CONSIDER THE EARTH

Is All of This Really an Accident?

A Fork in the Road

By Charles Knight

Stop for a moment and consider the Earth.

Not simply as the planet where we happen to live, but as an extraordinary, interconnected world in which countless systems operate every second of every day to sustain life.

We have air to breathe.

We have water to drink.

We have food growing from the Earth.

We have sunlight providing warmth and energy.

We have an atmosphere surrounding and protecting us.

Water evaporates from oceans, lakes, rivers, soil and vegetation, rises into the atmosphere, forms clouds and returns as rain and snow.

The Earth rotates, providing day and night.

The Moon's gravity produces much of our ocean tides and contributes to the long-term behavior of Earth's rotational axis.

Beneath our feet are minerals, metals and enormous energy resources that have helped mankind build modern civilization.

And mankind created none of it.

We arrived here and discovered that it was already here.

So perhaps the first question we should ask is remarkably simple:

IS ALL OF THIS REALLY AN ACCIDENT?

Or does creation point toward a Creator?

The Bible begins with an equally direct declaration:

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” — Genesis 1:1 NKJV

And when God surveyed His creation:

“Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good.” — Genesis 1:31 NKJV

CONSIDER THE AIR YOU BREATHE

Take a breath.

We do it thousands of times every day, usually without thinking about what makes that breath possible.

Earth's atmosphere is approximately 78% nitrogen and 21% oxygen, with small quantities of argon, carbon dioxide and other gases.

Photosynthesis continually replenishes much of the oxygen upon which human and animal life depends.

Plants, algae and other photosynthetic organisms use sunlight, water and carbon dioxide to build organic matter while releasing oxygen.

We breathe.

Plants grow.

Carbon, oxygen, water and nutrients move through interconnected natural cycles.

Human beings did not invent any of them.

Scripture says:

“Thus says God the LORD, Who created the heavens and stretched them out, Who spread forth the earth and that which comes from it, Who gives breath to the people on it, And spirit to those who walk on it.” — Isaiah 42:5 NKJV

Every breath reminds us that our lives depend upon something mankind did not create.

CONSIDER THE WATER YOU DRINK

Without water, human life cannot continue.

Yet Earth possesses an enormous natural water-recycling system.

Water evaporates from oceans, rivers, lakes, streams, soil and vegetation.

Water vapor rises.

Clouds form.

Rain and snow return water to Earth.

Rivers flow.

Groundwater is replenished.

Plants drink.

Animals drink.

We drink.

Eventually much of that water returns to the oceans and the cycle begins again.

Thousands of years ago Ecclesiastes observed:

“All the rivers run into the sea, Yet the sea is not full; To the place from which the rivers come, There they return again.” — Ecclesiastes 1:7 NKJV

Job says:

“For He draws up drops of water, Which distill as rain from the mist, Which the clouds drop down And pour abundantly on man.” — Job 36:27–28 NKJV

No human engineer designed the water cycle.

No government operates it.

No electric pump lifts the oceans into the clouds.

It continues day after day

CONSIDER THE SUN

Approximately 93 million miles away is the Sun.

Its energy warms our planet, drives evaporation, powers photosynthesis and provides the dominant energy source behind Earth's weather and climate.

Without sufficient solar energy, our planet would become inhospitably cold.

With dramatically different conditions, Earth could become far too hot for life as we know it.

Yet morning after morning the Sun appears.

Scripture says:

“The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork.” — Psalm 19:1 NKJV

We can study the Sun.

Measure it.

Calculate its energy.

Predict its apparent movement across our sky.

But mankind did not put it there.

CONSIDER THE MOON

Then look at the Moon.

Its gravitational interaction with Earth is a major cause of our ocean tides, moving enormous quantities of seawater around the planet.

The Moon also contributes to the long-term behavior and relative stability of Earth's rotational axis.

Look closely at photographs of its surface and you see another remarkable feature:

Craters. Thousands upon thousands of them.

The Moon has been struck repeatedly by objects traveling through space. It can intercept some objects and its gravity can alter the trajectories of others, although it would be inaccurate to describe the Moon as a complete gravitational shield protecting Earth.

Earth possesses another remarkable defense:

our atmosphere.

Much of the smaller material entering Earth's atmosphere burns, fragments or slows before reaching the ground.

Again, mankind did not build these systems.

They were here before us.

CONSIDER DAY AND NIGHT

Earth rotates approximately once every 24 hours.

That rotation produces the familiar rhythm of daylight and darkness around which life has developed.

Day provides sunlight and warmth.

Night provides darkness and cooling and supports biological rhythms associated with rest and activity.

Scripture says:

“The day is Yours, the night also is Yours; You have prepared the light and the sun.” — Psalm 74:16 NKJV

We invented clocks.

We did not invent the astronomical movements the clocks measure.

CONSIDER A SEED

Now hold something much smaller in your hand.

A seed.

It may appear insignificant.

