On the sixth day of creation, God made the first man from the dust of the earth, and since that time humans have reproduced the same type of cells and body structure designed in the first man and woman. Scientific studies cannot ignore this fact.
In 1953, when James Watson and Francis Crick deciphered the body code labeled DNA, they exposed the fact that the body's 100 trillion cells contain a nucleus with 46 chromosomes. Each one is made of a long, coiled strand of DNA. Thousands of sections along every strand represent genes, which are coded instructions for making the proteins needed to construct a complete human organism.
Every human being has a unique DNA code built into his body similar to a personal fingerprint profile. However, researchers have found genetic markers on the Y chromosome that may have been passed from father to son for more than 100 generations. (National Geographic, Oct. 1999, pg. 69.) Our Creator set this awesome pattern into effect thousands of years ago, but the DNA of each person is still composed differently for each individual. With the psalmist of old, we can truly say, "I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well." Psalm 139:14. Human beings are above animals, birds and fish. We reason and remember, communicate and invent. We are more than just bones, muscles, and skin---we have a soul created in the image of God. (Genesis 1:26-27.) The soul of man craves love and acceptance. Our Creator programmed this desire into us so that He could give us His love and receive ours in return. Remember, God is love. (I John 4:8.)
Behold what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us when He sent His only begotten Son into the world! Jesus Christ came to save all people from their sins and He made a way for all of us to enter heaven. Now the spirit of man can bond with the Holy Spirit of God, allowing Him to teach us how to be like Jesus Christ. (John 14:16-17; I John 3:22-24.)
The "world wide web" of humanity did not just bang-crash into existence, but our Master Creator planned each one of us as an unique individual. He is mindful of man because He put part of Himself into our creation. God made man to worship Him.
Our heavenly Father does not have "people puppets" moving and bending by invisible strings. Instead He has given everyone a free will to serve Him or to reject Him. His instructions are simple:
"That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." Rom. 10:9-10.
With the heart we must believe that God is---and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek him. (Hebrews 11:1-6.) Through faith we ask God's forgiveness of our sins. When we trust in Him, we live a testimony of the commandments Jesus Christ fulfilled. It is our faith that preserves the earth, for we are the salt of the earth. (Matthew 5:13-16.) Our savory testimony of faith is a sweet odor unto the Lord.
With the mouth, we let others know what kind of nature our heart has, if we have sin (Matthew 7:20-23) or if we are pure. (James 3:10-18.) We are exhorted to speak in "psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord. Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." Ephesians 5:19-20. The Lord takes pleasure in hearing praise unto Him from honest lips. Let us rejoice in our salvation and let others know about this redemption plan. Hungry souls still thirst for redemption.
A current report on a tribe of people considered one of the poorest in the world, tells us how the Khmu are eager to learn about God. The Khmu people have faced a past of oppression and struggle for survival. Many Laotians and Thais have despised the Khmu and regard them as less than human. The Lao, who are strong Buddhists, capture many Khmu and force them to work for them, calling them "Kha" meaning "slaves."
When missionaries brought the gospel to the Khmu tribes in Vietnam, Thailand, China and Burma, the response was overwhelming. Having faced so much rejection and hatred, the Khmu are naturally drawn to our loving Father. They are hopeless people with nowhere to turn. This is why the Khmu people are turning their hearts to God. (The Voice of the Martyrs, Nov. 1999, pg. 2-4.)
As never before, the salvation story of Jesus Christ is reaching into every corner of the earth. From the richest palaces or most intellectual institutions to the poorest slums of slavery, the Gospel is slowly penetrating into the darkness of sin. Over satellite broadcasting, millions of people in hundreds of countries can hear the Word of God read to them.
What was the great commission that Jesus commanded of His followers? "Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world." Matthew 28:19-20. This commission is our responsiblity, and by the grace of God we can do our part to spread the gospel unto all the ends of the earth just as Jesus said: "And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come." Matthew 24:14.
Our heavenly Father is mindful of His harvest, seeking out the poor in spirit to redeem their souls from hell. He has a beautiful place prepared for His children and He sent His Son to live, die, ascend and intercede for us that we would have a way to live with Him for eternity. God knows our need of Him.
Today, the world of six billion (plus) people counts its years and conducts its annual cycle of events in memory of this crucified figure. It is a curious fact that in all ages and all societies, large numbers of people are attracted to the gentle, not the strong, to the sufferers and not the successful. Jesus touched on this tender spot in humanity---the kindness and compassion within us---and in doing so founded what is arguably the most influential of all religions. (Reader's Digest, Dec. 1999, pg. 62-66.)
In the last two millennia of the Christian era, mankind has conquered many diseases, natural disasters, famines, poverty and illiteracy, but we have not conquered death. Death is still a mystery that arouses fear in the unregenerated human heart. In Jesus Christ we find a key to this international threat on life. He offers us a firm promise of another world beyond and the means to enter it. Because our Father loves us, He sent His Son to give us faith, courage, and hope. Through His Holy Spirit we communicate with Him in prayer. He knows our need of Him and He makes Himself available to us anytime, anywhere, always, even unto the end of the world. [ The End ]