There is no question that the vast majority of humanity struggles with the concept of God. The very idea that there exists a universal power that created the universe and everything in it is, frankly, beyond human comprehension. The foundation of our struggle is the fact that we are making our judgments with the tools of our education and logic. It is the knowledge that we lack that is our biggest handicap.

In a nutshell, “we don’t know what we don’t know.”

While we may wonder and speculate on the mysteries of the stars, it is the magical and mysterious formula for life that tops the list.

In the vast expanse of the cosmos, amid the countless galaxies, stars, and planets, there exists a phenomenon so intricate, so awe-inspiring, that it transcends human comprehension—the miracle of biological life. From the tiniest microorganisms to the majestic creatures that roam the Earth, life manifests in an astonishing array of forms, each one a testament to the complexity of God’s design.

At the heart of this miracle lies a complex formula—a blueprint crafted with divine precision, woven into the very fabric of existence. This formula encompasses a myriad of factors, from the fundamental principles of physics and chemistry to the intricacies of genetics and evolution. It is a symphony of elements, harmonizing together to give rise to the diversity and beauty of life as we know it.

Central to God’s formula for life is the concept of DNA, the molecule that serves as the blueprint for all living organisms. Within the double helix structure of DNA lies the code of life, containing the instructions for building and maintaining an organism.

The complexity of DNA is staggering, with billions of base pairs comprising the genomes of even the simplest organisms. Yet, it is this very complexity that allows for the diversity of life on Earth. Through the process of mutation, genetic recombination, and natural selection, DNA undergoes continual refinement and adaptation, giving rise to new species and ensuring the survival of those best suited to their environment.

But DNA is just one piece of the puzzle. God’s formula for life extends beyond the molecular level to encompass the intricate interplay of biological systems. From the respiratory and circulatory systems that sustain life to the nervous system that enables consciousness and thought, each component is finely tuned to fulfill its specific role within the organism.

While we continue to study and learn the mechanics of how life forms develop, grow, reproduce, and maintain themselves, there is one area that stands out as absolute proof of Devine design.

We celebrate and marvel at the genius of humans who demonstrate extraordinary mental abilities, but somehow overlook the microscopic miracles that surround us.

The ants, bees, and other insects that disturb our picnic plans will never compete with an Albert Einstein, but, they display a remarkable ability to make judgments and alter their behavior to achieve their life’s objectives.

The very fact that these creatures can modify their behavior in response to their environment, manipulate multiple legs to reach their destination, fly, and build their own shelters is proof that intelligent acts are not exclusive to life forms with larger brains.

When these creatures, with microscopic brains function so effectively while we humans, with our three pound brains can’t remember why we went into the kitchen, is another example of “we don’t know what we don’t know.”

The miracle of biological life is a testament to the divine wisdom and creativity of our Creator. From the intricate structure of DNA to the delicate balance of ecosystems, every aspect of life bears witness to the complexity of God’s design. As stewards of this precious gift, it is our responsibility to cherish and protect the miracle of life, honoring the sacred bond that connects all living things.

Finally, it is time we recognize that the miracles of our existence are proof positive of that Devine source we call God.

From ancient myths to modern science fiction, the concept of living forever has captivated the human imagination. But what does it truly mean to live forever? Would we even want to live forever? And, how would we define “forever?”

As attractive as it might seem on the surface, we have to wonder, would we eventually get bored and want to simply “pull the plug?”

Living forever, or achieving immortality, conjures up visions of eternal youth, endless time, and boundless possibilities. It might seem to represent the ultimate triumph over the limitations of human existence. Yet, beneath the allure of eternal life lies a complex tapestry of philosophical, ethical, and practical considerations. And that is even before we consider the spiritual aspect of such a discussion.

Once we have examined the question of prolonging the existence of the human body, we will be forced to consider the spiritual view.

