God who is real, active, and sovereign, engaging with His creation from the start.

General Revelation: This refers to the universal, non-verbal truths about God that are available to all people at all times. It is a revelation of God's power and divinity but is insufficient for salvation.

• Creation: The natural world is a masterpiece of God's artistry and power. As mentioned in Psalm 19:1, the vastness of the cosmos and the intricate detail of a single cell all testify to a Creator. Acts 14:17 also states that God "has not left himself without testimony: He has shown kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons; he provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy."

• Conscience: The innate moral law within every person is a reflection of God's character. Paul teaches in Romans 2:14-15 that "the Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness..."

• History: God's providential hand can be seen in the rise and fall of nations and empires, as He works to fulfill His purposes. Daniel 2:21 declares, "He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others."

Special Revelation: This is the specific and supernatural communication from God that is essential for a saving relationship with Him. It reveals His plan of redemption and the way to have eternal life through Christ.

• The Scriptures: God's inspired, inerrant, and authoritative Word is the primary source of special revelation. 2 Timothy 3:16 tells us that "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness."

• Jesus Christ: The ultimate and perfect revelation of God is found in the person of Jesus Christ. He is not merely a messenger but is God Himself in human form. Colossians 2:9 states, "For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form," and John 1:18 says, "No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made him known."