Is God man made? Did people create the idea of God?

from the old testament

• The Old Testament assumes God’s eternal existence, saying “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). God is not introduced as an idea developed by human reflection but as the eternal Creator who precedes all things (Psalm 90:2).
• God reveals Himself in Scripture so people may know Him. He spoke directly to Adam (Genesis 2:16–17), Noah (Genesis 6:13), Abraham (Genesis 12:1), Moses (Exodus 3:4–6), and the prophets (Jeremiah 1:4–5; Amos 3:7). As He did, He revealed His name (Exodus 3:14), character (Exodus 34:6–7), and will (Deuteronomy 10:12–13).
• Scripture explains why other religions exist: humankind’s rebellion against God, rejecting what they know and replacing it with what they made up, often called “idols” in Scripture (Psalm 115:4–8; Isaiah 44:9–20). These false gods are not evidence that humans invented God, but that they sinfully wanted a god they could control.
• The Israelites repeatedly fell into idolatry (Exodus 32:1-6; Judges 2:11-13, 10:6). This despite God’s revelation of Himself to them, His care and provision for them, and His warning of curses for disobedience (Exodus 20:1-4; Deuteronomy 4:32–35; Exodus 16:11-5; Deuteronomy 8:2-4, 30:15-20).
• Because God is the Creator, He has the authority to hold people accountable. Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived (other than Jesus), advised us to “Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man,” with his reason being, “God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil” (Ecclesiastes 12:13-14). So, despite different religions that suppress Him, He will judge every human action according to what He has revealed (Deuteronomy 30:15–20; Ecclesiastes 12:13–14).

from the new testament

• The New Testament affirms what the Old Testament taught, namely that knowledge of God does not originate in human invention but in God’s own revelation. Paul explained that God’s “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,” leaving humanity without excuse (Romans 1:20). Pagans knew God existed but suppressed that knowledge by worshiping other things (creating other religions).
• Preaching to a pagan crowd who wanted to honor Paul and Barnabas as gods, Paul pointing to the true God, saying that He “did not leave himself without witness,” but gave us “rains from heaven and fruitful seasons,” and hearts full “with food and gladness” (Acts 14:17).
• Jesus likewise directed anxious disciples to the Father’s care for birds and fields as evidence that the world is not blind fate but Fathered provision (Matthew 6:26). Thus, every man and woman knows the true God at least to the extent of knowing the Creator is powerful.
• The New Testament also highlights that God has placed the knowledge of Him within us, in our conscience. Paul noted that Gentiles who lack the written law still “show that the work of the law is written on their hearts,” and their thoughts alternately accuse or excuse them in view of a coming judgment (Romans 2:15–16). Even those who did not receive the law of Moses were still bound to obey God because their God-given conscience revealed, internally, what was right and wrong.
• Though people know God through His works, they are unable to honor Him rightly. This is because humankind needs more than indirect evidence of God in creation. They needed God Himself to clearly explain how to escape His wrath. This is what the Bible is: God’s words to humanity (2 Timothy 3:16).
• God revealed His solution to our inability to escape His wrath. He sent His Son to die for us (John 3:16). Jesus’ death and resurrection meant that those who believed in Him would be counted righteous because Jesus has already paid for their sin (Acts 10:39–40; 2 Corinthians 5:21).
• God makes Himself known in Scripture to teach us how we can escape His wrath (i.e., Romans 1:16–17; 5:9).

implications for today

“Will I go to hell if I. . .?” Unbelievers often ask that question to Christians, filling it in with whatever sin society now accepts that God rejects. Sometimes the question is expressed lightly from genuine curiosity, and sometimes it’s a challenge to the Christian worldview. The answer is always to point them to God’s word, making it clear that we aren’t the judges, but there is a Judge who they will have to stand before one day.

Many people today think of God as a vague idea and may try to be a “good person” by going to church on Easter or giving canned goods to a local food pantry. But Christians are called to tell others that God is real, personal, and knowable because He is the One who made us. Scripture teaches that every person lives before God as His creature. We were created by Him and placed in His world, surrounded by clear signs of His power, care, and authority. Our beliefs about God reflect how we live in relation to the One who already exists and has made Himself known.

When people today reject God’s definition of truth, goodness, and purpose, what they are doing is not new, but it is just as destructive as in biblical times. Today, tell someone that God is real, that He has revealed Himself in Scripture and acted decisively in Jesus Christ so that sinners may be forgiven and restored.