Originally posted by Great King RatThe reason that it is important to have faith in God, notice that I did not say that they simply believes that he exists, is that he changes you. Conversely, you in no way change God.
The point is we have no problem with believing god exists. When it's made clear that he indeed exists we will accept that without a problem. We have no problem changing our viewpoints when there's a good reason to do so.
Why is the act of believing that God exists so important?
I am willing to understand why it would be "required" to believe tha ...[text shortened]... he issue.
Why is it so important that we believe he exists instead of knowing?
I've known many that have been changed, and the outward manifestation is apparent to all.
Originally posted by whodeySome would say that it is the FAITH which changes people, not God. The obvious evidence ("outward manifestation" ) for that is that people are changed who believe in (or have faith in) gods which do not exist.
The reason that it is important to have faith in God, notice that I did not say that they simply believes that he exists, is that he changes you. Conversely, you in no way change God.
I've known many that have been changed, and the outward manifestation is apparent to all.
Great King Rat,
One good reason to believe in God without knowing it with our 5 senses is that the God of the bible wants us by faith to accept Jesus Christ as our Savior.
By faith we have to accept Jesus, not by sight. We are not given evidence of God Himself. We are given the earth, the people, the plants. the animals, water, and the rest of the universe to see, hear, smell, taste, and touch.
For whatever reasons, the God of the bible will not tell us all directly. It is by faith.
Secondly, it is important to believe by faith because not believing has eternal consequences. Prepare for a future that you and I don't know all about. If you prepare for the future of what might happen on the earth, then preparing for our eternity of things we don't know is simply the same.