Is there proof for God?

The Bible says that there signs of God all around us; and Jesus performed many signs during his ministry. But when pressed for an obvious, incontrovertible sign, or proof, Jesus refused. He knew that when people demand proof for God, they are putting themselves in a position of authority over God, to decide whether God passes muster. But God is not a proposition to be proved. God is a Reality to be encountered.

What people need is not proof, but an opening of the heart – to see the signs of God that are already around us, and to come into a relationship with God. Such a relationship is what Jesus makes possible, as He comes to us with God’s forgiving and reconciling love.

God is a Reality to be encountered. Share on X

It is possible to talk about “proofs” for God, when considering the many clear signs of God’s reality and power in the world. But these signs finally are not so much proofs as they are pointers to God – directing us to God, so that we not only acknowledge that there is a God, but that we enter into lifegiving fellowship with God.

Sunday’s Scripture Readings:
Matthew 16:1–4
Romans 1:19–20
Psalm 14:1–2

About the Author

Dr. David A. Palmer has been the senior pastor at the United Methodist Church of Kent since 1995. He has a B.A. from Wittenberg University, a Master of Divinity from Duke University, and a Doctor of Ministry from Princeton Theological Seminary. A native of Wooster, Ohio, he has served three other churches in east Ohio before coming to Kent. He and his wife, Mavis, have three children.