What’s the Cosmological Argument for God’s Existence?

TL;DR

The Cosmological Argument posits that everything that begins to exist has a cause, pointing to God as the first cause.
Scientific understanding that the universe had a beginning aligns with the Cosmological Argument, suggesting a Creator.
The argument, while not strictly rational, is strengthened by the empirical evidence of a non-eternal universe.
Scripture supports the idea of a contingent universe created and sustained by an eternal God.

The Cosmological Argument: A Gateway to Divine Reasoning

The Cosmological Argument for God’s existence has been a cornerstone in theistic philosophy and theology for centuries. At its core, the argument asserts that everything which begins to exist has a cause, and since the universe began to exist, it too must have a cause. This cause, the argument posits, is God. This notion aligns with the opening verses of the Bible in Genesis 1:1, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.” This scripture not only affirms the creation of the universe but also implicitly supports the Cosmological Argument by identifying God as the initial cause.

Furthermore, the Apostle Paul in Romans 1:20 speaks to the evidence of God’s existence and attributes being clearly seen in creation, which aligns with the cosmological perspective. This argument gains additional strength when considering the scientific consensus that the universe is not eternal but had a beginning. This is in harmony with Hebrews 11:3, which states, “By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.” This verse bridges faith and the understanding of the universe’s formation, resonating with the Cosmological Argument’s assertion of a beginning.

However, it’s important to recognize that the argument, while powerful, is not strictly rational in its nature. It requires a leap of faith, supported by empirical evidence but ultimately grounded in belief. This aligns with 2 Corinthians 5:7, “For we live by faith, not by sight,” suggesting that while evidence can guide us, faith is the final step in accepting the existence of God.

The Universe’s Beginning: A Testament to Creation

The Cosmological Argument gains significant support from the modern scientific understanding that the universe is not eternal but had a beginning. This aligns with the biblical narrative found in Genesis, supporting the idea of a finite universe created by an infinite God. This understanding echoes the words of Psalm 102:25, “In the beginning you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands.” This verse not only speaks of God’s act of creation but also metaphorically supports the idea of the universe having a beginning.

Scientific theories like the Big Bang align with the idea of a universe that came into existence at a specific point in time. This scientific understanding complements the Cosmological Argument by providing empirical evidence for a beginning, thereby necessitating a cause. This idea is reflected in Proverbs 8:27, “When he established the heavens, I was there; when he drew a circle on the face of the deep.” Here, the scripture metaphorically speaks of God’s role in the creation of the universe, aligning with the concept of a universe that began and thus had a Creator.

Additionally, Job 38:4-7 poetically describes the creation of the universe, where God questions Job about the foundations of the earth, indicating a specific starting point for creation. This biblical narrative aligns with the Cosmological Argument’s premise that the universe had a beginning and therefore a Beginner.

Faith and Reason: The Intersection in the Cosmological Argument

The intersection of faith and reason is crucial in understanding the Cosmological Argument. While the argument is based on a logical premise, it ultimately requires a step of faith to accept its conclusion. This is similar to the teaching in Hebrews 11:1, “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” Faith fills the gap between empirical evidence and the acceptance of God as the first cause.

Moreover, the Apostle Paul in Acts 17:27-28 talks about God’s nearness to each one of us, “For in him we live and move and have our being.” This suggests that the existence of God and our relationship to Him is not purely a matter of rational argumentation but also a matter of personal faith and experience.

The role of faith in accepting the Cosmological Argument is further supported by John 20:29, where Jesus says, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” This verse underlines the importance of faith in the Christian journey, including the acceptance of theological arguments like the Cosmological Argument.

Scriptural Affirmation of the Cosmological Argument

The Bible offers numerous affirmations of the key premises of the Cosmological Argument. For instance, Colossians 1:16-17 states, “For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible… all things have been created through him and for him.” This passage supports the idea of a contingent universe that owes its existence to an eternal God.

Additionally, Revelation 4:11 declares, “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they were created and have their being.” This verse explicitly attributes the existence and creation of all things to God, aligning with the Cosmological Argument’s assertion of a necessary first cause.

The Old Testament also contributes to this perspective, with Nehemiah 9:6 stating, “You alone are the Lord. You made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and all their starry host, the earth and all that is on it.” This scripture echoes the cosmological perspective of a universe that began and is sustained by God.

Conclusion

The Cosmological Argument, while not strictly rational, finds strong support in the convergence of scientific understanding and scriptural teaching. The Bible provides a rich foundation for this argument, affirming the idea of a contingent universe that points to an eternal Creator.

“Reasonable Faith: Christian Truth and Apologetics” by William Lane Craig – This book explores the rational underpinnings of Christian faith, including the Cosmological Argument.
“The Case for a Creator: A Journalist Investigates Scientific Evidence That Points Toward God” by Lee Strobel – Strobel’s investigative approach offers insights into the scientific and philosophical arguments for God’s existence, including the Cosmological Argument.