Where does the idea of God come from?

Is it something learned, passed down from culture to culture? Or is it something deeper — something built into us from birth?

Some claim religion is man’s invention — a way to explain what we don’t understand. But if that were true, why is belief in a higher power so widespread, across cultures, continents, and centuries? Surely not every civilization independently decided to imagine the same idea. The near-universal awareness of “God” points to something more profound than mere invention.

Hodge’s Argument: It’s Innate

In his Systematic Theology, Charles Hodge argues that the idea of God is innate — something we are born with. We don’t need to be taught that God exists; we already know. This view stands on solid biblical ground, particularly in the writings of Paul.

While Hodge appeals to Romans 2, we’ll focus here on Romans 1, where Paul lays out a compelling argument that all people — whether they've heard the gospel or not — are without excuse when it comes to knowing God.

The Context: Paul Wasn't Writing a Theology Textbook

Paul’s concern in Romans 1 isn't abstract philosophy. He is preaching the Gospel. In verses 16–17, he writes:

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes… For in it the righteousness of God is revealed…”

The gospel, Paul says, is God's power to save — accessed through faith. But this immediately raises a question: What about those who never hear the gospel?

Paul doesn’t avoid this tough question. He answers it head-on, showing us that God has already made Himself known to everyone — not just through Scripture, but through creation itself.

The Argument: God's Revelation to All People

From Romans 1:18–32, Paul outlines why no one can claim ignorance about God.

1. Everyone Knows God Exists (v18–20)

   • God has revealed Himself clearly in creation.

   • His invisible attributes — His eternal power and divine nature — are plain to all.

   • This revelation is not obscure. It’s not hidden in religious texts or locked behind education. It's evident in the world around us.

   • Because of this, all people are without excuse.

2. The Problem Isn’t Ignorance — It’s Suppression (v18, 21–23)

   • People don’t reject God because they lack evidence.

   • They reject Him because they suppress the truth in unrighteousness.

   • Deep down, they know God exists and that He is holy. But in their sin, they do not want a righteous God telling them how to live.

   • So they distort their knowledge of God, replacing Him with idols — false gods made in their own image.

Alistair Begg once pointed out how odd it is that atheists often get so angry about something they claim doesn’t exist. That rage isn’t from indifference — it’s often the bubbling up of a suppressed truth that refuses to stay buried.

3. The Truth Suppressed Is Both About God and Morality (Romans 2:14–15)

   • Paul continues this argument in Romans 2, saying that even those without the law “by nature do what the law requires.”

   • Why? Because the law is written on their hearts.

   • People instinctively know right from wrong. Their consciences accuse or excuse them.

   • The rejection of God, then, is not neutral. It’s a moral rebellion: “Don’t tell me what to do.”

The Gospel Is Still the Goal

Here’s a crucial lesson Paul teaches by example: The gospel must be the beginning and end of our conversations.

It’s possible to win an argument about God’s existence and still miss the point. You can prove Jesus is divine to a Jehovah’s Witness or debate the Sabbath with a Seventh-day Adventist — but if Christ is not seen as the only way to salvation, the conversation falls short.

Paul doesn’t just argue for God’s existence. He connects that truth to the judgment to come — and then to the good news of salvation in Christ. Let’s not forget to do the same.

So Where Does the Idea of God Come From?

According to Scripture, the idea of God:

• Is revealed by God Himself — plainly, powerfully, through creation and conscience.

• Is universally known — no one is truly ignorant.

• Is rejected not through confusion, but rebellion — people suppress what they know because they love their sin.

• Points us to our need for the gospel — the only power that can rescue us from this rebellion.

The knowledge of God is not merely academic. It leaves us accountable. But thanks be to God — the same God who made Himself known through creation has made Himself known more fully through the Gospel.

The power of salvation is not found in general revelation, but in Jesus Christ — crucified, risen, and reigning.

Let’s not stop at showing people that God exists. Let’s show them that He saves.