A Closer Look

Proof that God Exists

“For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse…” (Romans 1:20).

Have you ever heard someone say that you cannot prove that God exists? Actually, the truth that God exists is found right in God’s Word and the proof is all around us. Romans 1:20 says that the invisible things of God are clearly seen and understood by the things that are made. Consider the things that are made. God made the heaven (firmament) and the earth (dry land), the light, the waters (seas), the grass, trees, fruit, day, night, seasons, days, years, sun, moon, stars, fowls, every living creature, the fish, cattle, and most importantly man. “I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made…” (Psalm 139:14).

The things that are made are clearly seen on a daily basis. Walk under the trees, beside a lake, a river, or walk in the waves of the ocean. Sit still and listen to the birds and feel the cool of the evening breeze. Gaze into the evening sky and attempt to count the endless number of stars. “By the word of the Lord were the heavens made; and all the host of them by the breath of his mouth.” (Psalm 33:6). “All things were made by him; and without him was not anything made that was made.” (John 1:3). “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.” (Psalm 19:1).

The things that are clearly seen also provide us with the understanding of His eternal power and Godhead. His eternal power, because His power is unlike any other. His Godhead (Trinity), because we receive understanding about God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Yes, the proof is all around us. This is why God’s Word also says that we are without excuse. Everyone will stand before God one day and confess this understanding that was so clearly seen.

Lord, help us to understand that we are all without excuse.

Why Three Crosses

“Where they crucified him, and two other with him, on either side one, and Jesus in the midst.” (John 19:18). The question is often asked: Why were there only two thieves? Why not three, four, or even more? Why was Jesus placed in the middle, rather than on one of the sides? “And with him they crucify two thieves; the one on his right hand, and the other on his left.” (Mark 15:27). For Christians, Jesus is the centerpiece of faith.

Let us note the nature of thieves. A thief is one guilty of theft or larceny. Larceny is the taking of personal property without consent and the intention of permanently depriving the owner. As God’s creation, we belong to him. However, our sin nature says to ignore the things of God for our own desires. Both men on either side of Jesus were in the same state–thieves.

But why were there only two? Perhaps it was symbolic? The scriptures teach that there is only one of two ways to respond to Jesus Christ. We all will either accept him or reject him. Just as at Calvary, some will reject Jesus to the very end of life. “And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, if thou be Christ, save thyself and us.” (Luke 23:39). The very presence of God did not affect the thief who rejected him. For those who accept Jesus, they will receive the gift of eternal life. We all deserve to receive sin’s penalty–death. “But the other answering rebuked him, saying, dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. And he said unto Jesus, Lord; remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.” (Luke 23:40-42).

Jesus willing gave his life for all of mankind. For those who believe and accept this truth, Jesus will forgive their sin and give the gift of eternal life. “…Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, today shalt thou be with me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43).

Lord, help us to share this truth of eternal life.