Its Most Distinctive Features
The Bible itself reveals why it is so accurate in scientific, historical and other matters and why it is so harmonious and honest. It shows that the Supreme Being, the almighty God, the Creator who authored the universe, is the Bible's author. He merely used human Bible writers as his penmen, moving them by his powerful active force to put down what he inspired them to write.
In the Bible the apostle Paul states: "All Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for setting things straight, for disciplining in righteousness, that the man of God may be fully competent, completely equipped for every good work." And the apostle Paul also said: "When you received God's word, which you heard from us, you accepted it, not as the word of men, but, just as it truthfully is, as the word of God." - 2 Timothy 3:16, 17; 1 Thessalonians 2:13.
Thus, the Bible comes from the mind of one Author - God. And with his awesome power, it was a simple thing for him to make certain that the integrity of what was written was preserved down to our day. Of this a leading authority in Bible manuscripts, Sir Frederic in Kenyon, in 1940, said: "The last foundation for any doubt that the Scriptures have come down to us substantially as they were written has now been removed."
Humans have the abiltiy to send radio and television signals to the earth from thousands of miles in space, even from the moon. Space probes have sent back to the earth physical information and pictures from planets that are hundreds of millions of miles away. Surely man's Creator, the Creator of radio waves, could do at least as much. Really, it was a simple thing for him to use his almight power to transmit words and pictures to the minds of those he chose to record the Bible.
Moreover, there are many things about the earth and life on it that give evidence of God's interest in mankind. Therefore, it is understandable that he would want to help humans find out who he is and what his purpose is for them by expressing these things clearly in a book - a permanent document.
Consider, too, the superiority of a book authored by God, compared with information handed down by humans only by word of mouth. Word of mouth would not be reliable as people would paraphrase the message, and over a period of time, its meaning would be distorted. They would relay the information by the spoken word according to their own viewpoint. But a God-inspired, permanent written record is much less likely to contain errors. Also, a book can be reproduced and translated so that people reading various languages can benefit from it. So is it not reasonable that our Creator uses such a means to provide information? Indeed, it is more than reasonable, since the Creator says that this is what he did.
Continued-Next time: Fulfilled Prophecy
1.18.2005
1.12.2005
Internal Harmony And Candor
Imagine that a book began to be written during the time of the Roman Empire, continued down through the Middle Ages, and was completed in this 20th century, with many different writers contributing. What result would you anticipate if the writers were as diverse in their occupations as soldiers, kings, priests, fishermen, herdsmen and doctors? Would you expect the book to be harmonious and coherent? Hardly! you may say. Well, the Bible was written under these circumstances. Yet, it is harmonious in its entirety, not just in overall concepts but in minute details too.
The Bible is a collection of 66 written over a period of 1,600 years by some 40 different writers, beginning in 1513 B.C.E. and ending in 98 B.C.E. The writers came from different walks of life, and many had no contact with the others. Yet, the book that resulted follows a central, coherent theme throughout, as though produced by one mind. And contrary to the belief of some, the Bible is not a product of Western civilization, but it was written by Orientals.
While the majority of ancient writers reported only their successes and virtues, the Bible writers openly admitted their own mistakes, as well as the failings of their kings and leaders. Numbers 20:1-13 and Deuteronomy 32:50-52 record the failings of Moses, and he wrote those books. Jonah 1:1-3 and 4:1 list the failings of Jonah, who wrote those accounts. Matthew 17:18-20; 18:1-6; 20:20-28; and 26:56 record poor qualities shown by Jesus's disciples. Thus, the honesty and candor of the Bible writers give support to their claim of being inspired by God.
Continued - Next time: Its Most Distinctive Features
Imagine that a book began to be written during the time of the Roman Empire, continued down through the Middle Ages, and was completed in this 20th century, with many different writers contributing. What result would you anticipate if the writers were as diverse in their occupations as soldiers, kings, priests, fishermen, herdsmen and doctors? Would you expect the book to be harmonious and coherent? Hardly! you may say. Well, the Bible was written under these circumstances. Yet, it is harmonious in its entirety, not just in overall concepts but in minute details too.
