Sermon Central
-
The Bible Code
Contributed by Dr. Ronald Shultz on Feb 26, 2005 (message contributor)
Summary: Stop trying to appease the world’s intellect for they cannot understand God by the mind. True science affirms the Word, but science doesn’t convict the heart. Facts are easily ignored, but the Spirit working on the heart cannot; resisted, but not ignored
Having just seen a show about the Bible Code the other day, so I thought I would put in my two cents on the issue. I know some very good men think this is a great find, but even great men need to hear from an Amos from time to time.
When you first listen to it, it sounds really cool especially to a techie like me, but then I have heard of the "pyramid inch" that supposedly proved that extra-terrestrials built them and they predict the future and all sorts of other stuff. The Bible Code is certainly not outside of the realm of something that God could do. He has already seen everything from the beginning of the world until the end so could He have "dropped" names and places throughout the Scripture? The question doesn’t even need answering for there is nothing that He cannot do if He decides to do so. The thing is, would He do it? It doesn’t seem likely. Why make the rest of mankind from Adam until now rely upon Him completely by faith taking His Word as He has written it and then in the age of apostasy provide "sight" in a digitally revealed code? Would that not be the same as a sign? And if by believing we see is His way rather than seeing is believing does this not by its very structure contradict His paradigm? I mean, if this Code thing is true then by my sight I can believe. It would not take much faith at all, if any.
John 20:29 Jesus saith unto him, Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed. (KJV)
It seems very clear that Jesus is not setting up a faith that demands sight first. Thomas is not being complimented nor is his pragmatism.
5 For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ.
6 As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: (KJV)
Paul says we started by faith and we are to continue to walk with Him the same way. Yet, what faith do I need if His Word can be scientifically proven beyond all doubt?
38 Then certain of the scribes and of the Pharisees answered, saying, Master, we would see a sign from thee.
39 But he answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas:
40 For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale’s belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. (KJV)
We live in the most adulterous generation since the time of Noah and God is going to give us this great sign? I don’t think so.
7 Canst thou by searching find out God? canst thou find out the Almighty unto perfection?
8 It is as high as heaven; what canst thou do? deeper than hell; what canst thou know? (KJV)
We will never get God under a microscope so no matter how much we can prove scientifically salvation will still be of faith for you cannot find God in science. You can see His footprints and thumbprints, yea even a signature on His creation like an artist who signs his piece, but you will never see God unto perfection or completion. He is spiritually discerned by faith and manifested by obedience. Hence those who must see God completely through science will be damned though they hold thousands of pieces of His work in their hands. He is the creator of the puzzle they hold not the puzzle itself.
27 Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father’s house:
28 For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.
29 Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.
30 And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.
31 And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead. (KJV)
God does put great stock in His Word and He revealed many secrets to His prophets whom He used to write His Word. However, this code stuff is like sending someone else back from the dead. If they don’t believe Moses and the prophets and Christ who came back from the dead they won’t believe any code. God has given His testimony or record from Genesis to Revelation and that is enough. If they don’t believe that they call God a liar and condemn themselves. (I John 5:10)
