In modern culture we are trained to base our understanding on evidence and data. We must see it – prove it, to then believe it. And there is certainly considerable value in doing this. Indeed, the Scientific Method grew out of a Christian worldview and thus arose in Western Culture instead of the Far East, where nature-based and pantheist religions (with all the contradictions, nature’s mixture of Yin and Yang) were dominant. It did so because the God of the Bible is a God of absolute truth – a law-giving, principle-giving Creator who established an order to His creation. Reasonable men in Christian cultures, therefore, figured that the created order could be found out through hypothesis and testing. Many philosophers have recognized this for modern science in a Christian worldview.
Yet, the biblical basis for understanding is to actually put faith first. For example, “…by faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God…” (Hebrews 11:3). Note that the word “understand” follows “faith”. Faith is first.
This is intriguing because it is seemingly illogical to realize that a certain spiritual clarity and understanding follows faith. Though many people think that “seeing is believing”, the Bible teaches that “believing is seeing” – that a deep sense of understanding follows the act of believing. And so, “The just shall live by faith” (Habakkuk 2:4, Hebrews 10:38, Romans 1:17, Galatians 3:11).
The Bible presents a tremendous amount of truth. And God is certainly a Super-Rational Author, Designer and Builder of incredible logic and order. But He transcends His material creation and exists in His original spiritual reality. This is where we really meet and know Him. The marvel of creation offers us a glimpse into the majesty, beauty, character and spiritual reality of our Maker. But we must open our spiritual eyes and ears to really discern Him.
In writing to the church at Ephesus, Paul prays for them that “…the Father of glory, may give unto you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him: the eyes of your understanding being enlightened, that you may know …what is the exceeding greatness of His power to us-ward who believe” (Ephesians 1:17-19). Notice, there is an opening of our spiritual eyes that follows faith.
Clarity, wisdom, insight – these are some of the many blessings that come out of a life of Christian faith!
– Mark Cadwallader, Creation Moments Board Chairman
Graphic: Typorama 116
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