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Writer's pictureEdward D. Andrews
13 hours ago9 min read

What Does the Moral Argument Reveal About the Existence of God?

The moral argument for the existence of God is a powerful demonstration of how the reality of objective moral values points directly to a moral Lawgiver, who is none other than Jehovah God. This argument asserts that, if objective moral values and duties exist, then there must be a transcendent source for those values and duties—something beyond human society and opinion. Since objective morality does indeed exist, the most logical conclusion is that God exists as the ultimate source of that morality.


The Bible speaks clearly to this truth, as it presents God's moral law not as a human invention but as an eternal reality, grounded in His very nature. The moral law, as revealed in Scripture, reflects the unchanging, righteous character of God, and it is this divine law that serves as the foundation for all human morality.



How Do We Define Objective Moral Values?


When discussing the moral argument, it is essential to understand what is meant by objective moral values. Objective morality means that certain actions are morally right or wrong independently of what anyone thinks or believes about them. For example, the moral value of honesty is true regardless of whether someone decides to tell a lie. Similarly, the wrongness of murder does not change based on the preferences of a particular culture or individual.


Scripture affirms that objective moral standards exist and that they are rooted in the nature of God. As Leviticus 19:2 declares, "You shall be holy, for I, Jehovah your God, am holy." This verse clearly teaches that morality is not a matter of human convention but is grounded in the holiness of God. The moral values we hold are reflections of God's perfect character, and therefore they do not fluctuate with societal changes.


In contrast, if God did not exist, there would be no ultimate foundation for objective moral values. Morality would be subjective, based merely on personal or societal preferences, and what is considered "good" or "bad" would become a matter of opinion. This is a problematic view, as it provides no firm basis for condemning truly evil actions such as genocide, slavery, or other forms of injustice. Without God, moral standards would be entirely relativistic, leading to moral chaos.



How Does the Existence of Moral Duties Point to a Lawgiver?


Not only do objective moral values exist, but we also recognize that there are moral duties—obligations that we are required to fulfill. For example, people generally agree that we have a duty to be honest, to treat others with kindness, and to protect the vulnerable. But why do we feel obligated to do what is right, even when it is difficult or inconvenient?


The Bible provides the answer: these duties are rooted in God's commands. Just as a law requires a lawgiver, moral duties require an authority who has the right to impose obligations upon us. Romans 2:14-15 illustrates this truth: "For when Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law. They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts." This passage indicates that all people, regardless of their background, possess an innate sense of moral obligation. This moral compass is written into the hearts of humanity by God, the supreme Lawgiver.


It is crucial to note that moral duties do not arise from mere societal norms or personal preferences. If moral duties were simply a product of societal convention, then they would lack binding authority. What would stop a society from declaring something like theft or lying to be morally acceptable? However, since moral duties are grounded in the commands of an unchanging God, they remain binding upon all people, regardless of individual or cultural opinion.



Can Atheism Provide a Foundation for Morality?


One of the central challenges to the moral argument comes from atheism. Atheists often assert that morality can exist independently of God. They might argue that moral values and duties arise from evolutionary processes, societal consensus, or human reason. However, upon closer examination, these explanations fall short of providing a sufficient foundation for objective morality.


First, if morality is the product of evolution, then it is merely a biological instinct that developed to enhance survival. This would mean that moral values are not truly objective but are simply useful behaviors that have been passed down because they contribute to human flourishing. But if morality is just a survival mechanism, then why should we consider actions like altruism or self-sacrifice to be morally good? After all, such actions do not always contribute to personal survival. Furthermore, if moral values are rooted in evolution, they could change over time, leaving us with no stable foundation for moral truth.


Second, if morality is based on societal consensus, then it becomes entirely subjective. Different cultures could define morality in completely opposite ways, and there would be no objective standard by which to judge which culture is correct. For instance, one society might consider slavery to be morally acceptable, while another condemns it. Without an objective moral standard, we would have no basis for condemning the immoral practices of other societies.