The Bible is a collection of 66 written over a period of 1,600 years by some 40 different writers, beginning in 1513 B.C.E. and ending in 98 B.C.E. The writers came from different walks of life, and many had no contact with the others. Yet, the book that resulted follows a central, coherent theme throughout, as though produced by one mind. And contrary to the belief of some, the Bible is not a product of Western civilization, but it was written by Orientals.
While the majority of ancient writers reported only their successes and virtues, the Bible writers openly admitted their own mistakes, as well as the failings of their kings and leaders. Numbers 20:1-13 and Deuteronomy 32:50-52 record the failings of Moses, and he wrote those books. Jonah 1:1-3 and 4:1 list the failings of Jonah, who wrote those accounts. Matthew 17:18-20; 18:1-6; 20:20-28; and 26:56 record poor qualities shown by Jesus's disciples. Thus, the honesty and candor of the Bible writers give support to their claim of being inspired by God.
Continued - Next time: Its Most Distinctive Features
1.06.2005
Historical Accuracy
The Bible contains the most accurate ancient history of any book in existence. The book A Lawyer Examines The Bible highlights its historical accuracy this way: " While romances, legends and false testimony are careful to place the events related in some distant place and some indefinite time, thereby violating the first rules we lawyers learn of good pleading, that 'the declaration must give time and place,' the Bible narratives give us the date and place of the things related with the utmost precision."
The New Bible Dictionary comments: "[The writer of Acts] sets his narrative in the framework of contemporary history; his pages are full of references to city magistrates, provincial governors, client kings, and the like, and these references time after time prove to be just right for the place and time in question."
Writing in The Union Bible Companion S. Austin Allibone says: " Sir Isaac Newton... was also eminent as a critic of ancient writings, and examined with great care the Holy Scriptures. What is his verdict on this point? 'I find, says he, 'more sure marks of authenticity in the New Testament than in any profane [secular] history whatever.' Dr. Johnson says that we have more evidence that Jesus Christ died on Calvary, as stated in the Gospels, than we have that Julius Caesar died in the Capitol. We have indeed, far more.
This source adds: " Ask anyone who professes to doubt the truth of the Gospel history what reason he has for believing that Caesar died in the Capitol, or that the Emperor Charlemagne was crowned Emperor of the West by Pope Leo III. In 800? ....How do you know that such a man as Charles I. [Of England] ever lived, and was beheaded, and that Oliver Cromwell became ruler is his stead? .... Sir Isaac Newton is credited with the discovery of the law of gravitation...We believe all the assertions just made respecting these men; and that because we have historical evidence of their truth...If, on the production of such proof as this, any still refuse to believe, we abandon them as stupidly perverse or hopelessly ignorant."
Then this source concludes: "What shall we say, then, of those who, notwithstanding the abundant evidence now produced of the authenticity of the Holy Scriptures, profess themselves unconvinced?.... Surely we have reason to conclude that it is the heart rather than the head which is at fault; - that they do no wish to believe that which humbles their pride, and will force them to lead different lives."
Continued- Next time: Internal Harmony And Candor
The Bible contains the most accurate ancient history of any book in existence. The book A Lawyer Examines The Bible highlights its historical accuracy this way: " While romances, legends and false testimony are careful to place the events related in some distant place and some indefinite time, thereby violating the first rules we lawyers learn of good pleading, that 'the declaration must give time and place,' the Bible narratives give us the date and place of the things related with the utmost precision."
The New Bible Dictionary comments: "[The writer of Acts] sets his narrative in the framework of contemporary history; his pages are full of references to city magistrates, provincial governors, client kings, and the like, and these references time after time prove to be just right for the place and time in question."
