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“Come now, and let us reason together…”
(Isaiah 1:18)
Part One
New Testament theology is profoundly logical. Why, because in its chapters, God reveals His divine purpose and eternal planning. He loves the people whom He created and the animal kingdom which He designed to support their needs. His plan for us has existed longer than we can comprehend. Our common sense understands that if God’s spiritual and physical universe had been created without mankind – then there would be no one to experience or appreciate what He created. We are here for that purpose, but our time is short and our intellectual capacity is finite!
King David therefore asked, “What is man that You are mindful of him.” (Psalm 8:4)
The answer is, we were uniquely given the capacity to appreciate and enjoy God’s nature. We can also appreciate the planet where He has temporarily placed us. Clearly, reason is the friend of reality, and our existence is no accident! We live and think for the high purpose of – knowing, loving, and glorifying our Creator. We accomplish this by serving our fellow man as we have each been enabled and instructed to do. The Bible says, “We are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10).
Part Two
Ultimate Truth with a capital “T” has forever existed with God. We therefore having finite minds must humbly acknowledge His universal knowledge with profoundly genuine respect. He graciously instructs us saying, “Be still, and know that I am God…” (Psalm 46:10) The point is that – our reason always depends on knowledge and He alone is the source of both.
Since no one but God can define, exemplify, and reveal eternal Truth – man at his very best can only seek to understand and wisely apply what He has chosen to reveal. We cannot create anything eternal, so comprehending that reality is an example of why common sense and reason are the closest friends of – truth!
God promised, “You will seek Me and find Me when you seek Me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:13) It is therefore highly important that we aggressively seek Him, because He has already promised to be found. Jesus said, “…seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you.” (Matthew 7:7).
Part Three
Pause to quietly consider what causes – wars, crime, divorce, and people’s endless heartache. Is it not our sin? If the world would simply live by God’s 10 Commandments and apply His golden rule, then – society would be completely different.
Why does temptation exist and why are we so vulnerable? (see James 1:15) It is because being “body, soul, and spirit…” we were created in God’s image (1 Thessalonians 5:23) with a “free will.” Therefore wisdom, self-discipline, and teachability are required to say no to sin. The Bible explains that no one is consistently righteous, so over time “All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)
Sin is the result of making improper decisions. This often involves the exchange of short-term pleasure or gain for long-term regret and sorrow. Sins against ourselves or others both produce the same spiritual consequence, so all of mankind needs God’s forgiveness. The Bible explains, “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” (1 Corinthians 10:13) Reason is the friend of faith and wisdom because together they result in knowing, loving, and pleasing God!
By Billie Hanks Jr.
