What Is the Ontological Argument for God’s Existence and How Does It Align with Biblical Theism?

The ontological argument for God’s existence stands as one of the most profound philosophical defenses of theism. Originally formulated by Anselm of Canterbury in the eleventh century, this argument has undergone various refinements and critiques throughout history. However, while the ontological argument provides a basis for acknowledging the necessity of a supreme being, it does not inherently identify the specific God revealed in the Bible. This article explores the components of the ontological argument, addresses its philosophical implications, and demonstrates how it can align with biblical theism through scriptural support.

The Ontological Argument: A Philosophical Framework

The ontological argument is a priori, meaning it is grounded in reason and independent of empirical evidence. Anselm’s classical formulation begins with the premise that God is “that than which nothing greater can be conceived.” This concept of God as the greatest possible being implies that He must exist not only in the mind but also in reality.

Anselm reasoned as follows:

God is defined as the greatest conceivable being.
A being that exists in reality is greater than a being that exists only in the mind.
If God exists only in the mind, then a greater being could be conceived—one that exists in reality.
Therefore, God must exist in reality.

This line of reasoning has been echoed and expanded upon by other philosophers, such as René Descartes, who argued that the idea of a perfect being necessarily includes existence as one of its attributes.

Scriptural Alignment with the Ontological Argument

While the Bible does not explicitly articulate the ontological argument, its premises find resonance in the attributes and descriptions of God revealed in Scripture. For instance, the Bible consistently presents Jehovah as the ultimate, necessary, and self-existent being.

The Self-Existence of God

The self-existence of God, also known as His aseity, is foundational to the ontological argument. In Exodus 3:14, Jehovah declares, “I am who I am.” This statement affirms God’s eternal, independent existence. The concept of a necessary being—central to the ontological argument—aligns with this biblical revelation. A necessary being is one whose nonexistence is impossible, a truth echoed in passages like Psalm 90:2: “Before the mountains were born or you brought forth the whole world, from everlasting to everlasting, you are God.”

God’s Supremacy and Incomparability

The Bible repeatedly underscores God’s incomparability and ultimate greatness. Isaiah 46:9-10 states, “Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come.” This assertion of God’s unparalleled nature mirrors the ontological argument’s premise that God is the greatest conceivable being.

Critiques and Biblical Responses

The ontological argument has faced significant critiques over the centuries. Philosophers like Immanuel Kant argued that existence is not a predicate or attribute that can enhance the concept of a being. However, from a biblical perspective, existence is not merely an attribute of God but an essential part of His nature as the “living God” (Jeremiah 10:10). The argument’s reliance on reason aligns with Romans 1:20, where Paul explains that God’s “invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made.”

Limitations of the Ontological Argument

While the ontological argument establishes the logical necessity of a supreme being, it does not identify the specific God of the Bible. The argument can be applied broadly to any conception of a greatest possible being, which underscores the importance of biblical revelation in clarifying the identity and character of God.

The God Revealed in Scripture

The Bible provides details about God’s attributes, character, and works that the ontological argument cannot convey. For example, the Bible reveals God’s moral nature, love, and redemptive plan through Jesus Christ (John 3:16). The ontological argument, while useful for demonstrating the necessity of a supreme being, must be supplemented with biblical teaching to present the fullness of the God of Scripture.

Jesus Christ as the Revelation of God

In Hebrews 1:3, Jesus is described as “the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being.” While the ontological argument posits the necessity of a greatest conceivable being, only the Bible reveals this being as the triune God—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit—who acts in history to redeem humanity.

The Role of Faith and Revelation

The ontological argument relies on reason, but Scripture emphasizes the necessity of faith and revelation in understanding God. Hebrews 11:6 declares, “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” Faith is not opposed to reason but complements it by accepting truths revealed in God’s Word that surpass human comprehension.

Conclusion

The ontological argument provides a compelling philosophical basis for the existence of a supreme being, aligning with the biblical portrayal of God as self-existent, necessary, and incomparable. However, it is through Scripture that the true identity of this being is revealed as Jehovah, the God of Israel, and through Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. By combining the insights of the ontological argument with the truths of the Bible, believers can present a robust defense of biblical theism.

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About the Author

EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).