One of the major enemies of our confidence in the authority of the bible as God's word is the alleged inconsistencies with the findings of science. We wish to address this enemy in this issue, but not from the approach that is usually taken. Most publications with the title above attempt to demonstrate the consistency between the bible and the truth of science, or they might attempt to discredit some current theories as “science falsely so called (1 Tim. 6:20).
Our major premise here is that one need not be a scientist to determine if the bible is the word of God. Neither should one have to determine which scientist to believe and which not to believe. Not that we have anything against science -- one of the editors of TTT is a practicing pharmacist, and the other has a PhD in engineering. But it is not the credentials of the writers that make their writings true. If so, only the educated could be saved.
Yet, the apostle Paul made it abundantly clear that those who were respected by the world were at a distinct disadvantage when it came to being chosen by God (1 Cor. 1:26-31). We know that Jesus called those who were not highly educated to be his disciples. And he expected many who could not even read to understand his most sublime teachings (see Lk. 10:21-24).
We are not trying to denigrate science or scholarship -- God wants you to be (as the Army says) "all that you can be" (Gen. 1:28). But, academic pursuits and the pursuit of righteousness are two separate things. Hopefully we will be able to bring some light to bear on this process by looking into God's holy word.
These bible study questions provide assistance to you in studying and teaching God's word. The answers are quite clear, and they prove that we can have the same understanding as the apostles had by reading what they wrote ( Ephesians 3:4 ). We challenge you to open your bible and establish the truth.
ON OUR STANDARD FOR TRUTH
What is the source of our faith? Romans 10:17
Where is the righteousness of God revealed? Romans 1:16-17
Where did Paul get the things that he wrote? 1 Cor. 2:13
Were the things that Paul wrote the commandments of God? 1 Cor. 14:37
Should we allow the teachings of man (whether they be “scientific” or otherwise) to shake out faith in what has been delivered? Gal. 1:8
What are the things that we are to think upon? Phil. 4:8
What will thinking on these things bring about? Phil. 4:9
What will be the reason that some perish? 2 Thes. 2:10
Why was Paul writing to Timothy? 1 Tim. 3:14-15
Do the writings which God has inspired have the capacity to thoroughly furnish us unto every good work? 2 Tim. 3:16-17
If I stated: Sunrise is at 6:30 AM tomorrow, you would not think this strange. Yet, the sun does not rise; it stands still (relatively speaking) and the earth rotates. However, this is common terminology for our day, and the fact that I use it does not establish that I am ignorant or being inten- tionally misleading. I was communicating effectively using the language of our day.
In a similar way, the bible is a book of spiritual truths. Generally, it does not contain things that we can find out for ourselves. While it contains some facts of history and some limited scientific information, it does not claim to be providing information on either. Thus, certain passages taken out of context might appear at face value to be inconsistent with what we might understand about science or history. For example, Rev. 20:7 might be concluded to teach that the earth has four corners, while it is merely a figurative statement meaning the entire earth. Of course, if this statement were in the context of a geography book, it would imply something completely different.
The bible reveals many things that must be contradictory to science. All miracles are counter to science. Attempts to explain them in scientific terms are self defeating. It is the very fact that these events did not conform to natural science that made them supernatural acts, and proved the revelation which accompanied them. Satan has also been given the limited ability to use (and appear to use) supernatural powers (2 Thes. 2:9).
Because it cannot be repeated, evolution can neither be proven nor disproven. There has been as much controversy among evolutions as between evolutionists and creationists. Few evolutionists are atheists, since evolution still requires a first cause as well as some impetus to defy the second law of thermodynamics. When you ask for the evidence of evolution the usual response is: "it is accepted by all scientists," which, of course, is not true. The fact that it is accepted by the majority proves nothing except the observable fact that those who do not accept it are generally shunned by the scientific community.
Christians need to keep an open mind and continue searching for better understanding of God's word. When confronted with a challenge, ask yourself: am I placing my faith in God, or in the teachings of fallible men?
There is no scientific proof that God exists . . .
but the apostle Paul said (Romans 1:20):
"For the invisible things of him [God] since the creation of the world are clearly seen, being perceived through the things that are made, even his everlasting power and divinity; that they might be without excuse... "
The invisible things of God are those things which mankind has not witnessed. These are both physical and spiritual in nature (even His everlasting power and divinity). God has revealed himself to us through the things that are made, so that we can have sure and certain knowledge of both.
We did not see God create the world, nor any of the things herein. However, the evidence of God's activity is in the perfect harmony and balance not only of our natural world, but the universe in general. David said: The heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament showeth his handiwork (Ps. 19:1).
This evidence within the physical world can take us only so far, however. For, the spiritual knowledge that we need for eternal life -- the power of God unto salvation -- is obtained only through the gospel. Reread Romans 1:20 starting with verse 16.