Writing in The Union Bible Companion S. Austin Allibone says: " Sir Isaac Newton... was also eminent as a critic of ancient writings, and examined with great care the Holy Scriptures. What is his verdict on this point? 'I find, says he, 'more sure marks of authenticity in the New Testament than in any profane [secular] history whatever.' Dr. Johnson says that we have more evidence that Jesus Christ died on Calvary, as stated in the Gospels, than we have that Julius Caesar died in the Capitol. We have indeed, far more.
This source adds: " Ask anyone who professes to doubt the truth of the Gospel history what reason he has for believing that Caesar died in the Capitol, or that the Emperor Charlemagne was crowned Emperor of the West by Pope Leo III. In 800? ....How do you know that such a man as Charles I. [Of England] ever lived, and was beheaded, and that Oliver Cromwell became ruler is his stead? .... Sir Isaac Newton is credited with the discovery of the law of gravitation...We believe all the assertions just made respecting these men; and that because we have historical evidence of their truth...If, on the production of such proof as this, any still refuse to believe, we abandon them as stupidly perverse or hopelessly ignorant."
Then this source concludes: "What shall we say, then, of those who, notwithstanding the abundant evidence now produced of the authenticity of the Holy Scriptures, profess themselves unconvinced?.... Surely we have reason to conclude that it is the heart rather than the head which is at fault; - that they do no wish to believe that which humbles their pride, and will force them to lead different lives."
Continued- Next time: Internal Harmony And Candor
1.05.2005
The Composition Of Living Things
"Jehovah God proceeded to form the man out of dust from the ground," Genesis 2:7 states. The World Book Encyclopedia says: " All the chemical elements that make up living things are also present in nonliving matter." So all the basic chemicals that make up living organisms, including man, are also found in the earth itself. This harmonizes with the Bible's statement that identifies the material God used in creating humans and all other living things.
"According To Their Kinds." The Bible states that God created the first human pair and that from them all other humans descended. (Genesis 1:26-28; 3:20) It says that other living things, such as fish, birds and mammals, did the same, coming forth "according to their kinds." (Genesis 1:11m 12, 21, 24, 25) This is just what scientists have found in the natural creation, that every living thing comes from a parent of like kind. There is no exception. In this regard physicist Raymo observes: "Life makes life; it happens all the time in every cell. But how did nonlife make life? It is one of the biggest unanswered questions in biology, and so far biologists can offer little more than wild guesses. Somehow inanimate matter managed to get itself organized in an animate way.....The author of Genesis may have had it right, after all."
Continued- Next time: Historical Accuracy
"Jehovah God proceeded to form the man out of dust from the ground," Genesis 2:7 states. The World Book Encyclopedia says: " All the chemical elements that make up living things are also present in nonliving matter." So all the basic chemicals that make up living organisms, including man, are also found in the earth itself. This harmonizes with the Bible's statement that identifies the material God used in creating humans and all other living things.
"According To Their Kinds." The Bible states that God created the first human pair and that from them all other humans descended. (Genesis 1:26-28; 3:20) It says that other living things, such as fish, birds and mammals, did the same, coming forth "according to their kinds." (Genesis 1:11m 12, 21, 24, 25) This is just what scientists have found in the natural creation, that every living thing comes from a parent of like kind. There is no exception. In this regard physicist Raymo observes: "Life makes life; it happens all the time in every cell. But how did nonlife make life? It is one of the biggest unanswered questions in biology, and so far biologists can offer little more than wild guesses. Somehow inanimate matter managed to get itself organized in an animate way.....The author of Genesis may have had it right, after all."
Continued- Next time: Historical Accuracy
12.31.2004
The Shape Of The Earth
The Encyclopedia Americana said: " The earliest known image that man had of the earth was that it was a flat, rigid platform at the center fo the universe.... The concept of a spherical earth was not widely accepted until the Renaissance." Some early navigators even feared that they might sail off the edge of the flat earth. But then the introduction of the compass and other advancements made possible longer ocean voyages. These "voyages of discovery," another encyclopedia explains, "showed that the world was round, not flat as most people had believed."