Throughout history, various cultures have explored methods to prolong life, from alchemical elixirs to mystical practices. In the modern era, advances in science and technology have fueled speculation about the potential for extending human lifespan indefinitely. Concepts such as cryonics, genetic engineering, and mind uploading have all been proposed as potential pathways to immortality.

However, each of these approaches comes with its own set of challenges and ethical dilemmas. Cryonics, for instance, involves freezing the body after death in the hope of future revival, but its effectiveness remains unproven. Genetic engineering holds the promise of extending lifespan by manipulating the aging process at the molecular level, but raises concerns about equity and unintended consequences. Similarly, mind uploading – the transfer of consciousness into a digital substrate – raises profound questions about identity and what it means to be human.

But, the greater question remains – “what if we can’t ever find a way to prolong the physical body indefinitely?” The question of existence after physical death, is bluntly answered in the Bible. John 6:47 “Very truly I tell you, the one who believes has eternal life.”

Clearly, that message references the spiritual realm, but human nature will cause us to continue to seek an earthly solution.

Even as science continues to explore avenues to prolong human life, there are  profound philosophical questions to consider. What would it mean to exist indefinitely in a world where everything else is subject to change and decay? Would immortality bring eternal bliss, or would it eventually become a burden, devoid of meaning in the absence of mortality? Moreover, the prospect of living forever raises concerns about overpopulation, resource depletion, and the sustainability of life on Earth.

Perhaps God’s design of human mortality is spot on. The cycle of life and death is necessary in the grand scheme of our world.

Even with our limited grasp of the world we inhabit, the pursuit of immortality raises questions about fairness and social justice. If only a select few were able to achieve eternal life, what would become of those left behind? Would there be a widening gap between the immortal elite and the mortal masses? Moreover, the very idea of immortality challenges traditional notions of the human condition, including the inevitability of death and the importance of cherishing each moment.

In the face of these profound questions and challenges, we might argue that the quest for immortality is ultimately misguided. Rather than seeking to prolong life indefinitely, perhaps we should focus on enhancing the quality of life for all people, regardless of their lifespan. This might involve addressing pressing global issues such as poverty, disease, and environmental degradation, which pose immediate threats to human well-being.

In the process, perhaps we should also focus on enhancing our relationship with our Creator.

Ultimately, the pursuit of immortality is a deeply personal and subjective endeavor. For some, the idea of living forever represents the ultimate triumph of human ingenuity and the fulfillment of our deepest desires. For others, it may be a fool’s errand, fraught with ethical dilemmas and existential concerns. Regardless of where one stands on the question of immortality, one thing remains clear: the quest to understand and transcend the limits of human existence is an integral part of what it means to be human.

And the gift of existence beyond physical death carries with it the opportunity to learn all that the human spirit desires to know.

That is truly life after death.

Regardless of the level or variation of our belief, we are probably all guilty of assuming that God is keeping score. After all, we have all experienced a lifetime of moral judgements. We have all heard the stories of human responses to wrong-doings or good deeds.

It is only logical to assume the God operates by the same standards.

After all, the Bible is full of tales of human conflicts, including stories of the bad guys winning (at least temporarily) and the good guys suffering setbacks. Sometimes the good guys are unjustly imprisoned or harmed. Sometimes angels show up to save the day.

There are plenty of moments that could leave us in suspense. There is an intricate web of events that lead up to the big climax. There is a lot of back-and-forth, a lot of lessons learned, but we know how it all ends.

Or do we?

The problem is we are handicapped by our human experience. We are handicapped by our church experience. Over and over, we are drilled with the message that we need to confess our transgressions. We need to ask forgivness.

It sure seems like God is keeping score, and how we rank will determine our eternal fate.

What gets lost in the process is the basics of Christianity.

Once we strip away all the trappings of “religion” that mankind has adorned the foundation of Christianity with, we may discover the fundamental truth that has gotten lost in the clutter of human history.