The Bible offers a starkly different view. It teaches that moral values are not the result of human evolution or societal agreement, but are established by God Himself. Isaiah 33:22 affirms, "For Jehovah is our judge; Jehovah is our lawgiver; Jehovah is our king; he will save us." God alone has the authority to determine what is morally right and wrong, and His moral laws reflect His perfect justice and righteousness. Without God, objective moral values and duties cannot exist.



How Does the Bible Present God as the Source of Moral Law?


Throughout the Scriptures, God is presented as the ultimate source of moral law. His commands are not arbitrary but flow from His righteous nature. As Psalm 119:137 declares, "Righteous are you, O Jehovah, and right are your rules." God's commands are an expression of His perfect moral character, and they provide humanity with a clear standard for how we ought to live.


The Ten Commandments, given to Moses on Mount Sinai (Exodus 20), are a prime example of God's moral law. These commandments reflect universal moral truths, such as the prohibition against murder, theft, and adultery. These are not merely cultural rules for ancient Israel; they are timeless principles that apply to all people, as they are rooted in God's unchanging character.


Furthermore, Jesus summarized the moral law in Matthew 22:37-40 when He was asked about the greatest commandment. He responded, "You shall love Jehovah your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets." Here, Jesus affirms that love for God and love for others are at the heart of all moral obligations. These commands reflect God's nature, for "God is love" (1 John 4:8), and they show us how to live in a way that pleases Him.



Why Is the Moral Argument Significant for Christian Apologetics?


The moral argument is particularly effective in Christian apologetics because it resonates with the lived experience of every human being. People universally recognize the reality of moral values and duties, even if they may disagree on certain specifics. When engaging with skeptics, the moral argument challenges them to consider the foundation of their moral beliefs. Why do we believe that some actions are objectively right or wrong, regardless of human opinion? What grounds our sense of moral duty? These questions lead naturally to the conclusion that a transcendent moral Lawgiver—God—must exist.


Moreover, the moral argument provides a way to demonstrate the shortcomings of atheism and other worldviews that deny the existence of a personal God. Without God, there is no objective foundation for morality. Atheism may attempt to explain morality through evolution, societal norms, or individual preferences, but none of these can provide an adequate grounding for moral truth. Only the existence of a transcendent, personal God can explain why moral values and duties are binding on all people at all times.


Romans 1:20-22 speaks to this issue: "For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse. For although they knew God, they did not honor him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their foolish hearts were darkened." This passage highlights that the evidence for God's existence is clear, yet many people suppress this truth. The moral argument is one way to bring this truth to the forefront, helping skeptics see the inconsistency of their worldview and leading them to consider the existence of God.



How Does the Moral Argument Reflect the Image of God in Humanity?


The Bible teaches that human beings are made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26-27), and this is why we possess moral awareness. Unlike animals, which operate based on instinct, humans have the capacity to make moral choices and to discern right from wrong. This moral awareness reflects the divine image in us, as God is the ultimate moral being.


Because we are created in God's image, we are accountable to Him for our actions. Ecclesiastes 12:14 warns, "For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil." This accountability to God reinforces the reality of objective morality. Our moral choices have eternal significance, as we will one day stand before God to give an account of our lives.


This biblical truth is also evident in the conscience, which the apostle Paul describes in Romans 2:15: "They show that the work of the law is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or even excuse them." The conscience, though imperfect due to the fall, still reflects the moral law of God and points to the reality of a moral standard beyond ourselves.


The moral argument for the existence of God is a powerful demonstration of how the reality of objective moral values and duties points directly to a transcendent, moral Lawgiver—Jehovah God. Objective morality, as grounded in God's unchanging character, provides the only sufficient foundation for understanding why certain actions are universally right or wrong. The Bible affirms this truth, revealing that God's moral law is not a product of human convention but is rooted in His righteous and holy nature.


Atheistic attempts to explain morality through evolutionary processes, societal norms, or personal preferences fall short of providing an adequate basis for objective moral values. Without God, morality becomes subjective and relativistic, leaving no firm ground for condemning evil or upholding justice.


As believers, we can confidently present the moral argument as part of our defense of the Christian faith, pointing people to the reality of God's existence and His righteous standard. Through this argument, we can show skeptics that their own moral convictions are best explained by the existence of a transcendent God who has written His moral law on the hearts of all humanity.


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).


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