Yet, long before such voyages, about 2,700 years ago, the Bible said: "There is one who is dwelling above the circle of the earth." (Isaiah 40:22) The Hebrew word here translated "circle" can also mean "sphere," as various reference works note. Other Bible translations,therefore, say, "the globe of the earth " (Douay Version) and, "the round earth." - Moffatt.
Thus, the Bible was not influenced by the unscientific views prevalent at the time regarding the earth's support and its shape. The reason is simple: The author of the Bible is the author of the universe. He created the earth, so he should know what it hands on and what its shape is. Hence, when he inspired the Bible, he saw to it that no unscientific views were incorporated in it, however, much they may have been believed by others at the time.
Continued-Next time: The Composition Of Living Things
The Encyclopedia Americana said: " The earliest known image that man had of the earth was that it was a flat, rigid platform at the center fo the universe.... The concept of a spherical earth was not widely accepted until the Renaissance." Some early navigators even feared that they might sail off the edge of the flat earth. But then the introduction of the compass and other advancements made possible longer ocean voyages. These "voyages of discovery," another encyclopedia explains, "showed that the world was round, not flat as most people had believed."
Yet, long before such voyages, about 2,700 years ago, the Bible said: "There is one who is dwelling above the circle of the earth." (Isaiah 40:22) The Hebrew word here translated "circle" can also mean "sphere," as various reference works note. Other Bible translations,therefore, say, "the globe of the earth " (Douay Version) and, "the round earth." - Moffatt.
Thus, the Bible was not influenced by the unscientific views prevalent at the time regarding the earth's support and its shape. The reason is simple: The author of the Bible is the author of the universe. He created the earth, so he should know what it hands on and what its shape is. Hence, when he inspired the Bible, he saw to it that no unscientific views were incorporated in it, however, much they may have been believed by others at the time.
Continued-Next time: The Composition Of Living Things
12.27.2004
Scientific Accuracy
For example, while the Bible was not written as a science textbook, it is in harmony with true science when it deals with scientific matters. But other ancient books regarded as sacred contain scientific myths, inaccuracies and outright falsehoods. Note just four of the many examples of the Bible's scientific accuracy.
How the earth is held in space. In ancient times when the Bible was being written, there was much speculation about how the earth was held in space. Some believed that the earth was supported by four elephants standing on a big sea turtle. Aristotle, a Greek philosopher and scientist of the fourth century B.C.E., taught that the earth could never hang in empty space. Instead, he taught that the heavenly bodies were fixed to the surface of solid, transparent spheres,with each sphere nested within another sphere. Supposedly the earth was on the innermost sphere, and the outermost sphere held the stars.
Yet, rather than reflect the fanciful, unscientific views existing at the time of its writing, the Bible simply stated (in about the year 1473 B.C.E.): "[God is] hanging the earth upon nothing." (Job 26:7) In the original Hebrew, the word for "nothing" used here means "not any thing," and this is the only time it occurs in the Bible. The picture it presents of an earth surrounded by empty space is recognized by scholars as a remarkable vision for its time. The Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament says: "Job 26:7 strikingly pictures the then known world as suspended in space, thereby anticipating future scientific discovery."
The Bible's accurate statement predated Aristotle by over 1,100 years. Yet, Aristotle's views continued to be taught as fact for some 2,000 years after his death! Finally, in 1687 C.E., Sir Isaac Newton published his findings that the earth was held in space relation to other heavenly objects by mutual attraction, that is, gravity. But that was close to 3,200 years after the Bible had stated with elegant simplicity that the earth is hanging "upon nothing."
Yes, nearly 3,500 years ago, the Bible correctly noted that the earth has no visible support, a fact that is in harmony with the more recently understood laws of gravity and motion. " How Job knew the truth," said one scholar, 'is a question not easily solved by those who deny the inspiration of Holy Scripture."
Continued - Next time: The Shape Of The Earth
For example, while the Bible was not written as a science textbook, it is in harmony with true science when it deals with scientific matters. But other ancient books regarded as sacred contain scientific myths, inaccuracies and outright falsehoods. Note just four of the many examples of the Bible's scientific accuracy.
