THE GOSPEL IN CREATION. NO. 1.
By W. A. Sweany
We are living in the realm of cause and effect, where there is a producing cause for everything that takes place. This cause is not always readily discernible, but it is clearly apparent in all that is taking place about us to enable every intelligent mind to recognize the universal operation and application of the law of cause and effect. When we sit down at a well-spread table, altho we may not see the cook, we know there is such a person, for we are enjoying the product of her skill. When enjoying the benefits and privileges of the library, the beauties of the art gallery, and the wonderful products of the inventive genius and mechanical skill of man, we never think of doubting the existence of the authors, artists, sculptors, inventors, and mechanics, who produced these things, even tho we never saw the ones whose work they are, and may never use the articles they produced. The work of their hands proclaims not only the facts of their existence, but many of their characteristics and abilities. Just so, “that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath showed it unto them. For the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and divinity, so that we are without excuse.” Rom. 1:19, 20. As the quality of man's work reveals his ability, as firms place their trade-marks on the articles they produce, so has the great Creator stamped the works of His hands, not only with the evidence of His existence, but also with the proofs of His infinite skill, wisdom, and power. “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament showeth His handiwork.” Ps. 19:1. “Lift up your eyes on high, and behold who hath created these things, that bringeth out their host by number; He calleth them all by names, by the greatness of His might, for that He is strong in power; not one faileth.” Isa. 40:26. Thus it is that the heavens and all the works of God speak and proclaim His skill, wisdom, glory, and power. In other words, they preach the Gospel, for the Gospel “is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth.” Rom. 1:16. Paul, in Rom. 10:13–18, quotes David's statement in Ps. 19:4, that the voices of the heavens have gone unto the ends of the world, and proves that all have heard the Gospel. The living preacher and all other human agencies are only to more fully make known Him, whose existence, power, skill, and wisdom are so plainly revealed in His works. Multitudes, all in fact (even including the demons, James 2:19), know there is a God, or at least are without excuse for not knowing it, when He is so plainly revealed in everything about us. But alas! how few really know Him. Many know there is such a person as King Edward VII., who do not know him. Now it is our privilege to know God, and that this may be so, it is our privilege to see Him (Heb. 11:23–27), live with Him (John 14:23), and know His plans and purposes (John 15:15; Isa. 46:9, 10). We read in the Bible that God is holy, righteous, just, faithful, good, true, kind, merciful, pitiful, patient, long-suffering, gentle, yet strong, powerful, mighty, and wise. (See Ex. 34:5–7; Ps. 103:1–17; 116:5; 145:8, 9; 2 Sam. 22:36; Ps. 62:11; Heb. 1:1–3; 1 Tim. 1:17.) Reader, do you know from your own personal experience and acquaintance with Him that all that these holy men of old wrote of Him is true? If you do not, you need to become better acquainted with Him, for it is all true, as all who really know4 (148)Him gladly testify. Does He uphold you and keep you from falling? Isa. 41:10; Jude 24, 25. Does He hear and answer your prayers as He did David's? Ps. 34:1–6; 116:1, 2. If not, it must be you are turning away your ear from hearing His law, and are regarding iniquity in your heart, and so “ask amiss.” Prov. 28:9; Ps. 66:18; James 4:3. “Acquaint now thyself with Him, and be at peace” (Job 22:21), knowing that He “who worketh all things after the counsel of His own will” (Eph. 1:11), “doeth all things well,” so that “all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.” Rom. 8:28. “Let good or ill befall,
It must be good for me,
Secure of having Thee in all,
Of having all in Thee.”
“Thus saith the Lord, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches; but let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth Me, that I am the Lord which exercise loving-kindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth; for in these things I delight, saith the Lord.” Jer. 9:23, 24. “And this is life eternal, that they might know Thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom Thou hast sent.” John 17:3. It is our privilege to know Him, and be “strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power.” Col. 1:9–13. But while we may learn that there is a God, and also much concerning His wisdom, skill, and power from the open book of nature, this of itself is not sufficient. By studying the movements of the heavenly bodies we may discern God's will concerning them, for they move in obedience to His mandate. By studying the earth, sea, sky, beasts, plants, fishes, birds, etc., we may learn much of God, and of His will concerning all these things. Job 12:7–10; Matt. 6:26–30. But we can not from these things fully learn His will concerning us. In order to know that, He must speak to us. This He has done from the very beginning, and is still doing. In Eden before the fall He talked with man face to face, telling him what to do, and what not to do, just as a loving father instructs his children from day to day. Had man always remained obedient, this plan would have been continued, and no written law would have been necessary. But sin made it necessary for God to withdraw Himself from man's presence. Isa. 59:1, 2. Since then, in His intercourse with man, He has in mercy veiled Himself (Ex. 13:21, 22; 24:15–18; Matt. 17:5; Lev. 16:12, 13; 1 Tim. 3:16; Heb. 10:19, 20); because sinners can not exist in the presence of His unveiled glory (2 Thess. 1:7–9). Since the entrance of sin, therefore, the will of God has been revealed through the operations of the gift of prophecy, by “holy men of God,” who “spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.” So in addition to the instructive voice of nature we have the voice of Inspiration, making known to us the nature and attributes of God, and His will concerning us. “Whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.” Rom. 15:4. And the first thing that God caused to be written for our comfort, learning, and admonition is the wonderful story of creation, from which we may learn such precious and helpful lessons concerning the skill, wisdom, and power of the great Creator, who is now engaged in the work of “making all things new.” The importance of the story of creation is better understood when we realize that redemption is creation. David understood this when he cried out, “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.” Ps. 51:10. Paul realized it when he wrote these words: “If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature; old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” 2 Cor. 5:17. “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus.” Eph. 2:10. The fact that God through Christ is our Creator (John 1:1–3, 10; Eph. 3:9; Col. 1:14–17; Heb. 1:1–3) qualifies and enables Him to be our Redeemer. And so the most precious promises of salvation and redemption are prefaced by the statement or reminder that He created all things, and is, therefore, able to create us anew, or redeem us. Isa. 42:5, 6; 43:15–19. Then let us learn to see in everything about us the proofs and the evidences of the Lord's ability to uphold and save to the uttermost all who trust in Him.