SACRED TRUTHS REVEALED IN NATURE.

Scientists search the heavens and earth for information that will increase man's knowledge of the physical world. They search for things that can improve the temporal life of mankind. Christians should also be keenly aware of the creation because from it they can discover great and important truths about the God we worship and serve. Knowledge of God and his workings that is gained apart from the special revelation of Scripture is called "Natural Theology."

* From observing the heavens and the earth on which we live, we can rightly conclude that a Higher Power must exist. Thus Paul writes, "For the invisible things of him since the creation of the world are clearly seen, being perceived through the things that are made, even his everlasting power and divinity" (Rom. 1:20).

* The continuing existence of the cosmos declares that God not only created or originated it, but he continues to sustain it (Heb. 1:3).

* By observing the heavens on a clear night we can see the vastness of his power and reign as well as the glorious beauty thereof. David saw this and wrote, "The heaven's declare the glory of God and the firmament showeth his handiwork" (Ps. 19:1).

* The creation tells us that God has sufficient power to have brought this enormous system into being, but he also is able to control the vast amount a raw energy that pervades it. Without such control it would be like a nuclear reaction that was not controlled, like a run away locomotive.

* Studying the living things about us, we can see that God created them in various species each of which reproduces only after its kind (Gen. 1:21, 24). Evolutionists are stymied when they try to show how one species can evolve into another which is totally different.

* Observing our natural world we can know that our God created an orderly universe. As Sir James Jeans, famous English astronomer said, the heavenly bodies move as a great clock; each body in its appointed path, each exerting gravitational force on its neighbors so that all stay just where they should be. This same orderliness is seen in the many laws of nature we have discovered. If you drop an object you can count on it falling downward, not upward. We can be sure water will flow downhill. Electricity will flow in predictable patterns so it can be used.

* Considering all of the laws of nature that have been discovered, we can conclude that there must of necessity be a great Law Giver. We also see demonstrated God's wisdom in designing and setting in place laws by which life and activity can be sustained on our planet.

* Looking about us, we can certainly conclude that our God is a lover of that which is beautiful. We see beautiful sunrises and sunsets; beautiful star-filled skies; beautiful rainbows. Billions of beautiful blossoms decorate our planet, beautiful butterflies and birds. There is much beauty not normally seen by human eyes, the beautiful formations in the caverns of the earth, beautiful jewel stones, beautifully colored life of the deep seas. All have gazed upon the beauty within the human race; the beauty of newborn babies and healthy attractive young people.

* Viewing the universe and especially the contents and creatures of our planet, we can see the magnitude of the creative genius and power of our God.

* Considering the abundant provisions for food and drink for creatures and man alike, we must conclude that our God is benevolent and generous in his blessings.

* Visiting a museum, we can see a vast array of fossilized animal and plant life. Those who read or investigate know that around the globe on which we live there is abundant evidence of a vast catastrophe that occurred sometime in the distant past. Vast beds of coal, consisting of carbonized plant life are buried deep in the bowels of the earth. Humongous beds of water-laid rock. The Scripture tells us that in the days of Noah, there was a world-wide flood which easily explains the how and why of these natural phenomena (Gen. 7:19-23).

* Standing before a mirror, we can conclude that we human beings are fearfully and wonderfully made (Ps. 139:14). The intricate detail and remarkable ability in every aspect of our physical frame cries out "What benevolent genius made me thus?" The same remarkable design of the various living things are equally impressive. Where there is such perfect design, there surely must be a brilliant designer.

* It is when we think, reason, reflect and contemplate that we realize that we are different from any and all other living things. We have strengths, power, talents and abilities above even the most intelligent and powerful of the creatures about us. We alone can contemplate the ancient past, the distant future, realms beyond our planet. The Psalmist wrote that man is a little lower than God (Ps. 8:4-5). Moses wrote that God made us in his image (Gen. 1:26).

* Observing man, we recognize that there is a sense of moral obligation impressed upon his conscience. It has been called the "sense of ought and ought not." Even in the most primitive tribes who are ignorant of God and his Word, they know there are things they ought and ought not to do. They resent when folks treat them poorly, doing things they "ought not to do!"

* There is stamped on the mind and heart of man a sense of eternity. Solomon tells us "God set eternity in their heart" (Eccle. 3:11). Thus all nations, regardless of their religious beliefs and practices, are keenly aware of life beyond the grave.

* When we consider the history of nations and cities that descended into total moral and spiritual decadence...and how each of them was destroyed in an overwhelming way, we can conclude that Someone, somewhere is the judge of men and nations rendering penalties on those who rebel against Jehovah (Dan. 4:25; Ps. 9:17).

* Our experience with others tells us that virtually all have an expectation that they will have to answer for the way they have lived in this life. This includes those who are totally ignorant of God's Word! Some who are exceedingly wicked will try to deny it, but as they near their end, most of them will be hoping, even begging for mercy from whoever, or whatever is beyond this realm.

With all of these natural revelations of God, there is much they have not told and cannot tell us. Nature knows nothing of Messiah's coming down to save us. It is mute about his vicarious death and resurrection. It has no information about what we must do to be saved and how to worship and serve him. There is much more about Jehovah that we need to know. To meet this greater need, God has given us his sacred Book, our Bible, a work of infinite wisdom, beauty and value!

To God be the Glory.
OBOURBA ASANTE TAADO.