Seven Reasons
Why YOU Can Trust the Bible Part VI Following is the fifth in a series of articles from Seven Reasons Why You Can Trust the Bible, by Erwin W. Lutzer.
Chapter Five: A Scientific Reason “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” In these ten words we have the foundation for all scientific discovery. “In the beginning’ introduces the concept of time, referring to a specific point when creation took place. “God” is the basis for personality. “Created” introduces the concept of energy that plays such a large part in explaining the secrets of life. Finally, “the heavens” refers to the vast regions of space, and “earth” affirms the existence of matter. In his book The Genesis Record, Henry M. Morris points out that this opening statement of Genesis refutes atheism because the universe was created by God. It refutes pantheism, for God is transcendent to that which he created. It refutes polytheism, for one God created all things. It refutes materialism, for matter had a beginning. It refutes dualism, for God alone created. It refutes humanism, for God, not man, is the ultimate reality. It refutes evolution because God created all things. God existed before this “beginning.” In other words, there never was a time when only nothing existed. The biblical concept of creation involved a plan with a designer who began the process with an end in view. This designer always was. If you do not believe that God created all that is, you must either believe that (1) there once was nothing, but from this nothing something came about, or (2) there is no explanation for the existence of the universe,
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and whatever life we see around us has arisen from random forces.
The Big Bang The scientific basis for the “big bang” theory dates back to 1929 when astronomer Edwin Powell Hubble proved that the universe is expanding. This discovery led scientists to believe that the universe began at a single point in space and time. Carl Sagan taught that the entire universe resulted from a cosmic explosion 15 billion years ago; all matter and energy were present at this massive “blowup”. From this random beginning came the complex forms of life that now exist. Christians are not in the unhappy position of believing what is contrary to all known laws of science. In fact, the biblical explanation for existence of the universe is far more rational, more believable, and more scientific. The Bible teaches that before there was any matter the Creator was there. Indeed, David wrote, “From everlasting to everlasting, you are God.” (Psalm 90:2)
Identifying the Creator What kind of a God would be qualified to be the cause of all that we know about the universe? First, He would have to be a God of awesome power. The universe is an effect that demands a very great cause. Second, this God must possess intelligence and will, having a reason for doing what He has done. Third,
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