The Moral Argument

For the Existence of God

Introduction

The moral argument suggests that the existence of objective moral values and duties points toward the existence of God. This argument has been influential in philosophy and apologetics, and resonates with many who see a deep connection between morality and a divine lawgiver.

Major Points:

1. Existence of Objective Moral Values and Duties

• Objective morals are standards of right and wrong that exist independently of human opinion or culture.

• The argument holds that most people intuitively recognize some actions (such as kindness) as truly good and others (such as torture) as truly evil, regardless of context or belief.

• Biblical Support:

  • “He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” (Micah 6:8, KJV)

  • “The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.” (Psalm 19:7, KJV)

2. Moral Law Implies a Moral Lawgiver

• For moral laws to be binding and universal, they require a transcendent foundation. If God’s existence is denied, morality becomes subjective—a product of evolution or societal convention453.

• Key Thought: If objective moral values exist, their best explanation is a supreme, personal, and moral being—God.

• Biblical Support:

  • “For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law… Which show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness…” (Romans 2:14-15, KJV)

3. Presenting the Argument Formally

• The concept of moral accountability—that good will be rewarded and evil punished—aligns with the belief in a just, personal God.

• The Bible consistently teaches that God will judge everyone for their actions, reinforcing ultimate moral accountability.

• Biblical Support:

  • “For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.” (Ecclesiastes 12:14, KJV)

Supporting Points and Key Thoughts

• Human dignity and rights are based on being made in God’s image, granting every person inherent worth.

• Without God, morality loses its binding power; “good” becomes preference, not principle.

• Romans 13:1—“Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God.” (KJV)

• Psalm 15 outlines the characteristics of a righteous, moral life, connecting upright conduct directly to communion with God.

Objections and Responses

• Objection: Morality can be explained by evolution or society.

• Response: Evolutionary or social explanations describe how beliefs arise, not whether they are truly right or wrong. Only a transcendent standard truly grounds moral obligation.

Key King James Bible Scriptures

• The existence of objective moral values is best explained by the reality of God, who is the source and foundation of morality.

• Scripture supports the universality and objectivity of moral law, and consistently ties righteous living to relationship with a holy God.

• Ultimately, the moral argument remains a powerful rationale for faith in God—affirming both our sense of right and wrong, and our need for grace and accountability.