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God in Nature, May 22
For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly
seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power
and Godhead; so that they are without excuse.
Romans 1:20
.
I see no reason why the opinions of learned men and the so-called great men
should be trusted in and exalted. Those who are connected with the infinite God
are the only ones who make a proper use of their knowledge or of the talent
entrusted to them by the omniscient Creator. No man can ever truly excel in
knowledge and influence unless he is connected with the God of wisdom and
power.
The real evidence of a living God is not merely in theory; it is in the conviction
which God has written in our hearts, illuminated and explained by His words. It
is the living power in His created works seen by a sanctified eye. The precious
faith inspired of God gives strength and nobility of character. The natural powers
are enlarged because of holy obedience. All the philosophies of human nature in
which God has not been recognized as all in all have led to confusion and shame.
The life which we live by faith in the Son of God is a series of triumphs not always
seen and understood by the interested parties, but with results reaching far into
the future, where we shall see and know as we are known.
The most profound intellects of the world, when not enlightened by God’s
Word, become bewildered and lost while trying to investigate the matters of science
and revelation. The Creator and His works are beyond finite comprehension, and
men conclude that because they cannot explain the works and ways of God from
natural causes, the Bible history is not reliable. Many are so intent upon excluding
God from the exercise of sovereign will and power in the established order of the
universe, that they demean men, the noblest of His creatures. The theories and
speculations of philosophy would make us believe that man has come by slow
degrees, not merely from a savage state, but from the very lowest form of the
brute creation. They destroy man’s dignity because they will not admit God’s
miraculous power.
God has illuminated human intellects, and poured a flood of light on the world
through discoveries in art and science. But those who view these from a merely
human standpoint will most assuredly come to wrong conclusions. The thorns of
error, skepticism, and infidelity are disguised by being covered with the garments
of philosophy and science. Satan has devised this ingenious manner of winning
souls away from the living God, away from the truth and religion. He exalts nature
above nature’s Creator.—
Manuscript 4
, copied May 22, 1882, “God in Nature.”
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