God in Nature
231
Relation of Science and Revelation
1184. God is the foundation of everything. All true science is in
harmony with his works, all true education leads to obedience to his
government. Science opens new wonders to our view; she soars high
and explores new depths; but she brings nothing from her research that
conflicts with divine revelation. Ignorance may seek to support false
views of God by appeals to science; but the book of nature and the
written word do not disagree; each sheds light on the other. Rightly
understood, they make us acquainted with God and his character by
teaching us something of the wise and beneficent laws through which
he works. We are thus led to adore his holy name, and to have an
intelligent trust in his word.—
The Signs of the Times, March 20, 1884
.
The Bible a Test
1185. Many, when they find themselves incapable of measuring the
Creator and his works by their own imperfect knowledge of science,
doubt the existence of God and attribute infinite power to nature. These
persons have lost the simplicity of faith, and are removed far from
God in mind and spirit. There should be a settled faith in the divinity
of God’s holy word. The Bible is not to be tested by men’s ideas of
science, but science is to be brought to the test of this unerring standard.
When the Bible makes statements of facts in nature, science may be
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compared with the written word, and a correct understanding of both
will always prove them to be in harmony. One does not contradict
the other. All truths, whether in nature or revelation, agree. Scientific
research will open to the minds of the really wise, vast fields of thought
and information. They will see God in his works, and will praise him.
He will be to them first and best, and the mind will be centered upon
him.—
The Signs of the Times, March 13, 1884
.
1186. Nature is not God, nor ever was God. God is in nature, the
voice of nature testifies of God, but nature is not God. It only bears
testimony to God’s power as his created works. There is a personal
God, the Father; there is a personal Christ, the Son.—
Unpublished
Testimonies, July 3, 1898
.
1187. God has permitted a flood of light to be poured upon the
world in discoveries in science and art; but when professedly scientific