A Case for God from His Goodness

by Ken Marrs
via Sentry Magazine, Vol. 20 No. 4, December 1994

The existence of God can be proven in a number of ways. For instance:

• Teleologically (the design of the universe demands a designer)
• Cosmologically (nothing can come from nothing, everything must have an antecedent clause)
• Mathematically (if being mathematically impossible to have all elements of the universe coexisting in the proper proportions to sustain life)
• Morally (C.S. Lewis makes a compelling case that moral law, though innately known by man, clearly did not come from men)

With the exception of the moral argument, all of these point to an intellectual force that may or may not involve an emotional dimension.

In Acts 14:14-17, Paul and Barnabas are reasoning with the people of Lystra. In trying to turn the people’s worship from themselves to Jehovah. Paul and Barnabas state that they are men with the same nature as the men of Lystra. The nature of man has not always been one of peaceful co-existence (note Acts 14:19). God, however, has left a “... witness in that He did good ...” The good witness was seen in:

• the rain, and
• the fruitful seasons.

What I believe Paul and Barnabas are telling the people of Lystra here is that there is not only power and purpose seen in the true God, but also pity. Let me explain. The power of God is seen in the weather (the cosmological argument). The purpose of God is seen in the seasons (the teleological argument). The pity of God is then seen in the result of the first two: “... filling our hearts with food and gladness.” This is an argument for God based upon His goodness.

Though likely dismissed by the scientific community as valid evidence, we nevertheless see an emotional dimension to God when we consider His acts of kindness and pity upon mankind. “He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and the unjust” (Matthew 5:45). Not only is this a personal force, it is a personal force who cares (I Peter 5:7). God Himself, when asked by Moses to show His glory, chose not to speak of His Power or Wisdom, but of His Goodness (Exodus 33:19).

As the order of nature shows us and the Word of God assures us, the providential goodness of God is an integral part of this world ... whether we consider His sending of rain to wash His creation, or His sending of His Son’s blood to wash His children.