Written by: Christopher Sernaque
Dear Readers,
In this article I will examine the apostle Paul’s defense of the existence of God and how the dependency of the universe and the coded information in the DNA molecule are indicative of God’s intelligent interaction with our real world. Prior to reading the article, please read the following verses from Acts. These are statements from the Apostle Paul, and prior to examining any passage of scripture, one must always read the verses. (Proverbs 18:13, Proverbs 25:8). Here are the verses that are being analyzed:
“God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.”-Acts 17:24,25,28
In these verses the apostle Paul has stated several important points in his inspired discourse:
God exists.
God is the Creator of the universe.
God is not dependent on anything for existence.
Everything is dependent on God for existence.
Thus, we are dependent on God for our existence.
Let us examine the different points that Paul is making. The points, specifically point three, provide a logical chain of reasoning that brings to view the existence of God. Please re-read these portions of the verses again:
{God}… “dwelleth not in temples made with hands” (verse 24)
“For in him {God} we live, and move, and have our being” (verse 28)
Paul is formulating a valid case for the actuality of God based on the dependency of the universe. In other words:
Every component of the universe is dependent.
Because every component of the universe is dependent, then the entire universe must itself be dependent.
Consequently, the existence of the entire universe, and our own existence, is dependent upon the existence of an Independent Being, namely God.
Therefore, God exists.
The dependent nature of the universe is illustrated by the fact that it’s “components” must exist together at the same time, and because the universe had a beginning, the universe must also have a cause. Below is an illustration of the nature of the dependency of the universe:
If Matter did not exist:
What would occupy space?
What would exist in time?
If Space did not exist?
Where would matter occupy?
Where would matter exist in time?
If Time did not exist:
When would matter exist?
When would matter occupy space?
Whatever is the cause of space, matter, and time cannot itself be limited by space, matter, or time because then it would require the same cause. Thus, time, space, and matter are dependent on something that is Independent, Eternal, Omnipresent, and Spiritual. This being, can appropriately be called, “God.”
While the above exercise is thought provoking, the word “offspring” found in verse 28 hearkens my mind back to the DNA molecule, which is inherited. How does DNA testify to the existence of God?
Deoxyribonucleic Acid and the Existence of God
The nucleotide bases in DNA constitute informational code.
Complex and specified coded information is always the result of Intelligence.
Intelligence is a personal attribute.
Thus, the designer of deoxyribonucleic acid is both intelligent and personal.
The DNA molecule is matter, that exists in space, and carries out its functions in the dimension of time.
Thus, it’s existence is dependent on the existence of on an Independent, Intelligent, Personal, Spiritual, Omnipresent, and Eternal Being, i.e. God.
Hence, God exists.
I hope that these points came across well, of course there is always room to add more elements to each of the chains of reasoning, but I wanted to provide readers with ideas to ponder. After all, it was interesting to use Acts 17 to explain or defend the existence of God and when I thought more about the verses, it was plain to see that these verses made sense in this light, or that this application is coherent. May God bless you as you continue to study His Word.