Yet place that seed into suitable soil with water, nutrients, air and sunlight and something extraordinary can happen.

Roots descend.

A stem rises.

Leaves unfold.

Flowers appear.

Fruit develops.

And inside that fruit may be more seeds capable of repeating the process.

Genesis says:

“Then God said, ‘Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb that yields seed, and the fruit tree that yields fruit according to its kind, whose seed is in itself, on the earth’; and it was so.” — Genesis 1:11 NKJV

Consider those words:

“WHOSE SEED IS IN ITSELF.”

Mankind learned how to plant seeds.

We learned to cultivate them.

We learned to improve agricultural production.

But we did not invent life reproducing life.

NOW CONSIDER WHAT IS BENEATH OUR FEET

There is another provision we often take for granted.

ENERGY.

Modern civilization cannot function without enormous amounts of reliable energy.

Coal.

Petroleum.

Natural gas.

Uranium.

Geothermal heat.

Moving water.

Wind.

Sunlight.

And the minerals and metals necessary to harness, transform and distribute energy.

Human beings did not create the fundamental matter, energy or natural laws involved.

We discovered how to use them.

Energy powers hospitals.

It pumps and purifies water.

It produces and transports food.

It refrigerates medicines.

It heats our homes.

It cools our buildings.

It powers farm equipment.

It helps manufacture fertilizer.

It moves ambulances, trucks, trains, ships and airplanes.

It helps manufacture the materials from which civilization is built.

Turn off reliable energy long enough and virtually everything upon which modern society depends begins to fail.

Does that mean mankind should waste resources or carelessly damage the Earth?

Absolutely not.

Scripture teaches stewardship.

“Then the LORD God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it.” — Genesis 2:15 NKJV

God gave mankind resources to use and creation to care for.

Those responsibilities are not opposites.

We should pursue cleaner air.

Cleaner water.

Greater efficiency.

Less pollution.

Responsible development.

Wise conservation.

But protecting God's creation does not necessarily mean refusing to use God's creation.

Scripture says:

“The earth is the LORD'S, and all its fullness, The world and those who dwell therein.” — Psalm 24:1 NKJV

The Earth does not ultimately belong to governments, corporations, political movements or even mankind.

It belongs to God.

We are not its creators.

WE ARE ITS STEWARDS.

GOD HAS PROVIDED

Paul wrote:

“And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:19 NKJV

Now consider those words alongside creation.

We need oxygen.

It is here.

We need water.

It is here.

We need food.

The Earth produces it.

We need energy.

Resources and energy pathways exist throughout creation.

We need warmth.

We have the Sun.

We need an environment capable of sustaining life.

We are standing on one.

Science does an extraordinary job explaining how many of these things work.

But there remains another question:

WHY?

Why is there an orderly universe in which these processes are possible?

Why does nature operate according to physical laws that human minds can investigate?

Why does Earth possess this remarkable combination of conditions capable of supporting conscious human beings who can actually study the universe in which they live?

Christians need not fear genuine science.

Science studies creation.

And every truthful discovery about creation tells us something more about the universe in which God placed us.

Paul wrote:

“For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead.” — Romans 1:20 NKJV

Look at what has been made.

Think.

Reason.

Consider.

FINALLY, CONSIDER YOURSELF

We have considered the heavens.

The Earth.

Air.

Water.

Sunlight.

The Moon.

Seeds.

Food.

Energy.

Now consider perhaps the most extraordinary part of this story:

YOU.

Scripture says:

“Then God said, ‘Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness.’” — Genesis 1:26 NKJV

And:

“So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” — Genesis 1:27 NKJV

According to Scripture, mankind occupies a unique place within creation.

We can reason.

Create.

Love.

Communicate.

Make moral judgments.

Contemplate our own existence.

And contemplate God Himself.

But being created in God's image does not mean fallen mankind is morally perfect today.

Something went wrong.

And Scripture tells us what.

WHY DID GOD GIVE US A CHOICE?

Why would God create human beings capable of rejecting Him?

Why not simply force everyone to believe?

Scripture repeatedly presents human beings with meaningful choices.

Moses declared:

“I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life.” — Deuteronomy 30:19 NKJV

Joshua said:

“Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve.” — Joshua 24:15 NKJV

God could have created creatures incapable of saying no.

Instead, Scripture portrays us as morally responsible beings capable of obedience and disobedience.

We can acknowledge God.

We can love Him.

We can follow Him.

And remarkably, we can also reject Him.

God permits mankind to make that decision.

But meaningful choices have meaningful consequences.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN WE DISCONNECT FROM GOD?

The Bible calls mankind's fundamental problem sin.

Adam and Eve were given a choice.

They disobeyed.

And every generation since has demonstrated that same human tendency.

Scripture says:

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” — Romans 3:23 NKJV

Notice that word:

ALL.

Isaiah describes the consequence:

“But your iniquities have separated you from your God.” — Isaiah 59:2 NKJV

That may be mankind's greatest tragedy.

