A. The Knowledge of God.
1. We confess we believe in God. This implies we know God. We must distinguish
a. Comprehension, which means we are able to place God within the complete understanding of man’s mind. This is humanly impossible, see Job 11:7
b. Knowledge, which is more than intellectual assent to holding as truth that God exists, it is the spiritual love of the heart, see John 17:3
2. We know God only by His revelation to us.
a. Mere human reason will never bring one to the knowledge of God. This is the error of Rationalism who place all the emphasis on human logic, observation, analysis, and conclusion. If one follows this line, it will lead to “higher criticism” of the Bible, man’s mind will determine all truth and reject all that seems irrational.
b. Neither can man by mystical contemplation rise above the physical world and enter into the ethereal world of the divine. Quakerism and all “inner light” stands condemned here.
c. Only by God’s own self-revelation can we know God.
1) God must come down to man, man can never ascend to God or discover God. There is no “natural religion”.
2) God does this in His Revelation. He comes to man in such a way that man can in a finite way know the infinite God. This knowledge is sufficient to cause man to be saved and live to God’s glory. Man in himself is in darkness, God shines His light in our hearts.
3) God prepares man to receive this revelation. Originally this was by virtue of creation in God’s own image, after the fall it is by regeneration and the indwelling Holy Spirit. God gives us eyes to see His light.
3. God’s Revelation In Nature
1. How creation is God’s revelation
a. Creation is God’s work, hence the Creator is reflected in His creation Ps. 19:1, 2
b. Creation is an elegant (beautiful) book with many letters
1) Creation itself (the universe) speaks of God’s glory, e.g. depth of ocean, earth strata, microscopic world and macroscopic (heavenly).
2) Preservation of Creation “laws of nature” all made and maintained by God. Provides food for creatures, establish balances within creation e.g. plants and animals
3) Government, He directs all things internationally, national as in America, ecclesiastically, leading all things to the salvation of His church.
2. What of God is revealed in creation
a. Eternal power
1) God incorporated in creation the dynamo e.g. sun
2) That power in creation is controlled by God (greater power)
3) This creation is revelation (format) of heavenly
b. Godhead or divinity
1) We behold that God is the only God.
2) This reflects His attributes e.g. justice Rom. 1:18
3. Sufficient to leave man without excuse
a. This article does not say that creation does convince man
b. It is sufficient to do so, but the natural man is hardened in heart and therefore holds the truth under in unrighteousness Rom. 1:18-22.
c. The Holy Spirit convicts of God’s presence, reprobate rejects i