How the earth is held in space. In ancient times when the Bible was being written, there was much speculation about how the earth was held in space. Some believed that the earth was supported by four elephants standing on a big sea turtle. Aristotle, a Greek philosopher and scientist of the fourth century B.C.E., taught that the earth could never hang in empty space. Instead, he taught that the heavenly bodies were fixed to the surface of solid, transparent spheres,with each sphere nested within another sphere. Supposedly the earth was on the innermost sphere, and the outermost sphere held the stars.
Yet, rather than reflect the fanciful, unscientific views existing at the time of its writing, the Bible simply stated (in about the year 1473 B.C.E.): "[God is] hanging the earth upon nothing." (Job 26:7) In the original Hebrew, the word for "nothing" used here means "not any thing," and this is the only time it occurs in the Bible. The picture it presents of an earth surrounded by empty space is recognized by scholars as a remarkable vision for its time. The Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament says: "Job 26:7 strikingly pictures the then known world as suspended in space, thereby anticipating future scientific discovery."
The Bible's accurate statement predated Aristotle by over 1,100 years. Yet, Aristotle's views continued to be taught as fact for some 2,000 years after his death! Finally, in 1687 C.E., Sir Isaac Newton published his findings that the earth was held in space relation to other heavenly objects by mutual attraction, that is, gravity. But that was close to 3,200 years after the Bible had stated with elegant simplicity that the earth is hanging "upon nothing."
Yes, nearly 3,500 years ago, the Bible correctly noted that the earth has no visible support, a fact that is in harmony with the more recently understood laws of gravity and motion. " How Job knew the truth," said one scholar, 'is a question not easily solved by those who deny the inspiration of Holy Scripture."
Continued - Next time: The Shape Of The Earth
12.24.2004
A Unique Source Of Superior Wisdom
Is the Bible the record of that superior wisdom? Can it give us truthful answers to the important questions that have to do with the purpose of life?
Certainly the Bible is worthy of our examination. One reason is that it is the most unusual book ever assembled, very different from any other book. Consider the following facts.
Oldest, Most Widely Distributed Book
The Bible is the oldest book ever written, parts of it being composed some 3,500 years ago. It is many centuries older than any other book considered sacred. The first of the66 books that it contains was written about a thousand years before Buddha and Confucius and some two thousand years before Muhammad.
The history recorded in the Bible goes back to the beginning of the human family and explains how we came to be here on earth. It even takes us back to the time before humans were created, giving us facts about the formation of the earth.
Other religious books, and nonreligious one too, have only a few copies of their old manuscripts left in existence. About 13,000 handwritten copies of the Bible or parts of it exists in Hebrew and Greek, some of which date from close to the time of the original writing. These have survived even though the most concentrated onslaughts imaginable have been attempted against the Bible.
Also, the Bible is by far the most widely distributed book in history. About three billion Bibles or parts of it have been distributed in some two thousand languages. It is said that 98 percent of the human family have access to the Bible in their own language. No other book comes close to that circulation.
In addition, no other ancient book compares with the Bible in accuracy. Scientists, historians, archaeologists, geographers, language experts and others continually verify Bible accounts.
Conitinue-Next time: Scientific Accuracy
Is the Bible the record of that superior wisdom? Can it give us truthful answers to the important questions that have to do with the purpose of life?
Certainly the Bible is worthy of our examination. One reason is that it is the most unusual book ever assembled, very different from any other book. Consider the following facts.
Oldest, Most Widely Distributed Book
The Bible is the oldest book ever written, parts of it being composed some 3,500 years ago. It is many centuries older than any other book considered sacred. The first of the66 books that it contains was written about a thousand years before Buddha and Confucius and some two thousand years before Muhammad.
The history recorded in the Bible goes back to the beginning of the human family and explains how we came to be here on earth. It even takes us back to the time before humans were created, giving us facts about the formation of the earth.