We can possess everything creation provides and remain separated from the One who provided it.

We can have money without God.

Technology without God.

Education without God.

Government without God.

Energy without God.

Success without God.

We can even have religion without truly knowing God.

But none of those things can reconcile us to our Creator.

DID GOD LEAVE US DISCONNECTED?

Here we arrive at the heart of Christianity.

NO.

God provided a way back.

Perhaps the most famous words in Scripture explain it:

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” — John 3:16 NKJV

Consider the progression:

GOD LOVED.

GOD GAVE.

WE BELIEVE.

GOD SAVES.

Christianity is not ultimately the story of mankind somehow climbing his way up to God.

It is the story of God reaching down to mankind.

THE WAY HOME

Jesus did not merely say He knew the road back to God.

He made one of the most consequential statements recorded in Scripture:

“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” — John 14:6 NKJV

Why Christ?

Because sin created a separation mankind could not simply erase by pretending it never happened.

Scripture says:

“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” — Romans 5:8 NKJV

We walked away.

God provided reconciliation.

We sinned.

Christ paid the price.

We became lost.

God provided the road home.

Jesus said:

“For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” — Luke 19:10 NKJV

CAN SOMEONE WHO WALKED AWAY COME BACK?

This may be one of the most important questions anyone reading this article can ask.

The answer is:

YES.

Jesus told the story of the prodigal son.

A son took what his father had provided, left home and wasted it.

Eventually he realized what he had lost.

He returned expecting rejection.

Instead:

“But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him.” — Luke 15:20 NKJV

What an extraordinary picture of reconciliation.

Maybe you once believed.

Maybe you once prayed.

Maybe you once walked closely with God.

Then something happened.

Success.

Disappointment.

Tragedy.

Anger.

Pride.

Doubt.

Or perhaps life simply became so busy that gradually you stopped listening.

You disconnected.

The Gospel's message is remarkably simple:

COME HOME.

Jesus said:

“The one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out.” — John 6:37 NKJV

WHAT IF WE COMPLETELY REJECT GOD?

This is the part of the discussion many would prefer to avoid.

But if God gives us a meaningful choice, rejection must also have consequences.

Jesus said:

“He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life.” — John 3:36 NKJV

Hebrews says:

“And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.” — Hebrews 9:27 NKJV

Our relationship with God is therefore not merely an interesting philosophical question.

According to Scripture, it is an eternal question.

Yet Scripture also reveals God's desire:

He is:

“not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” — 2 Peter 3:9 NKJV

God offers forgiveness.

God offers reconciliation.

God offers eternal life.

But Scripture does not teach that God forces mankind to receive His gift.

LOOK AT THE CROSS

If you ever wonder whether God wants you back, look at the Cross.

God did not merely send another set of instructions.

HE SENT HIS SON.

The Creator entered His creation.

Jesus Christ came to reconcile mankind to God.

Jesus says:

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him.” — Revelation 3:20 NKJV

Notice what He does.

HE KNOCKS. 

He does not force the door open.

There is still a decision.

FROM CREATION TO THE CROSS

Think about where our journey began.

We started with air.

Water.

The Sun.

The Moon.

The atmosphere.

The water cycle.

Seeds.

Food.

Energy.

Gravity.

Day and night.

All the remarkable systems that make physical life possible.

But God's greatest provision was not something He placed in the Earth.

It was Someone He sent to the Earth.

JESUS CHRIST.

God provided creation for our physical lives.

Through Christ, He provided the way to eternal life.

Jesus said:

“I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.” — John 11:25 NKJV

THE ULTIMATE QUESTION

Perhaps creation itself presents us with the first Fork in the Road:

ACCIDENT OR CREATOR?

But once we seriously consider the possibility of a Creator, we encounter another Fork in the Road:

WHAT WILL I DO ABOUT HIM?

Look around.

Consider the Earth.

Consider the heavens.

Consider your first breath this morning.

Consider the water you drink.

Consider the food you eat.

Consider the energy that makes modern life possible.

Consider the seed.

Consider the human body.

Consider your ability to think, reason, love and choose.

Then consider the Cross.

God has provided an extraordinary world capable of sustaining our physical lives.

And according to the Gospel, He has provided something infinitely greater:

a way for His creation to be reconciled to its Creator.

The final decision belongs to each of us.

Moses said:

“I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life.” — Deuteronomy 30:19 NKJV

Joshua said:

“Choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve.” — Joshua 24:15 NKJV

And Jesus said:

“I am the way, the truth, and the life.” — John 14:6 NKJV

So perhaps the greatest question is no longer:

IS ALL OF THIS AN ACCIDENT?

It is:

WHAT WILL I DO ABOUT THE CREATOR?

The Earth may point us toward God.

The Cross shows us the way home.

A FORK IN THE ROAD

By Charles Knight

“The heavens declare the glory of God; And the firmament shows His handiwork.” — Psalm 19:1 NKJV