Tuesday, May 01, 2012

The Significance of Science in Biblical Apologetics


Science, according to Webster's New Collegiate Dictionary, is “knowledge attained through study or practice,…” The proper role of science in the search for Truth is to authenticate what God has already stated in Scripture. As Christians, we should begin with God's Word and expect science to confirm what He has said. In much the same way that apologetics document God’s Word, science validates it.

Simply put, Truth is what God says! Jesus, in His prayer for all believers, said to His Father, “Sanctify them through Thy Truth; Thy Word is Truth” (John 17:17). That pretty much settles the issue. He never said that about science, which is obtaining knowledge through observation and experimentation. Christians should always begin with Scripture and work outward. If the Word of God is Truth, then the best science can do is confirm that Truth.

In Psalm 19, King David declares, The heavens tell of the glory of God. The skies display his marvelous craftsmanship. Day after day they continue to speak; night after night they make him known. They speak without a sound or a word; their voice is silent in the skies;  yet their message has gone out to all the earth, and their words to all the world... (Psalm 19:1-4a). According to this passage, even Creation proclaims God's glory. Scripture proclaims the Truth about God and His creation. Science only verifies what Scripture says.

God’s Word also clearly states that He placed into every person’s heart the knowledge of Who He is and what He has done. As such, those who refuse to believe in Him are without excuse! For the truth about God is known to them instinctively. God has put this knowledge in their hearts. From the time the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky and all that God made. They can clearly see his invisible qualities -- his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse whatsoever for not knowing God. (Romans 1:19-20).  

Science allows man to uncover evidence concerning God's creation to corroborate what He says in His Word. Though this evidence can be seen and is known instinctively by mankind, God still provides ‘proof’ for skeptics via scientific discoveries. In Luke 12:54-56, Jesus rebukes those to whom He was speaking stating that though they could read the signs concerning the weather they could not discern the times (which had been thoroughly explained in His Word). It pleases God when we take Him at His Word.

In Acts 14:15-17, Paul and Barnabas explain to the crowd in Lystra that the God who created the heavens, earth, and sea and everything therein had allowed men to choose their own way, but that He never left Himself without a witness to His provision and goodness. He sent the rain and provided food for them to eat as signs of His power and love. Everything that exists from plants to animals to rain and sunshine are scientific evidences of not only God’s existence, but also of His provision.

Psalm 8 is another psalm written by King David honoring the Lord as Creator of all. O LORD, our Lord, the majesty of your name fills the earth! Your glory is higher than the heavens. You have taught children and nursing infants to give you praise. They silence your enemies who were seeking revenge. When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers -- the moon and the stars you have set in place -- what are mortals that you should think of us, mere humans that you should care for us?  For you made us only a little lower than God, and you crowned us with glory and honor. You put us in charge of everything you made, giving us authority over all things -- the sheep and the cattle and all the wild animals, the birds in the sky, the fish in the sea, and everything that swims the ocean currents. O LORD, our Lord, the majesty of your name fills the earth!

Science allows us to study the things God made and to understand them better, but ultimately everything, even our scientific discoveries, points us back to the Creator and His limitless creative prowess.  

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