Life’s 4 Great Questions????

“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth”. This is the most controversial statement ever communicated. But should it be? Our origin has only three possible explanations: (1) nothing created something…refutable and illogical; (2) creation created itself…refutable and illogical; (3) there is a self-existent creator who created everything…the only viable option remaining. The gospel of John declares that God is eternal (past, present and future) and He is the sovereign creator and sustainer of the universe. The question then becomes, since there is a divine creator, has he communicated with man? The answer is yes, which provides the answers to our remaining questions.

The Russian writer and philosopher, Fyodor Dostoevsky, is credited with stating “If there is no God everything is permitted”. In other words, if there is no higher authority than man, and if all we consist of are molecules organized by random chance, then I can do as I please, including harm to my fellow man. The atheist will refute this by claiming that whatever causes the human race to “flourish” informs our conscience. This claim is subjective and arbitrary. Hitler’s definition of flourish is probably different than yours. We simply know right from wrong because we were made in the image of God and His moral law is evident. Scripture declares that it is even apparent without formal instruction. The recently published book “Stealing from God”…”Why Atheist Need God to Make Their Case” by Frank Turek is a tremendous work that addresses this question.

The Westminster Confession of Faith asks and answers this question before all others. “What is the chief end of man? The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever”. We do so by believing in Him through faith in His son Jesus Christ, and being obedient to His word. Every other purpose you can imagine is fleeting. Think of how good you felt when you made that last big purchase. How long did that feeling last? Possessions do not satisfy. Think of your emotions when you began your last relationship. Have those emotions changed? Relationships can fail. Only a personal relationship with Christ and the subsequent blessings that come as a result of that relationship give true meaning to life.

It is clear…we are going to die. What then? Scripture is very clear…we will stand before God. We will either stand and be judged according to our works, or according to what Christ has done for us. God simply will not allow sin into His presence. And nowhere in scripture do we learn, as many have been taught, that God will weigh our good against our bad. God’s standard is perfection…not good vs. bad. And only Jesus Christ lived a perfect life in complete obedience to God’s standard. By placing your faith in Him for His perfection accomplished on your behalf, you can stand before God declared righteous (the gospel).