Other religious books, and nonreligious one too, have only a few copies of their old manuscripts left in existence. About 13,000 handwritten copies of the Bible or parts of it exists in Hebrew and Greek, some of which date from close to the time of the original writing. These have survived even though the most concentrated onslaughts imaginable have been attempted against the Bible.
Also, the Bible is by far the most widely distributed book in history. About three billion Bibles or parts of it have been distributed in some two thousand languages. It is said that 98 percent of the human family have access to the Bible in their own language. No other book comes close to that circulation.
In addition, no other ancient book compares with the Bible in accuracy. Scientists, historians, archaeologists, geographers, language experts and others continually verify Bible accounts.
Conitinue-Next time: Scientific Accuracy
12.21.2004
This is an interesting story that lets you know that God is always watching over you.
Isn't it amazing how God works in our lives! One Saturday night, this pastor was working late, and decided to call his wife before he left for home. It was about 10:00 pm, but his wife didn't answer the phone. The pastor let it ring many times. He thought it was odd that she didn't answer, but decided to wrap up a few things and try again in a few minutes.
When he tried again she answered right away. He asked her why she hadn't answered before, and she said that it hadn't rung at their house. They brushed it off as a fluke and went on their merry way.
The following Monday, the pastor received a call at the church office, which was the phone that he had used that Saturday night. The man that he spoke with wanted to know why he's called on Saturday night. The pastor couldn't figure out what the man was talking about. Then the man said: " It rang and rang, but I didn't answer." The pastor remembered the mishap and apologized for disturbing him, explaining that he had intended to call his wife.
The man said: "That's ok. Let me tell you my story. You see, I was planning to commit suicide on Saturday night, but before I did, I prayed, 'God if you're there, and you don't want me to do this, give me a sign now.'
At that point my phone started to ring. I looked at the caller ID, and it said: 'Almighty God." I was afraid to answer!" The reason why it showed on the man's caller ID that the call came from '' Almighty God" is because the church that the pastor attends is called Almighty God Tabernacle!
Isn't it amazing how God works in our lives! One Saturday night, this pastor was working late, and decided to call his wife before he left for home. It was about 10:00 pm, but his wife didn't answer the phone. The pastor let it ring many times. He thought it was odd that she didn't answer, but decided to wrap up a few things and try again in a few minutes.
When he tried again she answered right away. He asked her why she hadn't answered before, and she said that it hadn't rung at their house. They brushed it off as a fluke and went on their merry way.
The following Monday, the pastor received a call at the church office, which was the phone that he had used that Saturday night. The man that he spoke with wanted to know why he's called on Saturday night. The pastor couldn't figure out what the man was talking about. Then the man said: " It rang and rang, but I didn't answer." The pastor remembered the mishap and apologized for disturbing him, explaining that he had intended to call his wife.
The man said: "That's ok. Let me tell you my story. You see, I was planning to commit suicide on Saturday night, but before I did, I prayed, 'God if you're there, and you don't want me to do this, give me a sign now.'
At that point my phone started to ring. I looked at the caller ID, and it said: 'Almighty God." I was afraid to answer!" The reason why it showed on the man's caller ID that the call came from '' Almighty God" is because the church that the pastor attends is called Almighty God Tabernacle!
12.16.2004
"Wonderfully Made"
In the Bible the palmist David acknowledged: "In a fear - inspiring way I am wonderfully made." (Psalm 139:14) Surely that is the truth, for the human brain and body were marvelously designed by the Supreme Designer.
For instance, your brain is far more complex than any computer. The New Encyclopedia Britannica notes: "Transmission of information within the nervous system is more complex than the largest telephone exchanges; problem solving by human brain exceeds by far the capacity of the most powerful computers."
Hundreds of millions of facts and mental images are stored in your brain, but it is not merely a storehouse of facts. With it you can learn how to whistle, bake bread, speak foreign languages, use a computer, or fly an airplane. You can imagine what a vacation would be like or how delicious a fruit will taste. You can analyze and make things. You can also plan, appreciate, love and relate your thoughts to the past, the present, and the future. Since we humans cannot design such a thing as the awesome human brain, then the one who designed it obviously has wisdom and ability far greater than that of any human.
