Part 6b: An explanation that makes sense

Can the human race fix its own problems?

In the prior devotion and video clip, we looked at results coming from a rejection of the idea of God in history. To summarise some of the logic, without a moral law-giver, there is no basis for saying there is a fixed moral law. There is also no logical basis for saying human nature is corrupted by sin – which is why modern psychology (which we illustrated) has suggested human nature is intrinsically good. There is also no basis for saying human life is of any intrinsic value - as compared to an animal, plant, or rock. Because beliefs invariably lead to behaviour, it’s not hard to see why incalculable evil and suffering resulted from these beliefs - as was well illustrated by the 100 million murders of Communism and Fascism in the 20th Century. Beliefs matter!

In today’s video clip, we look at the alternative viewpoint and its inherent logic. This is the idea that there is a God. If so, a fixed moral law therefore exists because there is a moral law giver (God). He created this good law for our good, with a full view of all of our history before him. His laws are not random. There is therefore a basis for defining good – and also a basis for valuing all human life. In addition, there is motivation to do good - because we are eternal beings and God is watching. Furthermore, there is help available to achieve good - because God offers both the forgiveness of sin and also the help of his Spirit within us to change. If studied in detail, the Christian view is both logically coherent within itself – and full of hope. This is unique! However, most significantly, it works in practice. This is an indicator that these beliefs match the truth regarding our existence and design!

You have just read some verses from Psalm 14. In this chapter, the writer (King David) is grieved by the sufferings he sees on earth. He recognises that most of it is caused by human arrogance, ambition, cruelty, and greed. In verse 1 he writes how ‘The fool says in his heart “There is no God.”’ This verse reminds us that there is nothing new under the sun. There have always been people who say there is no God. We also see that the results of denying there is a God are the same no matter where or when we live. Beliefs eventually lead to behaviour – and this is why beliefs matter!

Regarding the verses you read in Psalm 91, these remind us of God’s promise that we can call and he will answer. The verses from Romans 8 remind us of the great hope we have – because God is good, he does love us, Jesus did die for us and God is present with us to help us through his Spirit.

The Christian belief system provides an explanation of life that makes sense logically, that brings good when it is applied, and that is full of hope – and these are more of the reasons why Christians believe Christianity to be true!

Reflection questions

• Where did God get his moral laws or standards from? On what basis did he define what would be morally right or wrong?
• The Russian novelist Dostoevsky asked the question, ‘Can man be good without God?’ What was his point?
• Based on what you know of history, would it be logical to assume that we humans can save ourselves and our planet from evil and pain by ourselves – or might we actually need God?

For prayer

"Thank you, Lord Jesus, for the perspective of hope you have given us, even though we still live in this broken world at this time. Thank you for giving us guidelines for life that work for our good when we apply them to our lives, families, and societies. You have shown us a path that is for our good, even though the pride within us loves to reject your advice. Help us to find the humility needed to see that we do need you. Thank you."