November 21, 2010

To Live is Christ — holding fast

Last night we watched part of a documentary attempting to explain the origin of the universe. Scientific discoveries coupled with basics like the speed of light and modern telescopes make the universe appear to be millions of years old and created by physical causes.

For a Christian who believes in the Bible account of creation (either literally six days or that God did it somehow) a discussion like that can make one’s faith a bit wobbly. Is the Bible wrong? If it is, then my faith is wrong? However, God brought this verse to mind:

By faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that the things which are seen were not made of things which are visible. (Hebrews 11:3)
That is, what we see now is not a reliable testimony of how God did it. Science now says all things appeared when “something manifest itself out of nothing” and a  “big bang” expanded that “something” into all that now exists.

The Bible says in Genesis that God spoke and created all things.

As we watched, the discussion in the room included a statement that science knows of a force out there that they cannot explain. They can measure the energy but have no idea where it came from or what it is. This force holds all things together.

The Bible says, “God’s Son has all the brightness of God’s own glory and is like him in every way. By his own mighty word, he holds the universe together. . . .” (Hebrews 1:3, CEV)

As I listened to the discussion, one of the more scientific minded people in the room said that human beings are terribly vain to think that we are the cause of climate change. Compared to the forces in the universe and on our planet, our contributions (as bad as they are and as much as we need to smarten up) have very little to do with what is a natural cycle.

That was a refreshing remark. While I know human selfishness, waste, and carelessness pollute and scar, much more is involved in climate change. Creation is also far more complex than our understanding and the sustaining of the universe is still filled with mystery and a power science does not understand.

Today’s verses start with a reminder that in every area of life, science and the human mind is still not able to see what faith can see.

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful. (Hebrews 10:23)
My heart knows God’s Word is true because He has proven it to me repeatedly. As for science, someone said that when the scientists reach the top of their hill of discovery, they will find theologians sitting on the other side.

I’m confident that science has not yet discovered everything, but as God says, believers can waver if we get too absorbed by the latest theories. I need to heed His warning and hold fast to my confession — not because I know all the answers, but because I know that God is faithful. 


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