Can you prove God exists?

Christians believe that God exists in three forms simultaneously – as Father, Son and Holy Spirit – known as the Trinity. It is not possible to prove that God the Father exists. Christians believe all things will become clear after we die. But in this life, some things are unknowable. And yet there is evidence around us which Christians say points to God’s existence. Scientists continue to investigate the origins of the universe and the nature of the Big Bang, which it is thought heralded its beginning. Their work might answer the question ‘how’ did the universe start, but it cannot answer the question ‘why’. That is something only the creator of the universe could know. Whether it is the intricacies of sub-atomic particles or the staggering expanse of space, the Bible book, Psalms, says the universe is evidence that God exists, ‘The heavens declare the glory of God, the skies proclaim the work of his hands…’.

‘The heavens declare the glory of God, the skies proclaim the work of his hands…’.

From a biological viewpoint, each person is really just a highly-organised collection of molecules. But we are obviously much more than that. The Bible says that God made people in his image. We might not look like God, but we share some characteristics, for example, an understanding of right and wrong; the capacity to love and form relationships; a desire for justice and the ability to forgive.

The second person of the Trinity - the Son - is Jesus Christ who lived in the Middle East 2,000 years ago. There is plenty of evidence that Jesus existed from writers of the time such as Tacitus and Josephus as well as the eyewitnesses, whose accounts are in the New Testament part of the Bible. Jesus told his followers that anyone who had seen him had, in effect, also seen the Father, because he and the Father were one and the same. Thousands of people saw Jesus during his lifetime and hundreds saw him after he miraculously rose from the dead.

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The third person of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit, is invisible. But his presence is real and has been experienced by Christians since the Christian Church began in the first century AD. The first time this happened is described in the Bible book, Acts, and is known as Pentecost. That event is regarded as the birth of the Church. It happened after Jesus had returned to heaven. Before he went, he told his followers ‘you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you’. At Pentecost, a group of followers had gathered in a room when suddenly they all heard a sound like a violent wind blowing. Then it was as if fire touched each of them and suddenly they were able to speak in new languages. They left the room inspired and energised to tell people about Jesus’ life and teaching.

Before he went, he told his followers ‘you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you’.

Christians continue to speak of being ‘filled’ by the Holy Spirit and experiencing love, guidance and peace, which transcends ordinary understanding. The Holy Spirit gives Christians new abilities. For example, some, like the early followers, are able to speak a new language. Others have the ability to pray for people to be healed. Many find the ability to forgive those who have wronged them even when to do so feels an impossible challenge. The Bible describes nine results, or fruit, of the Holy Spirit’s presence in a person’s life: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. While the Holy Spirit might not be visible, these qualities in a person are evidence of his presence in their lives. Many Christians would say that the countless stories of people whose lives have been dramatically changed by finding the Christian faith down the centuries is proof that God exists.