Perhaps God doesn’t count the number or magnitude of sins as much as He merely recognizes the “yes” or “no” of our sinful nature. And since none of us can claim the status of “no,” the need for forgiveness is pretty obvious.

The ultimate error of our ways is falling back into the belief that the degree of our sin determines the degree of our fate. Perhaps we need to only recognize that God is “love,” and anything we do or think that is contrary to love puts us firmly on the wrong side of the ledger.

Perhaps – just perhaps – it is that simple.

The opening lines of the New Testament are familiar to almost anyone who has had even the slightest introduction to the Bible. They are so familiar, that few of us bother to contemplate those lines to any degree.

In the beginning…

Right from the start, we are confronted with concepts that are much more complex than it would appear. What, for instance, is the “beginning?” That phrase would suggest the element of “time,” a concept that is confusing from the start. If God has no begining and no end, how can we define the beginning moment of creation?

Science would have us believe that the universe we inhabit came into existence at the moment of an event they call “The Big Bang.” So, what was the moment before the “big bang?” Was there even such a thing as a moment before that?

If God has no beginning and no end, can’t we say the same thing about time?

Bottom line. As human beings, we are forced to invent labels to identify elements of our existence that we cannot truely comprehend.

We describe the vast distances between the stars as “light years” – the distance light would travel over the course of a year. But, what is a “year,” but the duration of the earth’s orbit around the sun? Then, we descibe that duration in terms of days, which in turn describes a single rotation of the earth on its axis.

To confuse us further, we can read additional lines in the book of Genesis which describe God’s acts of creation day-by-day. Then we might ask – are these days the same as human experience, or did God measure time differently?

So, we may have come full circle.

Contemplating these questions can only lead to one conclusion.

The unanswered questions of our existence are all the proof we need to recognize that God does exist, and we are the products of His will, and His greatest gift to us is our perpetual striving to understand the mysteries of our existence.

In short, we might cry out to our Creator, “Let there be light.”

If there was ever any doubt in your mind, rest assured, the final countdown to the end of your days has already begun. In fact, that countdown began at the moment of your birth – perhaps even earlier.

Okay. So, what has that to do with a belief in Christianity?

In fact, it goes beyond Christianity. It has to do with God’s intent for the world we inhabit. While we may struggle to comprehend the mind of God, this particular puzzle may be easier to solve.

There’s only so much room on this planet.

Physical death does not mean the spirit expires as well.

While we may not be able to fully understand God’s plan for this world, we can understand that all living things have the ability to reproduce. Given that concept and, understanding the age of the earth, it is clear that the earth would be unable to sustain an unlimited population of life forms.

Perhaps our maker designed our world to allow for an unlimited number of life forms to have an earthly experience. In that case, God would have planned for a cycle of life that allowed opportunities for that unlimited number of life forms over a period of time.

In other words, God would have created a life-death cycle that achieved that purpose.

Well, that sounds good in theory, but what about the pain and grief associated with the death of a loved one? What about the fear of death that we all experience in our lives?

Once again, we are confronted with the puzzle of trying to understand the reasons and motives of a supreme being who knows all. And once again, we struggle to meld our logic, our experiences, and our Biblical knowledge.

In our contemporary age, we are blessed to have access to numerous accounts of those who have experienced death and returned to life as we know it. And perhaps it is in those accounts that we will find the answers. The most common element of those accounts is the revelation that those who passed experienced a feeling of overwhelming love and peace.

Perhaps God allows us to experience the fear, pain, and grief associated with death as a means of contrast to that joy of peace and love. Perhaps the contrast between the pain associated with death and the infinite joy of the existence beyond death could be compared to a mosquito bite – a minor sting followed by a diminishing itch.

Yes, we are all experiencing that final countdown, but we can embrace that final experience by recognizing that much more, and wonderous experiences lie beyond death’s door. That’s not to say we should rush to that moment, but that we should accept it as a natural and necessary stage in our existence.