Regarding the brain, scientist admit: "How these functions are carried out by this magnificiently patterned, orderly and fantastically complex piece of machinery is quite obscure... Human beings may never solve all the separate individual puzzles the brain presents." Scientific American and physics professor Raymo says: " If the truth be told, we still don't know much about how the human brain stores information, or how it is able to call up memories at will...There are as many as a hundred billion nerve cells in the human brain. Each cell is in communication, through a treelike array of synapses, with thousands of other cells. The possibilties of interconnecton are staggeringly intricate."
Your eyes are more precise and adaptable than any camera; in fact, they are fully automatic, self-focusing, color motion-picture cameras. Your ears can detect a variety of sounds and give you a sense of direction and balance. Your heart is a pump with capabilties that the best engineers have not been able to duplicate. Also magnificent are other body parts: your nose, tongue, and hands as well as your circulatory and digestive systems, to name a few.
Thus, an engineer who was hired to design and build a large computer reasoned: "If my computer required a designer, how much more so did that complex physio-chemical-biological machine which is my human body - which in turn is but an extremely minute part of the well-nigh infinite cosmos?"
Just as people hava purpose in mind when they make airplanes, computers, bicycles and other devices, so the Designer fo the brain and body of humans must have had a purpose in designing us. And this Designer has to have wisdom superior to that of humans, since none of us can duplicate his designs. It is logical, then, that he is the One who can tell us why he designed us, why he puts us on earth, and where we are going.
When we learn those things, then the wonderful brain and body God gave us can be used toward fulfilling our purpose in life. But where can we learn about his purposes? Where does he give us that information?
Continue- Next time: A Unique Source Of Superior Wisdom
In the Bible the palmist David acknowledged: "In a fear - inspiring way I am wonderfully made." (Psalm 139:14) Surely that is the truth, for the human brain and body were marvelously designed by the Supreme Designer.
For instance, your brain is far more complex than any computer. The New Encyclopedia Britannica notes: "Transmission of information within the nervous system is more complex than the largest telephone exchanges; problem solving by human brain exceeds by far the capacity of the most powerful computers."
Hundreds of millions of facts and mental images are stored in your brain, but it is not merely a storehouse of facts. With it you can learn how to whistle, bake bread, speak foreign languages, use a computer, or fly an airplane. You can imagine what a vacation would be like or how delicious a fruit will taste. You can analyze and make things. You can also plan, appreciate, love and relate your thoughts to the past, the present, and the future. Since we humans cannot design such a thing as the awesome human brain, then the one who designed it obviously has wisdom and ability far greater than that of any human.
Regarding the brain, scientist admit: "How these functions are carried out by this magnificiently patterned, orderly and fantastically complex piece of machinery is quite obscure... Human beings may never solve all the separate individual puzzles the brain presents." Scientific American and physics professor Raymo says: " If the truth be told, we still don't know much about how the human brain stores information, or how it is able to call up memories at will...There are as many as a hundred billion nerve cells in the human brain. Each cell is in communication, through a treelike array of synapses, with thousands of other cells. The possibilties of interconnecton are staggeringly intricate."
Your eyes are more precise and adaptable than any camera; in fact, they are fully automatic, self-focusing, color motion-picture cameras. Your ears can detect a variety of sounds and give you a sense of direction and balance. Your heart is a pump with capabilties that the best engineers have not been able to duplicate. Also magnificent are other body parts: your nose, tongue, and hands as well as your circulatory and digestive systems, to name a few.
Thus, an engineer who was hired to design and build a large computer reasoned: "If my computer required a designer, how much more so did that complex physio-chemical-biological machine which is my human body - which in turn is but an extremely minute part of the well-nigh infinite cosmos?"
Just as people hava purpose in mind when they make airplanes, computers, bicycles and other devices, so the Designer fo the brain and body of humans must have had a purpose in designing us. And this Designer has to have wisdom superior to that of humans, since none of us can duplicate his designs. It is logical, then, that he is the One who can tell us why he designed us, why he puts us on earth, and where we are going.
When we learn those things, then the wonderful brain and body God gave us can be used toward fulfilling our purpose in life. But where can we learn about his purposes? Where does he give us that information?
Continue- Next time: A Unique Source Of Superior Wisdom
12.10.2004
What The Bible Says
The Bible, mankind's oldest book, draws the same conclusion. For example, in the Bible book of Hebrews, written by the apostle Paul, we are told: "Of course, every house is constructed by someone, but he that constructed all things is God." (Hebrews 3:4) The last book of the Bible, written by the apostle John, also says: " You are worthy, Jehovah, even our God, to receive the glory and the honor and the power, because you created all things, and because of you will they existed and were created." Revelation 4:11.
The Bible shows that while God cannot be seen, the kind of God he is can be perceived by what he has made. It states: " [The Creator's]invisible attributes, that is to say his everlasting power and deity, have been visible, ever since the world began, to the eye of reason, in the things he has made." - Romans 1:20, The New English Bible.
So the Bible takes us from cause to effect. The effect - the awesome things made - is evidence of the intelligent, powerful Cause: God. Also,we can be grateful that he is invisible, since as the Creator of all the universe, he no doubt has power so enormous that humans of flesh and blood cannot expect to see him and survive. And that is just what the Bible says: "No man may see [God] and yet live." - Exodus 33:20.
The concept of a Great Designer, a Supreme Being - God - should be very important to us. If we were made by a Creator, then surely he must have had a reason, a purpose, in creating us. If we were created to have a purpose in life, then there is reason to hope that things will be better for us in the future. Otherwise, we just live and die without hope. So it is very important that we find out God's purpose for us. Then we can chose whether we want to live in harmony with it or not.
Also, the Bible states that the Creator is a loving God, who cares very much about us. The apostle Pete stated: "He cares for you." (1Peter 5:7; see also John 3:16 and 1John 4:8, 16). One way we can see how God cares is by considering the wonderful way he has made us, mentally and physically.
Continue- Next time: "Wonderfully Made"
The Bible, mankind's oldest book, draws the same conclusion. For example, in the Bible book of Hebrews, written by the apostle Paul, we are told: "Of course, every house is constructed by someone, but he that constructed all things is God." (Hebrews 3:4) The last book of the Bible, written by the apostle John, also says: " You are worthy, Jehovah, even our God, to receive the glory and the honor and the power, because you created all things, and because of you will they existed and were created." Revelation 4:11.
The Bible shows that while God cannot be seen, the kind of God he is can be perceived by what he has made. It states: " [The Creator's]invisible attributes, that is to say his everlasting power and deity, have been visible, ever since the world began, to the eye of reason, in the things he has made." - Romans 1:20, The New English Bible.
So the Bible takes us from cause to effect. The effect - the awesome things made - is evidence of the intelligent, powerful Cause: God. Also,we can be grateful that he is invisible, since as the Creator of all the universe, he no doubt has power so enormous that humans of flesh and blood cannot expect to see him and survive. And that is just what the Bible says: "No man may see [God] and yet live." - Exodus 33:20.
The concept of a Great Designer, a Supreme Being - God - should be very important to us. If we were made by a Creator, then surely he must have had a reason, a purpose, in creating us. If we were created to have a purpose in life, then there is reason to hope that things will be better for us in the future. Otherwise, we just live and die without hope. So it is very important that we find out God's purpose for us. Then we can chose whether we want to live in harmony with it or not.
Also, the Bible states that the Creator is a loving God, who cares very much about us. The apostle Pete stated: "He cares for you." (1Peter 5:7; see also John 3:16 and 1John 4:8, 16). One way we can see how God cares is by considering the wonderful way he has made us, mentally and physically.
Continue- Next time: "Wonderfully Made"
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